Definition: Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 99:8. It's a really powerful and complex verse, and it speaks about forgiveness and the nature of God. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment when God seemed to show mercy and forgiveness to those who had wronged Him. It highlights a contrast between God’s righteous anger and His willingness to forgive. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God…” : This is God speaking directly to us – acknowledging our existence and perhaps even addressing us. "Thou" is a formal way of addressing someone. "...you were a God that forgavest them..." : This is the key part. The verse says God did forgive those who had wronged Him. It’s not about being merciful in the sense of wanting to punish, but rather about offering something different – forgiveness. “…though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.” : This is where it gets a little more complicated and metaphorical. "Inventions" refers to human creations, plans, or schemes. The verse says God didn’t take revenge on these inventions. Instead, He chose to forgive them. Putting it all together – A Possible Interpretation: The verse suggests that God's forgiveness is a testament to His infinite love and mercy. It shows that even when we make mistakes or cause harm, God can still choose to be kind. It’s about recognizing that sometimes forgiveness is more valuable than punishment. Important Note: This is a complex passage with various interpretations throughout history. Different theologians have offered different explanations of its meaning. However, the core message remains about God's unconditional love and willingness to restore things after wrongdoing. Essentially, Psalm 99:8 is a reminder that forgiveness is possible, even when we’ve caused harm. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore different interpretations of the verse?