Definition: And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Genesis 22:16. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious verse in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s reaction to Joseph, his son, doing something that displeased him. It’s about a test of faith and obedience. Let's look at it piece by piece: “And said…” : This sets the scene – God is speaking directly to us. “…By myself have I sworn…” : This is where it gets interesting. God is saying that this isn’t just a random statement; it’s a promise . He's making a vow or commitment. “Saith the LORD” : This is Jesus quoting God in the Bible – it’s a way of emphasizing the importance and authority of what he’s about to say. “…for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son…” : This is the key part. He's saying because Joseph disobeyed him, and because he didn’t stop him from doing it, then God has made a specific promise. What does “thy son” mean? It refers to Joseph himself! The verse is about his disobedience. So, the whole point of the verse is this: God is saying that He will keep his promise to Joseph and protect him. He’s promising to be involved in his life and provide for him. It's a demonstration of His love and care. Why is it important? This story is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Jesus' suffering and sacrifice. It speaks to the idea that God's promises are ultimately reliable, even when things seem difficult or challenging. It’s a reminder of God's unwavering commitment to those who trust in Him. In short: This verse tells us God will protect Joseph and keep his promise to him, even when he makes mistakes. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the significance of this story within the larger context of Genesis 22? Compare it to a similar story in the Bible?