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Book of Exodus - Chapter 32 - Verse 27

32:27
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.

Meaning

In this verse, the Lord God of Israel is instructing His people to take up arms against their own brothers, companions, and neighbors. This command may seem harsh and difficult to understand, but context is key to interpreting its meaning. The historical context in which this command was given involves the Israelites, led by Joshua, preparing to conquer the land of Canaan. The Lord instructed them to eliminate all the inhabitants of the land, who were wicked and opposed to God's ways. This was a form of divine judgment against the Canaanites for their sins and disobedience. The command to slay every man his brother, companion, and neighbor was not a senseless act of violence, but rather a necessary step in executing God's judgment and establishing His people in the promised land. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the consequences of turning away from God. While difficult to comprehend from a human perspective, this verse demonstrates the importance of obeying God's will, even when it may seem challenging or uncomfortable.

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