Definition: Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God [is] among you, a mighty God and terrible.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 7:21 together. It’s a really important verse that speaks about how we should treat people who are not worshipping God. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we shouldn’t be afraid of people who don’t believe in the same things as us. It emphasizes that God is powerful and mighty, and He is present among them. Let's unpack it word by word: “Thou shalt not be affrighted at them…” – This means "You shouldn't feel afraid of them." “…for the LORD thy God [is] among you…” - This is a direct statement: “The Lord your God is present among them.” It’s important to note that this isn't just any God; it's the God, the one who has established himself with these people. “a mighty God and terrible…” – This is the key part. "Mighty" means powerful or strong. "Terrible" means frightening or awful. The verse says that this God is so powerful and has so much authority that He can be a frightening presence for those who don't believe in Him. What does it mean practically? It’s essentially a warning to respect people even if they don't worship you. It encourages us to treat them with dignity and not let fear stop us from being kind or just. It’s saying that God is always present, and He has the power to be very strong – so we should handle them with caution and understanding. In a nutshell: Don't be afraid of people who don’t worship you; recognize God's presence among them, and treat them with respect. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a call for a just and righteous approach to dealing with those who are not religious. It isn’t about being aggressive or hostile – it’s about showing respect and acknowledging the power of God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you a historical context for when this verse was written? Discuss what this verse says about our relationship with others (beyond just religious people)?