Definition: And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that [there was] no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 2:12. It’s a really significant story about God’s power and strategy. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: God is Watching: The verse starts with God looking around and observing the situation. No One There: He notices that there was no man in Egypt. This is a big deal because Egyptians were the dominant power at the time, and they controlled most of the land and people. Killing the Egyptian: God decides to act – he decides to kill an Egyptian worker. Hiding the Body: He then takes the body and hides it in the sand. What It Means on a Deeper Level (Simplified): God's Sovereignty: This verse shows that God is in control of everything, even when things seem chaotic or difficult. He doesn’t need human help; he can do what needs to be done. Divine Justice: It speaks to God’s justice – He’s righting a wrong. The Egyptians were powerful and controlling, and God is punishing them for their oppression. God's Plan: This act wasn't just about killing someone. It was part of a larger plan to free the Israelites (the people God chose to lead). It's a step towards establishing Israel as a nation. Important Note: The exact details are somewhat symbolic and poetic. The “sand” represents the vastness of the desert, and the Egyptian worker is being hidden from view. It’s meant to be a powerful image that conveys God’s power and his plan for liberation. Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this passage? For example, would you like to know: Why this story was important in the Old Testament? What does it symbolize about God's relationship with humanity?