Definition: Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 21:15 together. It's a pretty serious and important passage about how God sees his relationship with his people and how he protects them. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God actively keeps his people safe and protected from things that would harm them. He doesn't just allow things to happen; he actively intervenes to prevent them. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Neither shall he profane his seed” : "Seed" refers to the offspring of a person – a child, a son, or even a daughter. This part is about harming or corrupting the progeny of those people. It means that God will not allow anything that could damage or disrespect the family or lineage of his people to exist. Think of it as something that would be considered deeply offensive or harmful to their identity. “among his people” : This emphasizes that this isn't happening with every person, but only with those who are under God’s care and protection. It's a specific group – the Israelites. “I the LORD do sanctify him” : This is the crucial part! "Sanctify" means to protect or make something holy. The Lord (God) actively protects and preserves this specific person or thing. He’s not just letting things happen; he's actively safeguarding them. So, putting it all together: God says that he will always watch over and defend his people – especially their children and descendants – from anything that would damage or disrespect them. He is a guardian, actively working to preserve the well-being of those under his care. Context & Significance: This verse was particularly important in ancient Israelite society because it emphasized God’s sovereignty and protection over his chosen people. It set a standard for how God would handle conflict and maintain order within his community. It highlights God's commitment to safeguarding the future of his nation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Leviticus? Discuss the why behind this concept – what does it say about God’s character or relationship with his people? Give you a brief summary of its significance in biblical history?