Definition: Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 16:21. It’s a really important rule set by Moses for how we should treat the Lord and His presence. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, don't build a place to worship near the altar of God. Let’s unpack that a little bit: “Thou shalt not plant thee a grove…” – This is a command from Moses. It’s telling you not to create a garden or a space specifically for worship. “…of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God.” – This means you shouldn't build anything that looks like a place to pray or worship right next to where God is present. “Altar” refers to God’s dwelling place, and “unto the Lord” means "to God." “…which thou shalt make thee.” - This is a warning. It's saying that building this kind of space would be disrespectful and go against God’s will. Why was this rule given? Moses gave this rule as a way to show respect for the Lord. He wanted us to understand that God doesn't want his presence to be constantly surrounded by human construction or activity. It emphasizes that our focus should always be on worshipping and praising Him. It’s about maintaining a sacred space for His glory. In short, it’s a reminder to keep your worship and prayer separate from any physical structures. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the why behind this rule (like its purpose in the Old Testament)? Give an example of how this principle might apply today?