Definition: Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he [is] thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 23:7. It’s a really important and often misunderstood verse from the Old Testament. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that we should not be angry or judgmental towards people who are of different ethnic backgrounds – specifically, people from Edom. It’s about forgiveness and understanding. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite” : This is the core of the message. "Edom" was a group of people in the ancient Near East who were often considered enemies of Israel. The verse isn’t saying we should hate them, but rather that we shouldn't be quick to judge or feel resentment towards them. “for he is thy brother” : This is where it gets interesting and a little tricky. The verse says, “because thou wast a stranger in his land.” It means that the speaker (who’s writing the law) understands that the person from Edom was a stranger in their land. So, what does this mean practically? The message is about compassion and forgiveness . It encourages us to be tolerant of people who are different from us. It's suggesting that we should show understanding and kindness towards those who have come into contact with our culture or way of life in a foreign land – even if they’re not our kin. Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of humanity and empathy . It reminds us that God sees all people as equal, regardless of their background or ethnicity. It encourages us to treat others with respect and avoid prejudice. In short: Deuteronomy 23:7 encourages us to be tolerant and forgiving towards people from different backgrounds, even if they’re not our family or friends. It's a call for understanding and compassion. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Talk about its significance in biblical thought?