What is the definition of Exodus 30:38? 🙋 🔍
Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 30:38 together. It's a pretty powerful and important passage about God’s protection of His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms:
The Basic Idea:
This verse is saying that
anyone who tries to 💎alter💎 or 💎change💎 God’s plan for his people, or try to make things different from what He has ordained, will be separated from them.
It's a strong warning about disobedience and rebellion.
Let’s unpack it piece by piece:
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“Whosoever shall make like unto that…”
: This is the key part. "Make like unto" means to đź’Žchangeđź’Ž, đź’Žalterđź’Ž, or đź’Žduplicateđź’Ž. It suggests an effort to mimic, copy, or surpass God's plan.
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“…to smell thereto…”
: This refers to trying to 💎understand💎 God’s plan in a way that goes against it. It’s about seeking knowledge outside of His guidance.
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“…shall even be cut off from his people.”
: This is the consequence. If someone tries to defy God's will, they will be rejected and ultimately separated from the group He has chosen.
What does this mean in a broader sense?
This verse speaks to several important ideas:
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God’s Sovereignty:
It emphasizes that God is in complete control of His people. He doesn’t just tolerate disobedience; He actively protects His covenant with them.
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The Importance of Obedience:
It highlights the vital importance of following God's instructions exactly. Disobeying means risking being cut off from a relationship with Him and his people.
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Drawn Away:
It suggests that those who stray from the path will be driven away, not just punished, but fundamentally separated from the blessings they’ve received.
In short, it's a reminder to stay true to God's plan, resist temptation to disobey him, and always seek his guidance.
Important Note:
This verse is often interpreted as a warning against idolatry – worshipping idols or false gods – which was a significant problem for the Israelites in ancient times.
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Do you want me to explain any of these parts further? Would you like me to:
💎 Give you an example of what “making like unto” might look like?
đź’Ž Explore the historical context of this verse?