Definition: By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse – it’s a pretty powerful one! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about God’s plan for Israel to become a nation and eventually have complete control over the land. It’s essentially saying He’s going to slowly, steadily remove people from the land, but with a specific goal in mind. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “By little and little…” – This emphasizes that it’s a gradual process. God isn’t just kicking people out quickly; He's taking things at a pace. “…I will drive them out from before thee…” – "Thee" is a Hebrew word meaning “you” or "you." So, this means God is actively moving people away from the land. It's not just passively letting them go; He’s intentionally pushing them out. Think of it like a slow, persistent push. “…until thou be increased…” – This is the key part! “Increased” means growing bigger, stronger, and more powerful. It suggests that God wants Israel to become a nation larger than they are now. "...and inherit the land." - This is what God ultimately desires for them. He wants to have complete ownership and control of the land, and to eventually live there happily and prosperously. Overall Meaning: The verse paints a picture of a gradual process where God isn’t just forcibly removing people; He's guiding them towards a future where they become fully part of His kingdom and can enjoy the land. It speaks about a long-term plan for Israel to flourish and become a great nation. Important Note: This is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the Israelites’ exile, but it also has a hopeful message – that God's plan includes bringing them back to His land eventually. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context surrounding this verse? Discuss its symbolism (like the "driving out" imagery)?