Definition: And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and [then] I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 19:20. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling passage about Moses and Elijah. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Moses is traveling through the wilderness with Elijah. They are lost and facing a difficult situation. What's Happening: Moses is Feeling Lost: He’s feeling incredibly tired, hungry, and hopeless. He’s running and desperately trying to find his way back home. Elijah is Leading the Way: Elijah is guiding them through treacherous terrain and seems determined to get to a place where he can be reunited with God. Moses Makes a Request: Moses makes a very emotional plea – he wants to kiss Elijah, showing his deep affection and desire for connection. He’s asking for a physical connection with him. The Key Meaning - It's about Love & Faith: This verse is complex, but it’s fundamentally about faith and a profound love . It shows that Moses was so deeply in love with Elijah that he felt compelled to reach out to him, even though he knew the situation was incredibly difficult. Here’s what the verse suggests: He wasn’t just asking for affection: It's not about a romantic relationship. He was expressing his profound devotion and believing Elijah was important to him. It highlights his faith: The act of making that plea speaks volumes about his unwavering belief in something beyond himself – God. Important Note: The original Hebrew text is quite difficult to interpret, and scholars have debated the exact meaning of this passage for centuries. It’s a moment of intense emotional turmoil and a testament to the power of faith. --- Would you like me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, we could delve deeper into: The context of their journey The symbolism behind the request