Definition: And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Deuteronomy 21:21. It’s a really serious and important verse about justice and punishment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes the punishment of a man who has committed a terrible crime – typically murder. It says that if someone deliberately kills another person, the entire community (the “city” in this context) is ordered to stone him to death. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones…” : This describes the act of execution. It's a brutal and deliberate killing carried out by the entire community. “…that he die:” : This is a direct command – the man must die. “so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.” : This is the crucial part. It’s not just about punishing the man himself. It's about preventing this kind of violence from happening again in the future. It says that everyone in Israel (meaning all the people of God) should see this act and be terrified by it. This is a warning to society as a whole – to stay vigilant against evil and wickedness. What’s the Big Message? Deuteronomy 21:21 is essentially about justice and preventing future violence. It's a powerful message about: The Importance of Justice: It emphasizes that God demands fairness and righteousness in all his dealings with people. Punishment for Evil: It shows that those who commit evil acts deserve to be punished, and the community has a responsibility to take action. Protecting the Community: It’s a way for God to protect Israel from the dangers of wickedness and violence. Important Note: This verse is often used in connection with the story of the man who killed King Saul in the Old Testament. It's a very dramatic and unsettling example, but it highlights the seriousness of this punishment. --- Resources for Further Understanding (Optional): Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/passage-and-interpretation/Deuteronomy+21+21](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/passage-and-interpretation/Deuteronomy+21+21) The Bible Project: [https://www.thebibleproject.org/deuteronomy-21-21/](https://www.thebibleproject.org/deuteronomy-21-21/) Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Israel? Answer any specific questions you have about it?