Definition: Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 32:12. It's a really important passage about God’s judgment and a shift in perspective. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is dealing with the Israelites (the people he had made a covenant with) who are being restless and unhappy. They’re complaining that they’re being treated unfairly, and they're demanding something more – a way to fight against their oppressors. What Happened Next: 1. A Miracle: God decides to part the Red Sea so the Israelites can cross it safely. This is a huge deal – it shows his power and control. 2. The Problem Arises: The Israelites, feeling like they’re being treated unfairly, demand that Egypt (their enemy) do something terrible against them. They want to kill them in the mountains! 3. God's Response: God is furious. He sends Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. Now, the Verse's Message – What’s Being Said? The verse essentially says: “You are being cruel and vengeful. You need to stop this behavior. You’re causing harm and suffering to your own people.” What it Means in a Broader Sense: God’s Perspective: God is seeing the Israelites' actions as a violation of his trust and his promises. He wants to protect them, not cause them pain. A Call to Repentance: It’s asking for forgiveness and turning away from this wrong doing. The phrase "repent of this evil against thy people" means that God is calling the Israelites to change their ways and stop causing harm. In short, it's a warning about being too harsh and demanding, and urging them to show mercy and respect. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme or story in the Bible? Give you some examples of how people might react to this message?