Definition: My lord, hearken unto me: the land [is worth] four hundred shekels of silver; what [is] that betwixt me and thee? bury therefore thy dead.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 23:15. It’s a really important and fascinating passage in the Bible! Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: God is looking after a traveler named Joseph who has been robbed of his possessions by a Roman soldier. Joseph is traveling through Egypt, and he needs to find a place to stay. He asks the angel Gabriel to help him secure a place to live. What’s happening in the verse? “My lord, hearken unto me…” : God is speaking to him, acknowledging his request. “…the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver” : This means that Joseph is asking for a large sum of money – four hundred shekels (which was a form of currency in ancient times). “What is that betwixt me and thee?” : This is the really tricky part. It's a question about a temporary arrangement. "Betwixt" means “between.” God is asking if there’s a problem or an agreement between him and Joseph, and between Joseph and this person (the traveler). The Meaning – It's About a Promise: The verse essentially says: “God has promised to give me four hundred shekels of silver. I need to be allowed to stay here, but I’m still in a position where I have to deal with this person who is also staying here. Can we make a temporary agreement for this?” Why it's significant: This verse highlights several important themes: God’s Favor and Promises: It shows that God values Joseph and is willing to provide for him. Divine Intervention: It demonstrates that God is actively involved in the lives of people, even when they are struggling. The Nature of a Promise: The verse speaks about a promise – a commitment that must be kept. In short, this verse describes a situation where God offers Joseph a significant reward and then asks him to establish a temporary arrangement with another person. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the story in more detail? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage (like it being about trust)?