Definition: But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem [him] not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 34:20 together. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage about how God wants to be with us and how we should treat our sons. Here's the explanation in plain language: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s desire for a special, intimate relationship with his chosen people – Israel – and it emphasizes that God wants to be present with them, even if they don’t always do what he wants. It also highlights a crucial part of our responsibility as parents. Let's unpack the parts: “But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb” : This is the key. The verse says that when you "redeem" (meaning to give something valuable) an animal, you should choose the most important one – the firstling. Think of it like a special gift – it’s the most valuable and deserves extra attention. An ass is a big, powerful animal, so this means choosing the best of your sons. “And if thou redeem [him] not, then shalt thou break his neck” : This is a tough one! It means that if you don’t give an animal a valuable reward (redeem it), you must end its life – you must break its neck. It's a very serious warning! It symbolizes that if we don't value our sons and show them love and care, they might not appreciate us as much as we should. “All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem” : This means that all your sons are special and deserve to be treated with respect. It’s a reminder that you have a responsibility to them. “And none shall appear before me empty.” This is the most profound part. It means that God wants to be completely present with his chosen people, even when they don't fully understand or appreciate him. He wants to be there for them completely, without any gaps or loneliness. It’s a promise of a loving and eternal relationship. What does this verse mean in bigger terms? This passage speaks to the idea that God is interested in us and our families. It’s not just about obedience; it's about a deep, loving connection. It emphasizes: Responsibility: We have a responsibility to care for and love our sons (and all of our children). Importance: Each child is valuable and deserves attention and respect. Eternal Love: God wants to be with us forever, and that means being present and loving even when we don't always understand him. Important Note: This is a complex passage in the Bible! It’s often interpreted as symbolic of God’s love and commitment to his people. It's not about strict rules, but rather a reminder of what’s truly important – our relationship with God and our family. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the context of Israel's history? Talk about how it relates to modern parenting or relationships?