Definition: And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I [am] the LORD your God;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 20:5. It's a really interesting and significant passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying God is setting up a special relationship with the people of Israel – specifically, the descendants of Jacob (which includes those who are Jewish). He’s making Himself known to them, and showing that He is in control. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And say unto them…” : This is like a leader giving instructions. God is communicating something important. “…Thus saith the Lord GOD;” : This is God speaking directly to the people of Israel. It’s a formal declaration. “In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob…” : This is the key part! "The day when I chose Israel" refers to a specific time in history – likely during the time of King David. “Lifted up my hand” means God was actively working towards a future relationship with them. He’s showing that He's planning something big for them. "The seed of the house of Jacob" is a very important group of people, traditionally understood as all descendants of Abraham and his family (including those who were descended from Isaac and Jacob). “and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt…” : This is where it gets really significant. God was already working to reveal Himself to the people. He’s showing that He was present, even though they weren’t fully aware of His power or plan yet. “The land of Egypt” refers to a specific place – maybe a region in the East, symbolizing a new beginning or a time of transformation. “when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I [am] the LORD your God;” : This is the most important part. He’s declaring that He is the LORD – the divine being – and He is in control of this entire plan. It's a powerful declaration of sovereignty. So, what does it all mean? The verse paints a picture of God establishing a covenant (a special agreement) with Israel. It’s not just about giving them land; it’s about a relationship, a partnership, and God’s presence being felt in their lives. It shows that God is working towards a future where He will be fully involved in the lives of His people. Important Context: This verse is part of a larger story in biblical scripture. It's often interpreted as a foreshadowing of events leading up to the fall of Israel and the rise of a new kingdom, which eventually leads to Jesus Christ. --- Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of "the house of Jacob"? Talk about the historical context of this verse? Discuss what it means for God to “make Himself known”?