Definition: I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 9:26. It's a really important and powerful passage about God’s protection and responsibility to his people. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God actively wants to protect his people – specifically, the Israelites – from harm. He’s not just passively watching; he’s intervening directly to ensure their safety and well-being. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "I prayed therefore unto the LORD..." : This tells us God is speaking to Him, expressing his concern and asking for help. It’s a plea for guidance and protection. "...and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy people..." : This is the core of the verse. God is saying, "I don't want you to harm my people!" This isn’t about just letting things happen; it’s about actively preventing disaster. "...and destroy not thy people..." : This is repeated – God is warning against deliberately causing suffering or destruction to his people. "...which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand." This is the really important part. "redeemed through thy greatness..." : This means that God has already worked hard to save and protect them. He's used his power and skill to bring them safely from a difficult situation (Egypt). "...brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand." : This refers to the Exodus story – the miraculous escape of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It’s like God saying, "I brought you out of a difficult and dangerous place, and I've guided you to safety." What does it mean overall? This verse is about God's unwavering commitment to his people. It conveys several key ideas: God's Sovereignty: He has the power to protect and defend. Responsibility: He’s responsible for the well-being of his people, and he doesn’t want them to suffer. Divine Intervention: He isn't just watching passively; he is actively intervening to safeguard his people. In a nutshell: God is fiercely protective of his chosen people and will do everything in his power to keep them safe from harm – even if it means taking decisive action. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse further with an analogy? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of the Old Testament?