Definition: And he said, They [were] my brethren, [even] the sons of my mother: [as] the LORD liveth, if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 8:19. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage about God's judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is saying that he (we can assume he’s speaking to the people of Israel) was a brother to the people he was judging. He’s expressing concern for their well-being and warning them that if they had saved them, he would have been willing to harm them. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he said…” : This establishes that this is a serious statement coming from God. “…They [were] my brethren…” : He’s referring to the people of Israel – essentially, his followers and those under his authority. "Brothers" here means close friends and companions who were part of his community. “[as] the LORD liveth…” : This is a crucial phrase. It means God is saying that he was living and experiencing life just like the people he’s judging. “…if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you.” : This is where it gets a bit more nuanced. He's acknowledging that the people of Israel were in a difficult situation – they were being punished for their sins (which we understand from the Old Testament). He’s saying that he would have been willing to harm them if they had saved them. What does this mean practically? This verse is a warning about the consequences of sin and disobedience. It highlights God's righteousness – his unwavering commitment to justice, even when it means inflicting punishment. It’s a message of judgment that wasn’t meant to cause fear, but rather to remind people of their responsibility to obey God's commands. Important Context: This verse is part of a larger story in the Old Testament about God's judgment and his relationship with the Israelites. It's often interpreted as a consequence for their rebellion against him. It’s a powerful reminder that God’s justice isn’t always about punishment, but about upholding his character and maintaining order in the world. In short: God is expressing concern for the people of Israel and warning them that if they hadn't obeyed him, he would have been willing to harm them. It’s a dramatic statement about divine judgment and responsibility. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, I could: Discuss the significance of "brothers" in this context. Explore the meaning of "the LORD liveth." Connect it to a broader theme in the Old Testament (like the concept of God's justice)?