Definition: But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Corinthians 3:7. It’s a bit dense, but it’s packed with meaning and speaks about how God’s presence is revealed through the Old Testament. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This passage describes a time when God was very focused on showing himself to the Israelites – specifically, through rituals involving death and marking it with stones. The idea is that this wasn't meant to be seen as a grand spectacle, but rather as a way for God to reveal His glory – His power and love – to them. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious..." - This part is key. It suggests that God was actively marking death as a significant event, almost like putting a spotlight on it. The idea is that this wasn't just about acknowledging death; it was emphasizing it and making it important. "...so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance:" - This is where it gets really interesting. "Stedfastly" means firmly, steadfastly, or with unwavering focus. The Israelites were not able to look at Moses (the leader) with a clear and unwavering gaze – they weren’t seeing him as a powerful, divine figure. They were focused on the mark of death being made. "...which [glory] was to be done away:" - This is the crucial part. God wasn't trying to make this spectacle happen. Instead, he was stopping it . He was setting a limit or a boundary – removing the ability for the Israelites to truly see and appreciate his glory. So, what’s the overall message? The verse paints a picture of a time when God’s presence wasn't being fully revealed to the Israelites through displays of power. It suggests that God was trying to control how they perceived him – perhaps because he wanted to draw their attention to something else, or maybe because there were problems within their community and faith. In simpler terms: God was deliberately limiting the way people could see Him by creating a ritual involving death, which wasn't meant to be a grand show but rather a way to keep them focused on Him – showing His power and love in a more subtle way. Important Note: This passage is part of a larger discussion about the Old Testament, particularly concerning the Israelites’ relationship with God and their understanding of his role in their lives. It speaks to a time where God was trying to establish boundaries and control how they experienced His presence. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a particular theme or story from the Bible? Provide a historical context for when this passage occurred?