Definition: And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What [mean] these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Genesis 21:29. It’s a really fascinating story about God’s plan and a bit of mystery! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Abraham was worried because he had seven ewe lambs (sheep) that he’d set aside to keep them safe while he was away on a journey. He asked God why he needed so many of them. Let's unpack it: "And Abimelech said unto Abraham..." : This means "Abraham said to God." It’s a way of addressing God as a trusted friend or guide. "...What [mean] these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?" : This is the key part. “Mean” here is a tricky word. It doesn't mean literally what the lambs are doing. It means what does this situation signify? What purpose do they serve? Possible Interpretations (and why it’s important): There are a few ways to think about this, and it’s been debated for centuries: 1. A Promise of Protection: The most common interpretation is that God was offering Abraham a promise of protection. He wanted to keep the lambs safe while he was away, so he would have a constant source of food and care. It's like a guarantee – "Don’t worry, I’ll look after you." 2. A Test of Faith: Some scholars believe that this story is about a test of Abraham's faith. He had to rely on God’s promise even when he was alone and facing uncertainty. It shows his willingness to trust in God's plan, even when things seem difficult. 3. Symbolic Representation: It could be seen as a symbolic representation of the relationship between God and Abraham. The lambs represent the protection God offers, while Abraham represents humanity. In short, Genesis 21:29 is a story about trust, promise, and the importance of faith. It's a beautiful example of how God cares for his people and provides for them even when things seem challenging. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this story in more detail? For example, we could discuss: The context of the story in Genesis Different theological interpretations of the verse Why it's considered a significant passage in the Bible?