Definition: For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 15:6. It’s a really important one about how God’s blessings are given to people, and it has some interesting implications. Here's a simple explanation: Basically, it means God is giving you special privileges – the ability to lend and rule over many countries – but you have to keep those privileges under control. Let’s unpack that a little bit: “For the LORD thy God blesseth thee…” : This part emphasizes that God is actually giving you blessings. It's not just a nice thought; it’s a tangible gift from God. “…as he promised thee:” This refers to a promise that God made long ago, likely before you were born. Think of it like a special agreement. “And thou shalt lend unto many nations…” : This means you have the opportunity to share your gifts and resources with people all over the world. You can give things like money, land, or even knowledge. “…but thou shalt not borrow:” This is a crucial part! It's saying that you’re not allowed to take things from others and then borrow them. You’re not entitled to use their resources in the same way you would use your own. “And thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee:” This is where it gets a little more nuanced. It means that while you have the power to rule over these different nations, you’re not in charge of them completely. They are still independent and can make their own decisions. It's like having a hand in leadership but not being the ultimate authority. In simpler terms: God is giving you a big opportunity to help people around the world, but you need to be careful about how you use your gifts and resources – don’t become too powerful and control everything. Why is this important? The verse encourages us to be generous and helpful, but also to think carefully before taking things that could cause imbalance or harm. It's a reminder of responsibility and stewardship. Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Give some examples of how this principle applies today?