Definition: But of the cities of these people, which the LORD thy God doth give thee [for] an inheritance, thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 20:16. It's a really important and powerful statement about how we are to treat others. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying, “Don’t harm or take life from anyone who lives under your protection.” It’s about a promise made to the Israelites – a nation that God chose to lead and protect. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But of the cities of these people…” : This refers to the Israelites, specifically their cities and settlements. “…which the LORD thy God doth give thee [for] an inheritance…” : The Lord is giving them a right , a special place – a “city” – to live in. This isn’t just about having a city; it's about being blessed with a secure and thriving place. “…which the LORD thy God doth give thee [for] an inheritance…” : This emphasizes that this inheritance is precious and valuable, and should be handled with great care and respect. “Thou shalt save alive nothing that breathes:” This is the core of the verse – it’s a command to not take a life, even from those who are not under your protection. What does this mean practically? It means we have a responsibility to be kind and compassionate to everyone, regardless of their background or status. We should treat people with dignity and respect. We shouldn’t cause them harm, suffering, or death. It's a strong warning against violence and cruelty. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the core of God’s character – his love for all creation. He created the world and everything in it, including humans. He wants us to be responsible stewards of that world, and that includes protecting life. In short: This verse tells us to treat everyone with respect and avoid harming anyone, even if they are not under our control. It’s a fundamental principle for a just and loving God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you some examples of how to live by this principle in your own life?