Definition: Bless, LORD, his substance, and accept the work of his hands: smite through the loins of them that rise against him, and of them that hate him, that they rise not again.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 33:11. It’s a powerful statement about God’s power and protection. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying, “God is strong and powerful, and he will punish those who oppose him.” It's a warning and a promise at the same time. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Bless, LORD, his substance…” – This means "God, in His divine nature, blesses or favors him." It's a positive acknowledgment of God's existence and greatness. "...and accept the work of his hands…" - This refers to God’s active actions and purposes. He’s not just passively existing; he’s actively working through His hands. “…smite through the loins of them that rise against him…” – This is a key part. “Loins” refers to muscles and the body, specifically the muscles in the chest and back. "Rise against him" means those who oppose him, challenge him, or rebel against him. God will directly punish these rebellious individuals. “…and of them that hate him, that they rise not again.” - This emphasizes the consequence of rebellion – they won't be allowed to return to their previous state of opposition. They’ll be permanently defeated and unable to challenge God again. In simpler terms: God is incredibly powerful. If people actively oppose him, he will make it difficult for them to continue rebelling against him. He will bring about a punishment that will prevent them from ever challenging his authority or power again. The Overall Meaning: This verse speaks of God’s ultimate justice and protection. He is not just concerned with punishing those who disobey, but also with ensuring that those who actively oppose Him are unable to cause further harm or challenge his rule. It's a message about the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. Context: This verse comes after a longer section in Deuteronomy describing God’s covenant with Israel – an agreement between them and God. It’s often interpreted as a call to live righteously and to resist temptation, knowing that God will ultimately judge those who oppose him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you an example of how this verse might be applied in a story or situation?