Definition: And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 12:48. It's a really important verse about how God handled the Israelites after they left Egypt. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about making sure the Israelites remain safe and connected to God throughout their journey, especially during Passover. It’s saying that if a foreigner (a stranger) stays with you for Passover, they must be circumcised – essentially, they need to be marked as Jewish – and then they must be treated like an Israelite – meaning they have to follow the laws and customs of the Israelites. Let's break it down word by word: “And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD…” - This means if someone is visiting you for Passover, they must observe the Passover ritual – which is a special meal commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt. It's about showing reverence to God. “…let all his males be circumcised…” - This is the key part! It’s saying that all male children born to the Israelites must be circumcised. This was a physical sign of their covenant with God and a way for them to be recognized as Jewish. “and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land…” - This means they need to be treated like an Israelite – meaning they must follow all the laws and customs of the Israelites, including eating certain foods and being part of their community. “and he shall be as one that is born in the land:” - This is a powerful image. It’s saying that anyone who observes Passover correctly – whether they are Jewish or not – will be treated with respect and honor just like an Israelite. They'll be seen as part of the community, and their status will be elevated. “for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.” - This is the final point. It means that anyone who doesn’t follow the rules of Passover – who isn’t circumcised – won't be allowed to eat the Passover meal. It was a way for God to ensure that the Israelites stayed within His covenant and were treated as part of His community. In essence, this verse is about establishing boundaries and ensuring loyalty to God through a specific ritual. It highlights the importance of adhering to God’s laws and being recognized as one of his people. Important Note: This passage has been interpreted in different ways throughout history. Some scholars believe it was done to control the Israelites and prevent them from leaving, while others see it as a symbol of God's protection and covenant. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of Passover? Discuss the different interpretations of this verse?