Definition: But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 7:12. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising one! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about the early Israelites and their journey to Egypt. Jacob (a very important figure in Jewish history) was worried about food – he heard that there was a plentiful harvest in Egypt. He sent out his brothers to go find it. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “When Jacob heard…” : This means that Jacob was receiving news of the abundance of food. “…that there was corn in Egypt” : This is the core of the verse – there was a large harvest of corn growing in Egypt. Corn was a very important and vital part of their diet and agriculture. “He sent out our fathers…” : This is where it gets a little more complex. "Our fathers" refers to the ancestors of the Israelites, who were the people who left Egypt and began their journey as a nation. Jacob’s brothers were sending them on this mission. So, what's the point? This verse suggests that the early Israelites were already traveling and looking for food in Egypt, even before they were formally established as a nation. It implies that their ancestors had already been experiencing hardship and seeking sustenance in that land. Why is it significant? It’s a bit of an unusual detail because it shows that the journey to find food began long before the Israelites settled into their own territory. It highlights the early struggles and beginnings of a nation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the story of Jacob and Egypt?