Definition: And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near; for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of the LORD; and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be [tried]:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 21:5. It’s a really important passage about responsibility and leadership within the Jewish community. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that certain priests (specifically, the sons of Levi – which was a group of leaders) are chosen to be responsible for handling important matters and resolving conflicts within the Jewish people. It’s like appointing someone to be a referee or mediator in a situation. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the priests the sons of Levi shall come near…” – This refers back to a group of leaders called the Sons of Levi, who were crucial in carrying out God’s commands and keeping the laws. “…for them the LORD thy God hath chosen to minister unto him…” - The Lord (God) specifically chose these priests to serve as helpers and guides for the people. It's a special relationship of service and devotion. “and to bless in the name of the LORD…” – This is the key part! The priests are given the power to declare God’s will, to say things that have significance and impact on the community. They can pronounce blessings or judgments. “…and by their word shall every controversy and every stroke be tried.” - This means they have a responsibility to address disputes, disagreements, and any problems that arise within the community. They are entrusted with the ability to settle these issues through their words and actions – essentially, they’re responsible for making sure things are handled fairly and correctly. What does this mean practically? Historically, this verse highlights a system of accountability and responsibility within the Jewish community. It emphasizes that leaders are chosen to be involved in important decisions and to ensure justice and righteousness within their people. In short: It's a call for responsible leadership and a commitment to resolving conflicts through God’s word and guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts further? Give you some historical context about this verse?