Definition: And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, [and] go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 32:27. It's a really powerful and somewhat frightening verse that describes a serious situation in God’s plan for Israel. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: God is preparing to lead his people out of Egypt. He’s setting up a new, better life for them – a land where they can be free and prosperous. But, during this preparation, a man (named Moses) becomes incredibly restless and starts to act like a conqueror. He tells the Israelites to become armed and aggressive, essentially preparing for war. What’s Happening – The Detailed Explanation: “Thus saith the LORD God of Israel…” : This is just a formal way for God to introduce himself and what he’s about to say. “…Put every man his sword by his side…” : This means everyone in the camp (the group of Israelites) should be armed – ready to defend themselves. It's not about being angry, but about being prepared for a potential conflict. “[and] go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp…” : This is the core of the command. The Israelites are instructed to systematically patrol the entire camp, searching for anyone who isn’t with them. They're going door-to-door, constantly looking for any sign of disobedience or betrayal. “…and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.” : This is the most disturbing part . It's a direct order to kill anyone who isn’t with them. It means: Brother: Anyone who isn’t with you in the camp. Companion: Anyone who isn’t with you in the camp. Neighbour: Anyone else in the camp. What it Means (The Theological Significance): This verse is a very serious warning about the dangers of disobedience and separation from God. It speaks to several important ideas: Disobedience & Rebellion: The verse highlights that disobedience, even seemingly small acts of rebellion, can have devastating consequences. The Importance of Unity: It emphasizes the crucial role of community and unity – that is, being with others in a shared way. The Danger of Division: It warns against dividing up the group into smaller, warring factions, which would weaken their overall strength and make them vulnerable to attack. Important Note: The verse doesn't necessarily mean that the Israelites are planning a full-scale war. It’s more about a state of constant vigilance and preparation for potential threats – including those arising from internal conflicts or disobedience. In short, this passage is a dramatic warning about the potential dangers of separation and rebellion, and the importance of staying united with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Relate it to a specific story or event from the Bible? Discuss its historical context?