Definition: And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 1:16. It’s a really important and foundational part of how God’s plan begins in the story of Abraham. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, it means that God is going to start working with Abraham and his family to establish a relationship with Him. Let’s unpack it a bit more: “And many of the children of Israel…” This refers to the Israelites – the people who were living in Egypt at the time. They were considered to be "children" of God, but they were being held captive and enslaved. “…shall he turn to the Lord their God.” This is the key part. “Turn to” means to change direction or allegiance. "The Lord their God" means that Abraham was going to follow God’s way, not the ways of his oppressors. So, what does this mean practically? It signifies a shift from being enslaved and dependent on someone else (Egypt) to becoming fully devoted to God. It's a big step in establishing a covenant – a promise or agreement – between God and Abraham and his descendants. Why is this important? This verse sets the stage for the entire story of the Bible! It’s the beginning of God’s plan to bless Abraham and his family, leading them to become a nation that will be blessed with a great legacy. It's about choosing to follow God’s will, even when it's difficult. In short, Luke 1:16 tells us that God is going to start a new journey for the Israelites – one of turning their hearts and lives towards Him. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore its significance within the larger context of the Bible? For example, we could discuss: The importance of Abraham’s covenant with God. How this verse relates to other stories in the Bible.