Definition: And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Exodus 19:22. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious part of the story of God’s relationship with Israel in the wilderness. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is telling the Israelites – specifically, the priests – to be very careful about how they behave when they are near to Him. It's a warning about being too close or disrespectful. Let’s break it down word by word: “And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD…” This refers to the high-ranking priests in the temple. They were specifically chosen to be closest to God. “…sanctify themselves…” "Sanctify" means to make something holy or separate from the ordinary. The priests needed to be set apart and treated with respect. "...lest the LORD break forth upon them." This is the key part! “Break forth” means to rush forward, to come in great force. It suggests a danger – God’s power is coming to strike or attack these priests. Putting it all together: God is saying that the priests need to be very careful and respectful when they are near to Him. They shouldn't be arrogant or presumptuous. They need to show reverence and humility, so God doesn’t feel threatened or angered by their closeness. Why is this important? This verse speaks to a period of intense fear and anxiety for the Israelites. They were in a vulnerable position, surrounded by a powerful deity, and the priests needed to act with caution to avoid provoking God's wrath. It’s a reminder that approaching God requires respect and awareness. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a moment of intense fear and a plea for God to protect his people. It's also been seen as a sign of divine judgment, but ultimately it's about establishing a relationship of reverence and obedience. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Expand on the historical context of this passage? Explain what "breaking forth" might mean in biblical terms? Talk about why this verse is often seen as a moment of divine judgment?