Definition: Therefore now go, lead the people unto [the place] of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Exodus 32:34. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s judgment on the Israelites after they disobeyed him. It speaks of a future visit from God, and a devastating consequence that will follow. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Therefore now go, lead the people unto [the place] of which I have spoken unto thee:” This part is telling us where God wants to take them. He’s giving them a specific location – a place he’s promised to guide them to. “Lead the people” means to bring them there. “Behold, mine Angel shall go before thee:” This is a metaphor for God's presence and protection. "My Angel" refers to God himself. He’s sending his angel to protect and guide them. “Nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.” This is the crucial part – it’s about a future event. It means that when God visits , he’ll also punish those who disobeyed him. “Their sin” refers to all the sins they committed while disobeying his commands. It's like saying, "When God comes back, he will be looking for and punishing any further wrongdoings." Overall Meaning: God is going to send his angel to lead the Israelites to a specific place. He’s warning them that if they continue to disobey him, there will be a terrible consequence – punishment for their sins, which will be revealed when God finally returns. Why is this verse significant? It's one of the oldest and most debated passages in the Bible. It speaks to themes of divine judgment, obedience, and the consequences of sin. It’s often interpreted as a foreshadowing of events leading up to the Exodus story – God’s parting from his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to another Bible passage? Discuss its symbolism or meaning?