Definition: If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Deuteronomy 24:7. It’s a really important part of how God wants us to handle situations where someone is breaking His rules – specifically, stealing. Here’s the simple explanation: Basically, this verse says: If someone steals something that belongs to another person (specifically, your brothers from Israel), and sells it, then they will die and we'll be free of badness. Let’s unpack that a little bit: “If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel…” This is a direct statement about theft. It means someone is stealing from your family, specifically from the people you share your life with – those who are part of your group. “…and maketh merchandise of him” This is a bit tricky. It means they're selling it for profit. They’re making money off of someone else's property. "...or selleth him" This means they’re selling the stolen item. “then that thief shall die” - This is the key part. They are punished by death. “…and thou shalt put evil away from among you.” - This is the result . God wants to protect your group (your family) and free them from badness or trouble. What's the point of this verse? It’s about justice and protecting your community. It emphasizes that God sees things as a whole group, and He has a way of ensuring fairness and preventing harm within that group. It’s a command to be vigilant and take action against those who violate the rules, even if it means taking a harsh measure. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted in the context of community – it's about protecting the entire group, not just the individual thief. It’s also a reminder that God's justice isn't always about punishment; sometimes it’s about ensuring harmony and preventing conflict within our community. Do you have any specific questions about this verse? For example: Are you wondering why it’s considered a "command"? Would you like me to explain the historical context of this passage?