Definition: And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and [till] they roll the stone from the well’s mouth; then we water the sheep.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Genesis 29:8. It’s a really significant story about God's plan for Noah and his animals! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is creating a beautiful world with all kinds of life – plants, animals, and even humans – but he needs to make sure everything is safe and has enough food. He decides to help Noah by giving him a task: to gather the sheep and flocks from the Jordan River’s wells. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And they said…” : This tells us that the people, led by herobim (a name meaning “the Lord is my rock”), were planning to stop Noah from doing his task. They didn’t want him to gather the animals. “…We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and [till] they roll the stone from the well’s mouth…” : This is the key part. They are saying they cannot start the task – gathering the sheep and animals – until all of them have been collected. They need to gather them all together . And importantly, they need to roll a large rock (the “stone”) from the well’s mouth. “…Then we water the sheep.” : Once all the animals are gathered, God promises to provide water for them – to give them enough food and keep them safe. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse is a story about God’s protection and care for humanity. It shows that He has a plan and is working behind the scenes to ensure a good outcome for everyone. It's a moment of divine intervention where He takes control of the situation to protect the animals and ultimately, humanity. Why it’s important: God's Sovereignty: It highlights God’s power and control over events. Divine Plan: It shows that God has a purpose for everything, even when things seem difficult. Care & Protection: It speaks to the idea of God looking after his creation and protecting those within it. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, we could delve deeper into: The context of the story – why was Noah being asked to do this? What does "the well’s mouth" refer to?