Definition: Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 34:23. It's a really significant and dramatic passage about God’s plan for the Israelites. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a major event – a sacrifice – that will happen to all the men of Israel. It’s essentially saying, “God wants to connect with you personally and demonstrate your devotion.” Let's unpack it word by word: “Exodus 34…” : This refers to a specific story in the Old Testament, specifically the Book of Exodus. “…all your men…” : This means every single man – all the Israelites, from the youngest to the oldest. It’s a massive statement! “…children appear before the Lord GOD…” : This is where it gets interesting. “Children” refers to leaders and important people . It's not just about ordinary men; it means every single man will present themselves before God. Think of it as a huge, public showing of their faith and commitment. “…the God of Israel.” : This is crucial . It’s saying that this isn’t just any god; it's the God of Israel – the nation that God chose to be his people. What does this verse mean in a bigger picture? Historically, this passage was interpreted as a sign that God was establishing a covenant with Israel. A covenant is a special agreement between two groups. This verse suggests God is making that agreement very visible and important. It’s like saying, “You are now part of my family.” Important Context: The Passover: This event happened before the Exodus. The Egyptians were controlling Israel, and the Israelites were enslaved. This verse is seen as a key step in God’s plan to deliver them from slavery. A Test of Faith: The reason these men are being called to present themselves before God is because they need to show their faith and commitment to follow God's laws. In short, "Exodus 34:23" is a powerful message about the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and showing your devotion to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an analogy that helps understand it better? Discuss its significance within the Old Testament story of the Exodus?