Definition: But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, [even] out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as [ye are] this day.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 4:20. It’s a really important and profound message about God's relationship with humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, this verse is saying: God chose you – all of humanity – to be a special people, a group that He wants to have a lasting connection with. He brought you out of a difficult and dangerous place (Egypt) and placed you in a new, promising land – the Promised Land. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But the LORD hath taken you…” : This is God’s action. He took you from your previous situation - Egypt. Think of it like being rescued from a difficult and oppressive place. “…and brought you forth out of the iron furnace…” : The “iron furnace” represents Egypt – a harsh, demanding, and potentially dangerous land where people were enslaved and oppressed. It was a place filled with hardship and pressure. “[even] out of Egypt…” : This is crucial! God didn't just take you; He brought you out of that place. He removed you from slavery and oppression. “…to be unto him a people of inheritance…” : This is the key promise. "Inheritance" means a special, lasting relationship with God – a group of people who are connected to Him forever. It’s not just about being near Him; it's about having a real, ongoing connection and belonging. “As [ye are] this day” : This is the final, powerful part. "Ye" means you . The phrase “as this day” emphasizes that you’ve been chosen and given a special place – you are now a people designated for God's purposes. So, the whole verse is telling us: God chose you to be a group of people who will have a lifelong relationship with Him, and He has brought you out of a difficult past and placed you in a wonderful future. In a nutshell, it’s about being favored and blessed by God. --- Does that make sense? Would you like me to explain any part of this verse further, or perhaps explore its significance in the context of the Old Testament story of Israel's exodus from Egypt?