Definition: [Saying], I [am] the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 7:32 together. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in plain language: Basically, this verse is saying: “I am the God of those people who came before us – the Israelites.” Let’s unpack that a little bit: “I [am] the God…” : This isn’t just a statement of fact. It’s a declaration of authority . The speaker, who’s identified as Moses, is asserting his divine power and significance. “…of thy fathers…” : This refers to the Jewish people who had been wandering in exile for many years after the death of their patriarch Abraham. They were often considered to be under God's protection, but they felt distant from him. "...the God of Abraham..." : This is a crucial part – Abraham was a very important figure in Judaism and Christianity. He’s seen as the father of many faiths. This connects back to the idea of God’s covenant with those who followed him. "...and the God of Isaac..." : Then, Moses refers to God as the God of Isaac, another significant patriarch. "...and the God of Jacob" : Finally, he concludes by stating that God is the God of all the people who came before the Israelites – the people who had been exiled and wandered in need of deliverance. What’s the significance? This verse highlights a few key things: God's Covenant: It emphasizes that God has a special, unbroken relationship with those who originated with Abraham and Isaac. It shows that God isn't just interested in the Israelites – He cares about all of His people throughout history. A Reminder of History: The verse reminds us that God’s plan for humanity is long and includes the generations before us. It emphasizes a continuing relationship with those who came before. Why did Moses tremble? The key to understanding this is the word "durst not behold." It means “fear not,” or “do not be afraid.” Moses was facing a difficult situation – he was being commanded to reveal God’s presence, and he felt incredibly frightened and unable to do so. He believed that revealing God's presence would be dangerous and unsettling for the people. It suggests a deep sense of awe and perhaps even apprehension in the face of divine power. In short: Moses is emphasizing God's historical significance and his enduring covenant with those who came before, reminding us of a long and unbroken relationship. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example, would you like to know: More about the context of this passage in the Bible? What it means in relation to the story of Israel's history?