Definition: They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 94:21 – it's a really powerful and sobering verse. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about protecting those who are truly righteous (beloved by God) from harm and injustice. It warns against condemning the innocent. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “They gather themselves together…” : This suggests a group of people, perhaps a community or even a nation, is coming together to defend something important. “…against the soul of the righteous…” : This is the key part. “Soul” refers to a person's spirit – their inner goodness, their moral standing, and their very essence. "Righteous" means someone who is living in accordance with God’s will and is truly loving and just. “…and condemn the innocent blood.” : This is the most unsettling part. “Blood” refers to a person's life – a tragic loss of innocence and a violation of justice. "Condemn" means to declare something as wrong or evil, often with serious consequences. So, what’s the message? This verse essentially says that those who are truly righteous are vulnerable to harm when they don’t protect them. It warns against judging people harshly or condemning innocent lives because of their moral standing. It emphasizes the importance of defending those who are deserving of protection and upholding justice. Context & Significance: Old Testament: This verse is found in Psalm 94, which is a hymn of praise to God, often focused on His faithfulness and protection of the righteous. Historical Context: Historically, this kind of warning was important for maintaining social order and protecting the vulnerable – people who were judged by God and expected to live righteously. In short, it’s a call to defend those who are genuinely good and innocent. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible?