Definition: And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage. It’s a really important and slightly surprising one from the Book of Exodus! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a covenant (a promise) made between God and the Israelites. It’s saying that after the Israelites had been wandering around for 40 years in the wilderness, God decided to formally establish a relationship with them. Let's unpack it further: “It shall come to pass…” : This is a regular phrase meaning “it will happen” or “this will occur.” It’s like saying "This will be the case." “…when your children shall say unto you…” : This is the key part. It refers to the Israelites – specifically, their sons and grandchildren. The word "children" means their descendants . “What mean ye by this service?” : This is the question itself. “Ye” is a plural pronoun (like "you all") used to refer to the children of Israel. “Mean” means "understand" or “interpret." So, they are asking you – the Israelites – what meaning you're giving to this specific act of service. So, what’s the big deal? This verse is a bit unsettling because it suggests that the Israelites were being asked to explain a ritualistic act – a sacrifice – to God. It implies they weren't fully understanding why it was happening. Why is this important? It highlights a few things: Divine Guidance: God’s guidance isn't always immediately clear. He sometimes needs time to teach and guide people. Understanding the Purpose: The verse reminds us that there's a deeper reason behind rituals – they’re meant to connect with God and maintain a relationship. In short, it's a reminder that God is patient and will continue to communicate with his people through these rituals. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the context of the story before this verse? Explain the significance of the sacrifice itself?