Definition: And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Genesis 14:21. It's a really interesting and somewhat unsettling passage! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: God is creating the world: The verse comes after God has just created all of Earth – everything we see, including the sun, moon, stars, and even the animals. This is part of a larger story about God's plan to bless humanity. Abraham is called: The story focuses on Abraham, a very important figure in Judaism and Christianity. He’s chosen by God to be the father of many nations. Sodom and Gomorrah are evil cities: These are two cities located in the middle of the Dead Sea – incredibly desolate and filled with wickedness. They're known for being extremely cruel and oppressive to people. What the Verse Says: “And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.” This is a very direct command from God. "And the king of Sodom said unto Abram…" : This tells us that Abraham was being addressed by God. “…Give me the persons…” : This means give him his people . It’s not just about giving him wealth; it's about giving him a whole nation – a group of people who are loyal to him and his covenant. “…and take the goods to thyself.” : This is the most shocking part! God is telling Abraham to take his people's belongings, including their wealth, possessions, and everything they own. What It Means (Interpretations & Significance): This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of sin and wickedness. Here’s what it suggests: God's judgment: Sodom and Gomorrah represent the highest level of evil and rebellion against God. By commanding Abraham to take their goods, God is saying that these cities are too bad for them to continue existing. The importance of faith: It highlights that God isn't just concerned with punishing the wicked; He’s also concerned with protecting and nurturing good people. God wants to preserve those who follow him and are faithful. Important Note: This passage is a bit mysterious! The exact meaning of what God wants Abraham to do remains open to interpretation. It speaks to a deeper, more profound purpose in the story of creation and redemption. --- Do you want me to delve into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to: Discuss different interpretations of the verse? Explain why it’s considered a pivotal moment in the Bible?