Definition: And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 7:7. It’s a pretty powerful statement about God’s plan for the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is going to be judging a nation that is currently enslaved (bound) by another group of people. Then, after a period of hardship and suffering, God intends to bring that nation back under his control and make them serve him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage…” – This refers to a specific group of people—likely Israelites—who are currently being ruled or controlled by another group, perhaps through force or political power. “…said God:” - This is a direct statement from God himself. It’s not just an opinion; it's a declaration of his will. “and after that shall they come forth…” – This means that after the judgment, these people will eventually rise up and become servants of God. “…and serve me in this place.” - This is the key part. It suggests that God intends to establish a new, righteous kingdom or society where these enslaved people can be redeemed and live under his rule. What does it mean practically? Historically, this verse has been interpreted as a foreshadowing of Jesus’s ministry in Israel. It speaks to the idea that God will eventually bring about a time when His followers will become a powerful, righteous group who serve Him directly. It's often seen as pointing toward the coming of Christ and the establishment of a new kingdom. Important Context: This verse appears in Acts 7, which focuses on the trials experienced by Moses and Aaron before they are led to Mount Sinai. It’s part of a larger story about God’s plan for Israel and His eventual return to his people after a period of exile. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context more deeply? Explore the different interpretations of this verse?