Definition: And he said, Behold, I make a covenant: before all thy people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth, nor in any nation: and all the people among which thou [art] shall see the work of the LORD: for it [is] a terrible thing that I will do with thee.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Exodus 34:10. It's a really complex passage, but we can make it understandable. Here’s what it essentially means in plain language: The Core Idea: This verse describes God’s plan for a special relationship with the Israelites (the people He chose to lead). It’s about a massive and extraordinary act of God. Here's a simplified breakdown: “Behold, I make a covenant” : This is like saying “I’m making a promise.” God is establishing a formal agreement with the Israelites. “Before all thy people among which thou [art] shall see the work of the LORD” : This means that God intends to show everyone who follows Him – every single person in the entire world – what He’s going to do. It’s a huge reveal! “For it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee.” : This is the most dramatic part. It suggests that God’s plan will be so powerful and impactful that it could seem frightening or even impossible . It's emphasizing that this isn't just a normal covenant; it’s something truly remarkable and significant. Putting it all together: God, in his power and with a purpose, is going to do something incredibly significant for the Israelites – something that will be noticed by everyone else. This act of showing His power will be so impressive and transformative that it might feel a little overwhelming or even a bit terrifying at first. Important Context (It’s a bit tricky): This verse describes God's plan to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It’s part of a larger story about God’s covenant with Abraham, and how God chooses to bless his chosen people. It’s a moment where God begins to establish a truly unique relationship with them. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Relate it to a story or theme? Talk about why this passage is significant in biblical history?