Definition: But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 21:14. It’s a really important verse about God’s protection and justice. Here's a simple explanation: The Core of the Verse: “But if a man comes presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.” What’s Happening? This verse is about God protecting His people and punishing those who act in bad faith. Let's unpack it: “But if a man comes presumptuously upon his neighbour…” : This means someone is acting recklessly or disrespectfully towards another person, without proper respect or consideration . “Presumptuously” means "too eagerly" or "rashly." It’s like acting without thinking about the consequences. “…to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar…” : This is the crucial part. “Altar” in this context refers to a sacred place – often a temple or shrine – where God’s presence was believed to be held. “Slay him” means to kill someone. "With guile" means with deceit, trickery, or malice. It's implying that the person is trying to harm the neighbor by lying or deceiving them. "...that he may die." : This is the consequence of this bad action. The person who has been tricked or deceived will die. What’s the Message? This verse emphasizes several important things: God's Sovereignty: God is in control and doesn't tolerate disrespect towards others. He isn't simply punishing the person; he’s protecting His people from harm. Justice & Righteousness: It speaks to a fundamental principle of justice – that those who are acting wrongly deserve to be punished. Respect for Others: It highlights the importance of treating everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their actions. In essence, this verse is a warning against aggression, deceit, and disrespect. It’s about protecting God's people and ensuring they are safe and respected. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a strong condemnation of violence and a call for peaceful resolution of conflicts. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give an example of how this principle applies in modern life? Explore the context surrounding this verse (like its role in the story of Jacob and Esau)?