Definition: In the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 28:67. It’s a really powerful and important passage about our relationship with God and how to live a righteous life. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse expresses a deep longing for God's favor and a desire to be like Him. It’s essentially saying, “God wants us to want the best for ourselves, and we should strive to do that.” Let’s unpack it word by word: “In the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even!” – This is a gentle plea. It's asking, "Could God be even more generous with us?" It suggests a desire for something beyond what we currently have. Think of it like wanting a little extra sweetness in your food. “and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning!” – This builds on the first part. It's asking, "Could God be even more kind and pleasant?" It’s a wish for a brighter, happier day. “for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.” – This is the most important part. It's expressing a feeling of dread or worry about our own shortcomings and a desire to be more like God. Let’s break that down further: “The fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear”: This means we should be aware of our own faults, mistakes, and bad habits. It's recognizing that we are prone to sin and wrong-doing. “and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see”: This is about being mindful of God’s truth and His perfect nature. It means we should strive to see what He truly is, and recognize His goodness. Overall Meaning – The Big Picture The verse is essentially a call to humility. It encourages us to: Recognize our imperfections: We are not perfect; we’re all prone to making mistakes. Be aware of our weaknesses: We need to be honest with ourselves about our flaws. Strive for goodness: We should constantly try to live a life that reflects God’s character – kindness, truth, and righteousness. Why is it important? This verse reminds us that God sees everything. It's a constant reminder to live in a way that honors Him and pleases Him. It’s about striving for a relationship with God based on His love and goodness. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further, perhaps using an analogy? Discuss its significance in the context of the Old Testament? Help you understand how it relates to daily life or spiritual growth?