Definition: How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, [even] all [that were] feeble behind thee, when thou [wast] faint and weary; and he feared not God.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 25:18. It’s a really important passage about compassion and justice. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Story: This verse tells us about a situation where a man was traveling along with another person. He encountered this other person while they were walking, but he struck them down – even the weakest or most vulnerable – when he was struggling. He felt remorse and didn’t fear God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “How he met thee by the way…” : This is a straightforward description of how the man found this person. It doesn’t specify why they were meeting, just that it was a casual encounter. “…and smote the hindmost of thee…” : This is the crucial part. “Hindermost” means the weakest or most vulnerable part. The man deliberately and severely harmed this person. It wasn't just a slight bump; he actively inflicted pain. “[even] all [that were] feeble behind thee…” : This emphasizes how much worse the person was – they were already struggling, weak, and perhaps burdened by hardship. “Feeble” means lacking strength or resilience. “when thou [wast] faint and weary…” : This describes the man's state at the time of the event. He was tired and struggling to keep going. "...and he feared not God." : This is the key takeaway. The man didn’t feel guilt or shame – he didn’t even acknowledge that his actions were wrong. He simply acted without any remorse or respect for a higher power (God). What's the Significance? This verse is often interpreted as a warning against: Violence and cruelty: It highlights the importance of treating others with respect, especially those who are weaker or vulnerable. Lack of compassion: It reminds us to be mindful of those who are struggling and to show kindness and empathy. Disrespect for God: The man’s lack of fear shows a rejection of God's authority and moral standards. In essence, Deuteronomy 25:18 is a powerful reminder that we should always strive to treat others with dignity and avoid causing harm, especially when we have the ability to do so. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its context within the larger story of Israel’s history? Connect it to a specific biblical principle (like justice or forgiveness)?