Definition: And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 13:16. It's a pretty serious command, but it’s about protecting God’s people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is telling the Israelites (and us!) to completely destroy any animals that are sacrificed as a tribute – anything they bring to the temple – and burn them all into a pile forever. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof…” - This means God is asking us to collect all the animals that are offered as gifts to the temple. Think of it like a massive pile. “…and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit…” – This is the crucial part. The Israelites are told to burn them all. “Every whit” means immediately , without hesitation. It’s a complete and utter destruction. “for the LORD thy God:” - This is a direct command from God. He's telling us to do this because of Him. “…it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again.” – This is the promise of what will happen. The pile of burning animals will never be destroyed or rebuilt. It will remain as a permanent reminder of God's presence and judgment. What’s the point of this? This verse is about protection . It's a way for God to ensure that the Israelites don't become arrogant or complacent, and that they always remember their dependence on Him. It's a warning against idolatry – worshipping idols instead of God. By destroying all the offerings, they’re demonstrating their devotion and reminding themselves that everything belongs to God. Important Context: This passage was part of a larger story in the Old Testament about the Israelites’ relationship with God. It’s often interpreted as a warning against offering excessive gifts and a call for humility and obedience. In short, Deuteronomy 13:16 is a powerful command to protect God's people by completely destroying all offerings – a reminder of our reliance on Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Give an example of how this verse relates to modern life or history?