Definition: And we took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every city, we left none to remain:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 2:34. It’s a really important and somewhat sobering verse in the Bible. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse describes a brutal act of destruction – the total annihilation of people in a specific place. It happened during a time of intense rebellion and disobedience by the Israelites. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Deuteronomy 2:34” : This refers to a specific event described in Deuteronomy, a law or set of rules given by Moses to the people of Israel. “And we took all his cities…” : This means the Israelites were actively moving into and destroying cities across a vast area. It wasn’t just a few isolated incidents; they were systematically taking over entire towns and settlements. “…and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every city…” : This is the core of the verse. The Israelites completely wiped out everyone – men, women, and even infants and children – within those cities. It was a mass murder. “we left none to remain:” This is the crucial part. The Israelites didn’t just kill them; they left no one alive . They essentially erased the population from existence in those cities. What's the Significance? (The Context) This verse comes from a very difficult time in Israel's history: the period after Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and into a long, arduous journey to the Promised Land. During this time, the people were restless, prone to disobedience, and seeking revenge against God. This verse is a stark warning about the consequences of their rebellion. Why is it important? It’s a reminder of God's justice: It shows that God will punish those who disobey Him, and doesn’t tolerate senseless violence or destruction. It highlights obedience: The verse emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s commands – even when it’s difficult. It’s a call to be faithful and righteous. It speaks about repentance: It's a reminder that we all need to repent (turn away from our sins) and seek forgiveness from God. In short, this verse describes a horrific act of violence – the complete annihilation of people in a specific location – as punishment for the Israelites’ disobedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss its meaning within a broader context (like the story of Israel’s history)? Give you a more detailed explanation of any particular element?