Definition: Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that [is] before Jordan.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from 1 Kings 17:3. It’s a really significant verse in the Bible and it speaks about God’s plan for Elijah. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling Elijah to leave his current location – which he's currently in a place called “the brook Cherith” – and to go eastward, hidden by the water, to protect himself from harm. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Get thee hence…” : This is a command from God. He’s telling Elijah to leave . “…and turn thee eastward…” : Elijah needs to move in a specific direction – east. "...and hide thyself by the brook Cherith..." : This is the crucial part. He's instructed to hide himself, meaning to become invisible or less visible. The name “Cherith” has a special significance in this context. It’s a place mentioned in the Bible that was a source of water – perhaps a river or stream. "...that [is] before Jordan." : This is the reason for hiding. “Jordan” refers to the Jordan River, which is located just east of where Elijah is being told to go. By hiding by the river, he’s trying to avoid being seen by enemies who might try to stop him from fulfilling God's purpose. What does this verse mean in a bigger picture? This passage is about protection and obedience. It suggests: God is protecting Elijah: He doesn’t want Elijah to be discovered or harmed. Elijah needs to be cautious: He's being given instructions to avoid danger. Elijah’s role is important: This placement is strategically important for the larger story of the prophecy about Elijah’s role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. In essence, it’s a command to stay hidden and vigilant while fulfilling God's plan. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: More about the significance of the brook Cherith? The context of this passage within the larger story of Elijah’s ministry?