Definition: And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 17:12. It’s a serious warning about disobedience and potential danger. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Message: This verse is saying that disobedience to God's leaders – priests and judges – will lead to death. It’s a strong consequence for those who act recklessly or disregard what God has commanded. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Deuteronomy 17:12” : This is the name of the verse itself, coming from the Old Testament. “And the man that will do presumptuously…” : This means “the person who acts without thinking or being careful.” "Presumptuous" in this context means acting recklessly or without considering the consequences. It’s like going ahead with something without thinking about it’s impact. “…and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man…” : This is the crucial part. It describes a situation where someone ignores the authority of God's priests and judges. Specifically: “priest” : This refers to the religious leaders who are responsible for guiding and ruling within Israel. “…standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God…” : The priest is appointed to serve God and administer justice. They’re there to help God’s people. “judge” : This refers to the judges – those who enforce the laws of God. "...even that man..." : This emphasizes that this is a specific person, someone who isn't following the correct course of action. So, what does it mean in practical terms? It means that if someone refuses to listen to and obey the guidance of God’s leaders – priests and judges – they are putting themselves at risk. They are potentially disobeying a law or command given by God. The consequence: "Thou shalt put away the evil from Israel." This is a strong warning. It means that this person will suffer a terrible fate if they continue to act in defiance of God’s authority and his leaders. It implies this person will be punished severely, possibly with death. Important Context: This verse was given during a time when Israel was facing challenges and rebellion. It was a serious warning about the importance of obedience and respecting those who are entrusted with leading and governing. --- In short, Deuteronomy 17:12 is a serious reminder that disobedience to God's leaders can have dire consequences. Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to elaborate on the concept of "presumptuous" or perhaps provide examples of how this verse might be interpreted in a modern context?