Definition: And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 10:24. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling verse about God’s plan for the Israelites in Egypt. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, God is telling Pharaoh to protect the Israelites. Here’s a breakdown of each part: “And Pharaoh called unto Moses…” : This means God is speaking directly to Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler. “…and said, Go ye, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed:” This is the core instruction. God is telling Pharaoh to command the Israelites to stop moving around freely. He’s instructing him to prioritize protecting them. “Serve the Lord” means to worship and obey God's will. “…let your little ones also go with you.” : This is a crucial part. It implies that Pharaoh needs to be aware of the Israelites’ safety, especially their children. It’s a gentle but firm request for them to stay with him. What does this mean in bigger picture terms? This verse speaks to a dramatic and unsettling moment in the story of the Exodus. God is actively intervening to prevent Egypt from mistreating or harming His chosen people. Pharaoh, who was initially hesitant to allow the Israelites to leave, was ultimately persuaded by God's command to protect them. It sets the stage for a significant shift in the narrative – the Israelites will eventually escape Egypt and become a nation blessed by God. Context is key: The verse comes after Pharaoh has already allowed the Israelites to wander freely across the desert. This is a moment where God’s power is being demonstrated, and Pharaoh is starting to realize the seriousness of the situation. In short, it's about God protecting his people from harm. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail?