Definition: And they said unto him, Wherefore saith my lord these words? God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 44:7. It's a really important and slightly unsettling passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes after Jacob, one of Joseph’s brothers, has been kidnapped by God. God then sends him to a cave where he meets Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus tells him that he will be sent to Egypt to rescue his people from famine. What's Happening in Verse 7? “And they said unto him…” – This is a question being asked by some of Jacob’s servants. They're puzzled and confused. “…Wherefore saith my lord these words?” – This is the key part. "My Lord" refers to God, and "sayeth” means “says.” So, God is answering the question with a response. “God forbid that thy servants should do according to this thing:” - This is the core of the verse. God is warning Jacob’s servants – essentially his men – not to follow a specific instruction or plan. It's a command to stop. What does it mean? This verse speaks about a powerful and significant shift in the story. It highlights several things: God’s Authority: God is clearly in control and has established rules for his people. The Danger of Rebellion: The servants are being asked to disobey God's will, which could have serious consequences – potentially leading to harm or death for Jacob and his family. A Shift in Focus: God’s focus is shifting from a plan involving the servants (who were initially part of Joseph) to a larger, more important mission: rescuing people from famine in Egypt. In short, it's a warning to be obedient to God’s instructions and stay away from plans that could be dangerous or harmful. Important Note: The verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of events that would lead to the rise of Jesus. It suggests that God is working behind the scenes to bring about a great change in history. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its significance in a particular context (like the story of Joseph)? Answer any specific questions you have about it?