Definition: Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Exodus 10:26. It’s a really important passage about obedience and the Israelites’ journey into the wilderness. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the Israelites are going to be taken care of by God, and they don't need to worry about anything – including their livestock – remaining behind. They’re essentially being given a “job” or responsibility solely for serving God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind…” This means the Israelites' animals (their herds) will stay with them, and they won’t have any remaining livestock left over. It suggests a complete focus on God's needs. “…for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.” This is the key part. “Therefor” means "because of this." The Israelites are being told they must dedicate themselves entirely to serving God. The phrase “until we come thither” means “until we reach our destination.” They’re essentially being entrusted with a monumental task – to completely focus on worshipping and obeying God. What does this mean in practical terms? It speaks to the Israelites' experience leading up to their forty-year journey into the wilderness. They were instructed to leave behind everything they had, including their livestock, so they could dedicate themselves fully to God’s presence and work. This was a strategic move by Moses – to ensure they wouldn’t be distracted or tempted to do anything but worship. In essence, this verse is about absolute obedience and a complete shift in focus to serve God. It’s a powerful statement of trust and the importance of dedicating oneself entirely to God's will. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss the significance of this verse within the context of the Old Testament? Offer a related story or example?