Definition: But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, [and] my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 7:4. It’s a really significant passage about God’s plan to free His people from slavery. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is saying: “I’m going to use my power to lead my people out of Egypt.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you…” – This means that Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, won’t listen to what God wants to do. He’s resisting God's plan. Think of it like someone blocking your path. “…that I may lay my hand upon Egypt…” - God is going to use His power to directly influence Egypt. This isn’t just a general plea; it means he'll be actively involved in bringing about the escape. “…and bring forth mine armies, [and] my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.” – This is the core of the message. God intends to force His people to leave Egypt. He’s going to use a series of punishments and challenges to make it so difficult for Pharaoh to keep his people there. These “great judgments” are meant to be harsh, but ultimately, they're part of a larger plan to free everyone. In short, this verse describes God’s intention to liberate His people from slavery in Egypt through a series of interventions – forcing them out by hardship. It's a pivotal moment in the story of Israel’s liberation! Does that make sense? Do you want me to: Explain why God is choosing this path? Talk about the context of the story (before this verse)? Discuss what kind of judgments are being mentioned?