What is the definition of Exodus 21:18? ๐ ๐
And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with [his] fist, and he die not, but keepeth [his] bed:
Explanation:
Okay, letโs break down this verse from Exodus 21:18. Itโs a really important passage about responsibility and protection within the story of Moses' time as a leader. Hereโs what it means in simpler terms:
The Basic Story:
This verse comes from the Book of Exodus, which tells us about how Moses was raised up to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. During this process, thereโs a bit of a tricky situation involving a sheep โ and itโs a crucial part of God's plan.
What happened?
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A Sheep Gets Hurt:
A sheep gets injured when Moses is being raised.
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Men Attempt to Harm It:
Two men, who are not part of the family, try to harm the sheep.
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The Sheep Survives โ But Doesnโt Die:
Remarkably, the sheep ๐doesn't๐ die! Instead, it keeps its bed and remains injured.
What does this verse say?
โAnd if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with [his] fist, and he die not, but keepeth [his] bed:โ This means:
"If two people work together to hurt each other, and one hits the other with a rock or fist, but they manage to stay alive and continue their rest, then it is permitted."
The Significance & Why It Matters:
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Itโs about Responsibility:
This verse emphasizes that ๐everyone๐ has responsibility for what happens to others. It's not just the person who caused the harm; itโs everyone involved.
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Protection of Vulnerable Individuals:
The key point is that the sheep ๐stays alive๐. This shows God's protection and care, especially for those who are vulnerable or in a difficult situation. It's a reminder that God isnโt just concerned with punishment, but also about safeguarding those who need it most.
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It's a Test of Character:
The verse can be seen as a test of how we treat others and how we respond to injustice.
In essence, this verse highlights the importance of kindness, compassion, and taking responsibility for one another.
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Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to:
๐ Explain the context of Exodus 21?
๐ Talk about the symbolic meaning behind the sheep?