Definition: Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou [art] a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 33:3. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: God is setting aside a special, idyllic experience for the Israelites – a time of plenty and ease. He wants to observe them, not intervene in their lives. He’s deliberately choosing a place where they will be abundant with food (milk and honey) and comfortable, but he's keeping a safe distance to avoid overwhelming them. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Unto a land flowing with milk and honey…” – This paints a picture of a beautiful and prosperous place. It’s a paradise, a haven of abundance. Think of rolling hills, lush fields, clear rivers, and plenty of fruit trees. “…for I will not go up in the midst of thee…” - This is the key part. God isn't entering into their lives to help them or offer guidance. He’s staying at a distance, like watching over them from afar. It suggests he wants to observe and understand them without influencing their choices. “For thou [art] a stiffnecked people…” – This is the most important part for understanding the reason for his distance. “Stiffnecked” means lacking wisdom or prudence – they’re too focused on themselves, their own desires, and aren't thinking about the long-term consequences of their actions. They might be driven by pride or stubbornness. "...lest I consume thee in the way." - This is a warning. If God were to directly intervene – offer help, guidance, or even direct them to a specific path – he could easily become overwhelmed by their choices and potentially cause harm. He's saying that his presence would be a danger to them if they aren’t careful. Overall Meaning: God is setting aside this special experience for Israel as a test of their faith and their ability to grow in wisdom and obedience. He wants to observe them, guide them subtly, and protect them from themselves, without imposing his will or becoming overly involved. It's a strategic move to see if they’re ready for a significant journey – a journey that requires careful planning and understanding. Think of it like this: Imagine you're watching a child play in the park. You don’t want to interfere with their games, but you also want to ensure their safety. God is doing something similar – observing and guiding Israel without directly controlling them. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can answer? For example: Are you curious about its historical context? Would you like me to explain a particular aspect of the verse in more detail (like the symbolism)?