Definition: And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 17:5. It's a really important passage about God’s power and a key moment in the story of the Israelites’ battle against the Philistines. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.” Let's unpack that: "And the LORD said unto Moses..." – This tells us God is actively involved and giving instructions. It’s not just a suggestion, it’s a command from a powerful being. "...Go on before the people..." – Moses was instructed to go ahead and lead the Israelites into battle. He wasn't just thinking about it; he needed to act . "...and take with thee of the elders of Israel..." - This means Moses should bring along all the leaders, warriors, and important figures from the tribe of Benjamin (the group that was most heavily attacked by the Philistines). It’s a symbolic representation of the entire Israelites. "...and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand..." – This is the really significant part. Moses had a magical rod (or staff) that could bend and break water. He was instructed to take this rod with him. He needed to be ready to use it as a symbol of God's power - to prove his strength. In essence, this verse is about God’s power and His plan to defeat the Philistines. It’s a declaration that God is going to win the battle because He is stronger than the enemy. It shows that God is in control and will use His power to overcome challenges. Why is this important? This event happened during a time of great anxiety for the Israelites. They were facing a huge threat, and God’s leadership was crucial to ensure their survival. This verse highlights God's sovereignty and gives us confidence that He can protect his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event from the Bible? Give you some historical context?