Definition: And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit [them for] a possession; they shall be your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 25:46. It's a really important passage about how to handle livestock – specifically, goats and sheep – after they are dead. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that after a goat or sheep dies, its descendants (the offspring) get to inherit something from the animal. However, there's a crucial part about how they’re treated – they are considered "bondmen" for life and aren’t allowed to be in charge of the rest of the flock. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And ye shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you…” This means that after a goat or sheep dies, its descendants will get to own and inherit the animal's remaining parts – like the carcass. It’s a way of giving them a little piece of the animal’s life. “…to inherit [them for] a possession…” This is where it gets interesting. The descendants get to keep the carcass and its parts as their own property. Think of it like a small, temporary inheritance. “They shall be your bondmen for ever: but over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour.” This is the most important part. Here's what it means: "Bondmen for ever" : This phrase means they are assigned to the rest of the flock – they’re bound to be part of the group, but not to have a special position of power or authority. “But over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not rule one over another with rigour.” This is the key part about the restrictions. The descendants are not allowed to make decisions for the rest of the group (the Israelites). They can’t be in a position of power or dominance over them. It's about fairness and respect within the community. In simpler terms, it's a rule about how to treat the livestock after they die. It’s designed to ensure everyone is treated fairly and that the descendants are part of the group but not in a position of leadership. Why is this important? This verse helps to establish a sense of order and justice within the community, particularly when it comes to the care and management of livestock. It prevents favoritism and ensures everyone has a fair chance to participate in the life of the flock. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Discuss what this verse might have been intended to accomplish in ancient Israel? Compare it to another related passage from the Bible?