Definition: Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for [as for] this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 7:40. It’s a really interesting and slightly unsettling passage about God’s relationship with the people of Israel. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse expresses a feeling of profound confusion and worry among the Jewish leaders, particularly Aaron, who is speaking to God. They’re questioning whether Moses – who led them out of Egypt – still exists in the same way he did. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Saying unto Aaron…” : This establishes that this isn't a casual conversation; it's a serious, thoughtful discussion with a high-ranking figure. “…Make us gods…” : This is the core of the problem. The Jewish leaders are suggesting they want to become divine . They’re proposing to treat God as if he were a person – to have powers and authority that he doesn't currently possess. They believe this would be a way to influence or control him. “…to go before us…” : This is a very unusual request. It suggests they want to become the figures Moses led out of Egypt. They want to be like him, in their own way. “For Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt…” : This is crucial. Aaron is directly referencing Moses himself. He's pointing out that Moses was instrumental in leading the Israelites out of slavery and into a new land – Egypt. The Worry & Doubt: The verse is filled with worry and doubt. The leaders aren’t just asking if Moses still exists; they’re wondering what happened to him . They feel like they don't understand what has become of him. They are grappling with a potential shift in the relationship between God and the people, and perhaps even a challenge to God’s authority. What it means – A deeper understanding: This passage highlights several important themes: The Danger of Hubris (Excessive Pride): It warns against humans trying to become gods. It's a reminder that true faith is about worshipping and obeying God, not claiming a position above him. The Importance of Remembering the Past: Aaron’s question underscores how crucial it is to remember the events of the past – specifically the Exodus story – for understanding God’s plan and purpose. In short, this verse expresses a deep concern about the potential for humans to usurp God's role and challenge his authority. It's a powerful reminder that we should always strive to be obedient to God’s will and not seek to equal him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the historical context (like the Exodus story)? Explore the theological implications of this passage?