Definition: For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for [as for] this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 32:23. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes after Moses leads the Israelites out of Egypt. After they escape, Pharaoh refuses to let them pass through his land. God decides to intervene and sends Moses to lead them into a valley where he will receive the Ten Commandments. As Moses is leading the people, the Egyptian magicians – who were trying to trick them – say to Moses, "Make us gods! Let us go before you, so that you can go ahead of us." What it Means in Plain Language: “For they said unto me…” : This means the Egyptians were deliberately trying to manipulate Moses. They were asking him to become gods – to have divine powers and authority. “…make us gods…” : They weren't just asking for a powerful leader; they wanted to create a god-like figure, like a king or ruler, who would be with them. “which shall go before us” : They were proposing that Moses lead them into the valley, essentially making him their guide and leader. “…for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt…” : This is a crucial detail – Moses was already a special person – a deliverer who had led his people to freedom from slavery. He’d already been a significant figure. What it Implies: The verse suggests a deep level of deception and manipulation by the Egyptians. They weren't just asking for a leader; they were attempting to replace Moses with a god-like figure, which was a huge deal in their worldview at the time. It highlights a moment of profound betrayal and a struggle against forces that sought to control people. Why it’s significant: This passage is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of idolatry – worshipping false gods instead of God. It shows how powerful and deceptive those who oppose faith can be. --- In short, this verse recounts a moment where Egyptians tried to usurp Moses' leadership by asking him to become a god. It’s a story about deception, betrayal, and the importance of trusting in God. Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse – perhaps its historical context or its theological significance?