Definition: And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus. It's a really serious warning about something terrible that happened in ancient Israel. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core of the Verse: “And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not:” This is a very direct command against a specific act – killing a newborn baby. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man…” This means that any way someone could try to conceal or avoid this act – whether it's through lying, pretending, or anything else – is forbidden. It's a serious prohibition against secrecy. “…when he giveth of his seed unto Molech:” This is the crucial part. “His seed” refers to the baby’s life. Molech was a specific word in Hebrew that meant "the child" or "the newborn." Giving this child, and its life, away is considered a grave offense. “…and kill him not:” This is the most important part. It means not to let the baby die. It’s a direct command not to take a life. What was happening in ancient Israel? In ancient times, the Jewish people were living under a covenant with God. This covenant involved a promise of blessings and protection. The law of Moses (which is found in Leviticus) gave instructions on how to live fairly and justly. This verse comes from a time when the Israelites were facing a huge crisis – they were being attacked by outsiders, and there was a lot of fear and suspicion among the people. Why was this important? The verse highlights a critical moment in Jewish history. It's seen as a turning point because it demonstrates that the people weren’t willing to honor God’s law, even when facing danger. It shows a lack of trust and a willingness to betray their covenant with God. In essence, this verse is a warning against evil, a reminder of the importance of upholding justice, and a statement about the seriousness of the consequences of breaking God's laws. --- Important Note: This passage is part of a larger system of Jewish law and tradition. It’s crucial to understand it within its context and in light of later interpretations and theological developments throughout history. Do you want me to: Explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical background of this passage? Talk about the consequences of this action in ancient times?