Definition: My father made me swear, saying, Lo, I die: in my grave which I have digged for me in the land of Canaan, there shalt thou bury me. Now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and bury my father, and I will come again.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 50:5 together. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious passage about Jacob. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it’s Jacob’s promise to his father God: “My father made me swear…” – This means Jacob is making a solemn vow or promise to God. “…saying, Lo, I die:” – “Lo” is a Hebrew word that means "I see" or "it is true." So, it’s like saying, "I will die." It’s a very direct statement of his impending death. “…in my grave which I have digged for me in the land of Canaan:” – This tells us where and when he'll die. He’s burying himself in the land of Canaan, which is a place God promised to give him as a future inheritance. It’s a symbolic location representing a new beginning. “Now therefore let me go up, I pray thee, and bury my father, and I will come again.” – This is the crucial part. Jacob says he's going to go up to the grave of his father to bury him. But he also promises to return to God later. What does it all mean? It’s a powerful statement about Jacob's faith and his desire for a future life with God. It suggests: Jacob’s Faith: He's making a commitment to God, even in the face of death. A Future Promise: He’s promising that he will return to God later, signifying hope and eternal life. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a sign that Jacob will become a mighty figure in the future, perhaps even leading the Israelites. It's a bit of a symbolic promise about his destiny. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular aspect of this verse further? (e.g., its historical context?) Give you a more detailed explanation of the symbolism behind it?