Definition: I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; [and that] with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 32:42. It’s a pretty serious and intense warning about warfare and its consequences. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes a situation where God intends to use violence – bloodshed – as a primary way to achieve His goals, particularly in battle. He’s saying he will deliberately cause harm and destruction with the blood of those who fight for him. Let’s unpack it word by word: “I will make mine arrows drunk with blood…” - This is metaphorical. “Arrows” represent weapons – soldiers, armies, or even destructive forces. "Drunk with blood" suggests they'll be consumed, overflowing with violence and destruction. “…and my sword shall devour flesh…” - This highlights the use of a sword as the primary tool for causing harm. It’s not just about killing; it’s about consuming the lives of those involved in battle. “[and that] with the blood of the slain and of the captives…” - This is where it gets really stark. It's saying that this violence will be directed specifically at the victims of war – people who have died in battle, or those captured during conflict. The “blood of the slain” refers to the dead soldiers and warriors. "The blood of the captives" refers to those taken as prisoners. “from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.” - This is a crucial part. “Revenge” means seeking retribution for wrongs or harm done. So, this verse says that God intends to actively pursue and bring about punishment – revenge – against those who have attacked or harmed His people. Overall Meaning & Context: The verse is warning us about the dangers of war. It suggests that violence, unchecked and without a clear purpose, can lead to devastating consequences - including the intentional killing of innocent people. It emphasizes the importance of righteous warfare – fighting for justice and protecting God’s people, but not at the expense of human life. Important Note: This is a very challenging verse from a religious perspective. It speaks to the idea that violence is a last resort, and it's meant to encourage restraint and prioritize peaceful solutions whenever possible. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on general interpretations of scripture. Would you like me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context? Compare it to other scriptures about warfare?