Definition: If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 32:41. It’s a pretty powerful statement about how God intends to handle those who harm us. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is going to punish people who are deliberately trying to hurt him and his people. He’s not just going to let things slide; he’s going to actively take action against them. Let’s unpack the parts: “If I whet my glittering sword…” : This is a metaphor – imagine a sharp, beautiful sword. "Glittering sword" represents someone who is trying to cause trouble or harm. “…and mine hand take hold on judgment” : This means God will actively pursue and judge these people with fairness and severity. He’s not going to ignore them; he's going to examine their actions closely. “I will render vengeance to my enemies…” : This is the crucial part – “vengeance” means punishment, a just retribution for wrongdoing. “…and will reward them that hate me.” : This is where it gets interesting. God isn’t just punishing them; he's rewarding them too! If they hate him and his people, they will receive something positive – perhaps even greater good in the future. In a nutshell: God is prepared to punish those who actively seek to harm us, but he also intends to give them a chance for redemption and reward them with something better if they choose to turn away from their evil. What does this mean for us? It’s a strong warning about the importance of righteousness – being honest, truthful, and just in our dealings with others. It suggests that God's justice is absolute, and he will not tolerate malice or harm. Important Note: This verse speaks to a future outcome. It’s not about immediate punishment; it’s about the consequences of actions that are against God’s will. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give some examples of how this principle applies in real life?