Definition: And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 13:19. It’s a really significant passage about a lost boy and God’s plan to deliver his people. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: What it says: “And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.” Here’s what it means, broken down: “And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him…” – This tells us that Moses was carrying the remains of Joseph. Joseph was a man who had been sold into slavery in Egypt by his father, and God had promised to protect him. “…for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel…” - This is really important. “Straitly” means very clearly and emphatically. Moses made a solemn oath – a promise – to Joseph. He told Joseph that God would indeed visit them, and it was his responsibility to carry the bones away with him. “…saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.” - This is the core of the verse. Moses is telling Joseph that he must take the bones with him. He’s saying, “God will definitely come to find you, and you must carry these bones with you.” It's a very powerful declaration of God’s presence and his plan for the Israelites. What does this verse tell us about God? This verse shows that God is actively involved in our lives – not just watching from afar, but actively working to protect and deliver us. It emphasizes that God has a plan for his people, and he's willing to take action to ensure their safety and well-being. Why is this important? This story is a key part of the narrative of the Israelites’ escape from Egypt and their journey into the Promised Land. It highlights God's faithfulness and his commitment to protecting his chosen people, even when faced with great challenges. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this story in a different way?