Definition: And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 24:49. It's a really important piece of scripture about God’s plan for helping Joseph. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is asking Joseph to be honest and helpful with his master, Abraham. Let’s unpack that a little bit: “And now if ye will deal kindly…” – This is a gentle request from God. He's setting up a situation where Joseph needs to demonstrate good character. "...and truly with my master..." - This means he needs to be honest and do what’s right, not just superficially polite. It’s about genuine care and respect. "...tell me: and if not, tell me…” – This is the core of the request. God wants to know how Joseph can best help Abraham. He's asking him to be transparent about his intentions. “that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.” – This is a clever way of saying he needs to be helpful in a way that allows him to avoid being caught in wrongdoing. It suggests he should focus on doing good and avoiding trouble. What does this verse mean about Joseph? It speaks to Joseph’s character and his desire for God’s blessing. He's demonstrating humility, trustworthiness, and a willingness to do what is right – things that are really important to God. It shows he’s trying to please God above all else. In short, it’s a plea from God to Joseph to be honest and helpful in order to receive his favor. Do you want me to explain any of this further or perhaps delve into the context of the story?