Definition: According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 18:16. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about obedience and avoiding danger. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying, “Don't be tempted to disobey God’s instructions, even when you want to.” It’s warning against seeking out something that might be dangerous or unsettling. Let’s unpack the parts: “According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb…” – This is a bit tricky, but it means “according to what you wanted from God when you were in Horeb.” Horeb was a place (likely near Mount Sinai) where Moses received the Ten Commandments. It’s like a moment of intense divine instruction. “…in the day of the assembly…” – This refers to a specific time, likely a gathering of people, when God spoke with Moses. “…saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.” – This is the crucial part. Moses was instructed to not listen to God’s words and not look at the intense fire He commanded. What does it mean in a broader sense? The verse is essentially telling us: Don't be tempted to disobey God. It’s about resisting temptation, especially when it feels appealing or dangerous. It speaks to a core principle of obedience – honoring God’s will and staying true to His commands, even when it’s difficult. Why is this important? This verse is considered one of the most important in the Old Testament because it’s often interpreted as a warning against idolatry (worshiping false gods) and seeking things that would lead to disaster or destruction. It emphasizes that God's guidance is always valuable, even when it feels unsettling or challenging. In short, it’s a call for faithfulness and staying on the right path. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Give an example of how this principle applies to real-life situations?