Definition: And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD’S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Numbers 11:23. It’s a pivotal moment in the story of the Israelites being plagued by a giant swarm of locusts – a really terrifying and significant event in their history. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: God is warning Moses that He has the power to stop something he’s said. It’s a very direct challenge from God to Moses. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And the LORD said unto Moses…” : This tells us we're hearing a direct communication from God. “…is the LORD’S hand waxed short?” : This is the tricky part. "Waxed short" means to shrink or become smaller. It's a metaphor for something being diminished or weakened. It suggests that God’s power – His ability to intervene – is lessening. “Thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.” : This is the core of the warning. “Thy” refers back to Moses. God is saying, "I will now reveal to you whether I will bring about something that has been said." It’s a serious declaration that God is going to take action. So, what does this mean in a nutshell? God is telling Moses that He's not just willing to help the Israelites, but He's also in control and determined to make sure His word comes to pass. It’s a warning about potential disaster and a demonstration of God’s authority. Why was this verse important? This is one of the earliest examples of God revealing Himself directly to Moses. It marked a turning point because it showed that God wasn't just observing events but actively participating in them. It laid the groundwork for the story of the plagues – a series of terrifying events designed to punish the Israelites’ disobedience. In essence, this verse is a powerful statement about divine power and a commitment to fulfilling His plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the story of locusts?