Definition: And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 20:20. It’s a really important part of understanding how God works with us. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God isn't just present – He’s actively testing us. He’s showing us that He cares about our behavior and wants to help us grow closer to Him. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And Moses said unto the people…” - This tells us this is a message from Moses, who was leading the Israelites out of Egypt. He’s speaking to them. “…Fear not: for God is come to prove you…” – Fear not means don't be worried or anxious. The key word here is "come." It suggests that God isn't just there ; He’s actively moving in and showing Himself. This is about a significant shift in the relationship between God and humanity. “…and that his fear may be before your faces…” – “His fear” refers to God’s own feelings - His concern, judgment, and perhaps even a little bit of disappointment. He's showing us that He's watching us because He cares deeply about our choices. “Before your faces” means he wants us to see it – to feel the impact of his judgment. “…that ye sin not.” - This is the core message: God isn’t just judging, but also prompting us to be mindful and avoid wrongdoing. He’s gently reminding us that we have a choice to follow His will. In a nutshell: God is testing us with challenges because He wants to help us grow in righteousness and obedience. He's not angry; He’s showing us the consequences of our choices, encouraging us to be honest with ourselves and make good decisions. Why is this important? This verse speaks to a fundamental truth: God loves us and wants to guide us. It’s a reminder that we are accountable for our actions and that genuine faith involves being open to His judgment and seeking to live in accordance with His will. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse further, or perhaps explore its connection to other biblical passages? For example, would you like to know: What does "sin" mean in the context of this verse? How does this verse relate to the story of Adam and Eve?