Definition: For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye [are] a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 33:5. It’s a pretty intense and symbolic passage about God's plan for the Israelites. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is preparing to lead the Israelites into battle – a large-scale war against the Egyptian army. He wants to see how they react, and he’s using this verse as a test of their faith and obedience. He's essentially saying, “I’m going to reveal my power to you, and I want to see if you’re willing to be consumed by it.” Let’s unpack the key parts: “For the LORD had said unto Moses…” : This is a direct quote from God's words. It establishes that this isn’t just a casual conversation; it’s a serious instruction from God himself. “…Say unto the children of Israel…” : God is telling Moses to speak to the Israelites – the people he has chosen to lead. “Ye [are] a stiffnecked people…” : This is the crucial part. “Stiffnecked” means being too eager, impulsive, or unwilling to listen to God’s guidance. It suggests they are pushing themselves too far and not paying attention. They're not following his plan. “…I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee…” : This is the scary part! God is going to directly confront them with his power. He’s saying he’ll appear before them suddenly and take control – essentially “consume” them. It doesn't mean he wants to kill them; it means he wants to test their faith. “Therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.” : This is the warning. God is asking them to remove any distractions – anything that prevents them from seeing and understanding his plan. “Ornaments” are symbols of pride, self-importance, and being preoccupied with themselves. By removing these things, God wants to see if they're focused on him and his purpose. What it means overall: This verse is a powerful warning about the dangers of pride and resisting God’s will. It highlights that true faith requires humility and obedience. It’s about recognizing that God’s plan is bigger than us, and we need to listen to His guidance to avoid making mistakes or being lost. It’s a test of their commitment – are they willing to surrender control to him? In short: God is preparing for a big battle and wants to see if the Israelites will be ready to fight on his terms. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail, perhaps focusing on a specific aspect like the symbolism of "consumed"? Give you an analogy or metaphor that relates to this passage?