Definition: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, [even] thy firstborn.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly powerful verse from Exodus 4:23. It’s a really shocking and complex passage about God’s protection and obedience. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is concerned that Moses won't obey him. In the beginning, God tasked Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses stubbornly refused to leave Pharaoh’s orders to raise an idol of Moses. What Happens Next? God then specifically decides to kill Moses’ brother – his firstborn son. This is a very serious and dramatic action. Let's unpack it: “And I say unto thee…” : This is God speaking directly to Moses, commanding him. It's a powerful declaration of authority. “…Let my son go…” : This is the crucial part. God isn’t just asking for any freedom for Moses; he wants him to obey him completely and serve him. He’s giving him a chance to be obedient. “…that he may serve me…” : This emphasizes that this isn't about a simple request, it's about fulfilling God's will. “and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.” : This is the shocking part. If Moses still refuses to obey, God promises to kill his brother. The "firstborn" refers to Moses himself – it’s a symbolic representation of his life and identity as a leader. What does this verse really mean? It’s often interpreted as a demonstration of God's absolute power and protection. It highlights: God’s Sovereignty: He is in control and doesn't tolerate disobedience. Divine Justice: There's a sense of righteous punishment for defying God. Protection of His Chosen People: It shows that God won’t allow his people to fail or disobey him, even at a terrible cost. Important Note: This verse is deeply symbolic and has been debated throughout history. It doesn't necessarily mean that every act of disobedience will lead to death. It's more about the ultimate consequence of rejecting God’s authority. --- Resources for Further Understanding (Optional): Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Exodus/4/23](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Exodus/4/23) – This provides a detailed explanation and different perspectives on the verse. The Bible Project (YouTube): [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6t9x9qC-WkI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6t9x9qC-WkI) – This video offers a visual and accessible explanation of the story and its significance. Do you want me to: Explain something more specifically about the context of the story? Discuss different interpretations of this verse?