Definition: And when the LORD thy God hath delivered it into thine hands, thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 20:13. It's a pretty serious and important command. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that if God delivers something (like a territory, a group of people, or even a piece of land) into your care, you are obligated to defend it with the sword. It's a powerful statement about responsibility and protection. Let’s look at each part: “Deuteronomy 20:13” : This is a specific passage from the Old Testament. It's important because it comes from a very old and significant book in the Bible. “And when the LORD thy God hath delivered it into thine hands…” : This means that God has already taken care of something . It’s not your responsibility to start the war or defend anything – God has already done that for you. It's a moment of divine intervention and protection. “…Thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword:” : This is the core of the command. “Smite” means to strike, to defeat, or to destroy. "Every male" means all men – including boys and men over a certain age. “With the edge of the sword” tells us that you are authorized to use force to eliminate those who threaten the delivered thing. What does it mean practically? It essentially means: Defense is required: If God protects something, you have a duty to defend it from harm. Violence is permitted (but with caution): The verse doesn’t say you should always use violence. It states that it's permissible to use the sword as a last resort when necessary to protect the thing God has given you care of. Important Context: This verse was part of a larger context in Deuteronomy, where God was emphasizing his control and protection over Israel. It wasn’t meant to be interpreted as an invitation for war – it was a reminder that God is always in charge and requires you to honor him by protecting what he has entrusted to you. In short: This verse emphasizes responsibility, defense, and the power of God to protect his people. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious advisor. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the Bible. Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide context about why this verse was important in ancient times? Discuss different perspectives on the meaning of this passage?