Definition: And thou shalt go unto the priest that shall be in those days, and say unto him, I profess this day unto the LORD thy God, that I am come unto the country which the LORD sware unto our fathers for to give us.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 26:3. It’s a really important part of the Old Testament and speaks about a significant promise made to the Israelites as they were leaving Egypt. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying, “We are going to worship God, and we’re promising to follow his rules.” It’s a declaration of faith and commitment. Let's unpack it word-by-word (with some context): “And thou shalt go unto the priest that shall be in those days…” – This refers to a specific person, likely a high priest, who was already serving God at that time. It’s like saying “We’re going to seek guidance from someone close to God.” “…and say unto him, I profess this day unto the LORD thy God…” – This is the core of the verse. It means "I declare this truth to God." "Profess" means to openly state something. “that I am come unto the country which the LORD sware unto our fathers for to give us.” – This is where it gets really significant. “The LORD sware” means that God promised something to the Israelites, and this promise was a sacred covenant. “The country which the LORD sware unto our fathers” refers to the land they were leaving Egypt and were going to settle in. It's saying: "We are returning to this land, and we're going to follow God’s laws and traditions, because God promised us this place.” In simpler terms: This verse is a promise from God to the Israelites that they will continue to worship him and follow his instructions as they settle into their new home. It's a way of saying "We are committed to following your path." Why is it important? It’s considered one of the most important parts of the Old Testament, because it establishes the foundation for Israel’s laws, traditions, and relationship with God. It sets up the idea that God will guide them as they establish a new community and way of life. Do you want to know more about: The historical context of this verse? What the “country” refers to in relation to the Israelites’ return? How it relates to other parts of the Bible?