Definition: And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they [are set] on mischief.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Exodus 32:22. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage about trust and responsibility! Here’s a simplified explanation: What it Means: This verse is saying that Aaron, one of God’s leaders in the Israelite nation, is worried that his people – the Israelites – are becoming too mischievous or prone to trouble. He's expressing concern because they’re acting in ways that might upset God and bring him down on them. Let’s unpack it further: “And Aaron said…” : This tells us we’re talking about a specific moment, likely after the Israelites had been given a special covenant – a promise from God. “…Let not the anger of my lord wax hot…” : This is the key part. "Anger" here means irritation , fury , or great displeasure . It’s a feeling that could escalate into something negative. “Wax hot” suggests it's growing and intensifying. "...Thou knowest the people, that they [are] set…” : This is where the worry comes in. "Knowest" means to be aware of something. The phrase “that they are set” is a bit tricky – it means they’re acting or being involved in mischief. It suggests they've gone beyond just being slightly rebellious. "...on mischief." : This is the core message. Aaron is worried that these people are engaging in foolish, disruptive, and potentially harmful behavior. What does this tell us about God’s perspective? This verse shows that God is watching over his people and is concerned with their actions. It's a reminder that: God sees everything: He knows the Israelites’ intentions, even if they aren't always perfectly aligned with what he wants. He has control: God isn’t just passively observing; he’s actively involved in guiding and protecting his people. Responsibility: Aaron is highlighting a responsibility – the people are entrusted to God, and it’s important for them to be trustworthy and righteous. In short, this verse is a warning that people can become too rebellious or mischievous, and it's up to God to maintain order and protect his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a larger story or theme in the Bible?