Definition: Thou shalt not be afraid of them: [but] shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 7:18. It’s a really important verse about how to treat people, especially those who have disobeyed God. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse isn’t saying don’t be afraid of anyone who has disobeyed you. Instead, it’s teaching us to remember what God did with Pharaoh and Egypt. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thou shalt not be afraid of them…” – This is the first part. It's a command from God. It means we shouldn’t feel fear or worry about people who have disobeyed him. "...but shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;" – This is where it gets deeper. It's telling us to recall a specific story from the past. The Story: In ancient times, God commanded Pharaoh (the leader of Egypt) to let people go free who were enslaved by him. But Pharaoh refused to obey. God then turned to all the people of Egypt and made a terrible choice – He decreed that they should be punished. He forced them to work endlessly under harsh conditions. So, what does this mean? It means we need to learn from past mistakes. We need to remember that God is just and powerful, and that sometimes He chooses to punish those who are wrong. This isn't about anger or revenge; it’s about learning from history so we don't repeat the same mistakes. Why is this important? It’s a reminder of God’s judgment and the importance of obedience. It also encourages us to be mindful of our own actions and how they might affect others, particularly those who are hurting or in need. In short: This verse urges us to remember a painful past where God punished people, so we can learn from that experience and strive to live righteously. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific story in the Bible? Discuss its significance in a broader context (like the concept of justice)?