Definition: And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 15:10. It’s a really fascinating and symbolic passage about God’s plan for creation! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God was setting up a meeting between him and his followers (the animals) to discuss how things should be organized. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he took unto him all these…” – This refers to God taking the entire group of animals that were present at the time. It’s a big, complete gathering. “…and divided them in the midst…” – God was creating a circle or a space where he could talk with his followers. He was essentially setting up a meeting point. “And laid each piece one against another:” – This is the really important part! God started separating the animals, placing them side-by-side in a way that created a pattern. It’s like putting puzzle pieces together. “…but the birds divided he not.” – This is where it gets really symbolic. The verse says that God didn't separate the birds! This is incredibly significant because: Birds are often seen as messengers or representatives of God. They’re free to fly and move around. God wants a connection between him and his followers, but he doesn't want them to be isolated. He wants to have a dialogue and a relationship with all of creation. So, what does this verse tell us about God’s plan? It shows that God is: Organized: He’s setting up a structured system. Connected: He wants to have a meaningful relationship with all his creations, even the smallest ones. Respectful: He doesn't want to create division or isolation. In essence, it’s a beautiful image of God’s desire for unity and connection throughout creation. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like to know: What does this verse mean in the context of the entire Bible? How does this story relate to other biblical stories (like the Creation Story)?