Definition: Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 33:9. It’s a really powerful and somewhat mysterious passage about God’s relationship with His people. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: God is deeply concerned about his people – specifically, the Israelites – and he’s feeling a little lost and confused about their future. He’s asking a question: “Where is my father? Where is my mother? Do I even know who my family is?” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Who said unto his father and to his mother…” : This part emphasizes God’s perspective – he’s the one who knows everything. He’s looking back at the beginning of time, to the very creation of the world. It’s a humbling statement about his power and knowledge. “…I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children…” : This is where it gets interesting. God isn’t talking about seeing his father or mother directly. He's saying that he doesn’t even remember them. He has no personal connection to them. His memory of the past feels hazy and incomplete. “For they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.” : This is the key part! God is looking at his people – specifically, the Israelites – and he's observing their actions. He’s saying that they are following his instructions, obeying his laws, and keeping his promises. "They" refers to the Israelites themselves. So, what does it all mean? It suggests a few things: God’s Watchful Eye: God is constantly watching over his people, ensuring they stay on the right path. A Lack of Personal Connection: He doesn't feel a strong emotional connection to them like he might have with his own children. This can be interpreted as a sense of distance or perhaps a feeling that they are moving further away from him. The Importance of Obedience: The fact that the Israelites are "observing thy word" and “keeping thy covenant” is crucial. It means they’re doing what he’s asking of them, which is vital for their survival and prosperity. In a nutshell, this verse highlights God's concern for his people and their relationship with him, emphasizing that their loyalty and obedience are the foundation of everything. --- Do you want to explore any of these aspects in more detail? For example: We could discuss the symbolism behind the “covenant” – what does it represent? We can look at how this verse relates to the story of Moses.