Definition: Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there [am] I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It's a really beautiful and profound message about God’s presence and relationship with us. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is always present with us. It’s not just sometimes around, but He is actively involved in our lives from the very beginning. And now, He has sent His Spirit to speak directly to us. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “Come ye near unto me” : This means “come closer to me.” It’s a gentle invitation – inviting us to spend time with God. “Hear ye this” : This is a call to listen closely, to be aware of His presence. “I have not spoken in secret from the beginning” : This is a really important point. It means that God hasn't been hidden or secretive about His plan for us. He’s always been with us, guiding and speaking. “From the time that it was, there [am] I” : This is a powerful statement – "I have always been here." It emphasizes His eternal existence and unchanging nature. The word “there” is a bit mysterious, but it signifies He’s present in every moment of our lives. “and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me” : This completes the message. God has chosen to communicate with us directly through His Spirit – this is a message of comfort, guidance, and hope. What does it mean practically? It’s essentially saying that God isn't distant or aloof; He’s intimately involved in our lives. He's not just allowing things to happen, but actively shaping them with His Spirit. It offers us assurance of His care and protection, and a constant source of guidance. In essence, it’s a message about God's personal, eternal presence in our lives. --- Do you want me to: Explain a particular part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific biblical story or theme? Discuss what it might mean for you personally?