Definition: But he said, Ye [are] idle, [ye are] idle: therefore ye say, Let us go [and] do sacrifice to the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 5:17. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious passage about God’s plan for the Israelites. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling the Israelites – specifically, Moses – that they need to stop being lazy and unproductive. He’s saying they need to do something – sacrifice to God – as a way to show their devotion and obedience. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But he said…” : This is a command from God, a direct instruction for Moses. “…Ye [are] idle, [ye are] idle:” This means they’ve been doing nothing – just sitting around and not contributing to the task. It's emphasizing that they're not working hard or being productive. "...therefore ye say, Let us go [and] do sacrifice to the LORD.” : This is the crucial part. God is telling them to go and perform a specific ritual – sacrificing animals to show their faith and devotion to Him. The word "go" implies action – they need to travel and participate in this activity. What's the Big Picture? This verse speaks to the beginning of the Israelites’ journey as a nation. It's about establishing a relationship with God through service and worship. Sacrifices were a way for the people to offer their devotion and gratitude to God, showing that they understood and believed in His will. Important Note: The exact meaning and context of this verse have been debated by scholars over time. It’s likely that it's a symbolic instruction, reflecting the importance of obedience and dedicated service within the Israelites' lives. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (e.g., Are you curious about its historical context? Do you want a more detailed explanation of the symbolism?)