Definition: And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 5:10. It’s a really important and beautiful passage about forgiveness and how to treat people with kindness. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse basically says God wants to be kind and forgiving to those who love him and follow his rules. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Shewing mercy” : This is a fancy word for compassion or forgiveness . It means showing kindness and understanding, especially towards someone who has made mistakes. “…unto thousands of them that love me…” : This refers to a group of people – likely Israelites – that were deeply devoted to God. “Love” here doesn’t necessarily mean romantic love. It means a strong, sincere faith and loyalty to him. The number "thousands" emphasizes the size of this group. “…and keep my commandments.” : This is the core of it. God gave the Israelites specific rules – laws and guidelines – that they were supposed to follow. These commandments are like instructions for how to live a good life, showing respect to God and each other. So, what does it all mean? God wants to be friendly with these people who truly love him and obey his rules. It’s a message of grace – that God wants to be merciful to those who are willing to follow his path. Think of it like this: It's a reminder that even when we mess up, God is still ready to forgive us and offer us a chance at redemption. Why is this important? This verse highlights the idea that God’s love isn’t just about punishment – it’s also about offering forgiveness and second chances. It’s a foundational principle for how we should treat each other. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you an example of how this principle is applied in the Bible?