Definition: Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 5:7. It's a really important part of God’s plan to free the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is telling Moses (and the Israelites) to stop them from giving the people straw to make bricks. This was happening before, and it's a serious warning. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick…” : This refers back to the time when the Egyptians were building pyramids and other massive structures. They were using straw as a makeshift material to build bricks. "...as heretofore:" : This means before this point. It’s a reminder of what happened before. “Let them go and gather straw for themselves.” : This is the key instruction. God is giving the people permission to collect more straw. What does it mean practically? It's a command to stop the practice of using straw to make bricks. It’s essentially saying, "Don’t use this as a way to continue working on your structures." Why is this important in God’s plan? This verse is crucial because it represents a significant turning point in God's plan to liberate the Israelites from slavery. It shows that God is actively intervening and controlling their situation, moving them toward freedom. It signifies a shift from a passive state of dependence to an active pursuit of liberation. Overall Significance: This verse highlights God’s sovereignty and His deliberate control over events. It's about a change in strategy – from relying on human labor to relying solely on God’s help. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the story of Exodus 5? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage?