Definition: And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 17:4. It’s a really important and dramatic moment in God’s relationship with his people, Israel. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Situation: God is feeling frustrated because his people were about to kill him! They were getting ready to stone him – that means they were planning to attack him with stones. What Moses Was Doing: Moses was leading the Israelites into battle, and he was pleading with God for guidance. He was feeling overwhelmed by this situation. The Core of the Verse: “And Moses cried unto the LORD…” - This means Moses was praying and turning to God in a desperate way. He wasn’t just asking for a quick fix; he was acknowledging his problem and seeking help. “…saying, What shall I do unto this people?” – This is the key part. He's expressing his worry about what his people were going to do. He’s worried about their reaction to him. The Meaning - It’s About Protection & Responsibility: This verse speaks to a fundamental truth: God gave Israel a responsibility – to protect and care for them, and to be obeyed. When people are angry or ready to harm him, it means they're not respecting his authority. Moses was showing that he understood this responsibility and felt the weight of it. In short: Moses was facing a difficult situation where his people were threatening him, and he was asking for guidance on how to handle it. It’s a moment of vulnerability and trust placed in God. --- Important Note: This is just one passage from a very large book! Bible verses often have layers of meaning and can be interpreted differently depending on the context. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this event within the larger story of Israel’s history?