Definition: And Moses spake to the children of Israel, that they should bring forth him that had cursed out of the camp, and stone him with stones. And the children of Israel did as the LORD commanded Moses.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 24:23. It's a really important passage about justice and God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “Moses told the Israelites to take someone who had cursed out of the camp and then stone them with stones.” Let’s unpack it further: “And Moses spake to the children of Israel…” : This sets the scene – Moses was speaking to a group of people. “…that they should bring forth him that had cursed out of the camp…” : This refers to someone who had made a terrible, hateful statement or acted in a way that was deeply wrong. We don’t know exactly what this person did, but it was significant enough for God to decide to punish them. “…and stone him with stones.” : This is the core of the verse. It means to physically kill someone who had cursed. It's a very serious punishment. What’s the context? This event happened during a time when Israel was facing a difficult situation – perhaps they were in trouble or making choices that angered God. God felt it was necessary to bring this person to justice, as a way of showing his power and protecting his people. Why is this important? It’s about Justice: It highlights God's unwavering commitment to fairness and punishing wrongdoers. It’s about Obedience: It emphasizes the importance of following God’s commands, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. It’s a Reminder of Consequences: It shows us that our actions have consequences, and we are responsible for what we do. In short, this verse is a powerful reminder that God will hold people accountable for their choices and that justice must be served. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Give you some context about why this story is significant in the Bible?