Definition: And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first [day] of the month, [that] Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 1:3. It's a really important and foundational part of the Old Testament! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that Moses was speaking to the Israelites – the people God had chosen – on the very first day of the month, after God gave them specific instructions. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Deuteronomy”: This is a special book in the Bible, often translated as “Deuteronomy.” It’s a law book that gives Moses instructions to the Israelites. “1:3”: This is the verse number itself – it's the third verse of this passage. “And it came to pass…” This phrase is a way of saying "It was happening." It's like a story about what just happened. “…in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first [day] of the month…” This tells us when it happened: Fortieth year: This refers to a specific period of time, likely around 40 years ago. 11th month: It was in the eleventh month – that’s a bit tricky, but it's about the time of the year. First day of the month: The first day of the month is when Moses started speaking to them. So, putting it all together: Moses was speaking to the Israelites on the very first day of the month after God had given them specific rules and instructions. What’s the Significance? This verse sets the stage for a whole series of laws and guidelines that God gave to the Israelites. It's like saying, “Here’s what you must do – these are the rules that will shape your life.” It's a crucial moment in the story of Israel’s history! In short: This verse is about God giving Moses instructions and then speaking to the Israelites on the very beginning of their journey as a nation. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse further? For example, would you like me to: Explain what "fortieth year" means in more detail? Discuss the importance of this verse within the larger context of the Old Testament?