Definition: And what one nation in the earth [is] like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem [to be] his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 17:21. It’s a really important and poetic passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where God is actively working to protect and restore His people, Israel, by driving out enemies and creating a strong, unique identity for them. It speaks of a carefully orchestrated process of redemption. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “And what one nation in the earth…” – This refers to Israel, specifically the nation of Israel, as a whole. “…is like thy people Israel…” - This is the key point. It's comparing Israel to a nation that has been redeemed and made special by God. "...whom God went to redeem [to be] his own people…” – This means God actively chose to rescue and make Israel a true, distinct group of people, his own . It’s about a deliberate act of choosing them for His purpose. "...to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness…” - This is where it gets interesting. It suggests that this process isn't just about protection; it’s about creating a nation with both wonderful qualities and powerful, potentially challenging aspects – like strength and resilience, but also the potential for conflict and difficulty. "...by driving out nations from before thy people…” - This is the core of the point. God is actively removing or pushing away those who would oppose Israel. It’s a proactive move to secure their safety and prosperity. "...whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?” – This refers to the story of the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt. It emphasizes that God has repeatedly rescued them, bringing them to safety and establishing them as His people. Putting it all together: The verse is saying God is actively working to protect and strengthen Israel by driving out enemies and creating a unique identity for them. It’s a story of a deliberate act of choosing and protecting a nation, with the ultimate goal of establishing them as a blessed and powerful people under God's rule. What it means (in a broader context): This verse speaks to God’s plan for nations throughout history – to protect and guide those who are chosen by Him. It suggests that God has a purpose in creating different groups of people, and He is actively involved in ensuring their well-being and success. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a specific example? Discuss the significance of the story of Israel's redemption? Explore how this verse relates to other parts of Scripture?