Definition: And the tale of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them; ye shall not diminish [ought] thereof: for they [be] idle; therefore they cry, saying, Let us go [and] sacrifice to our God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 5:8. It’s a really interesting and slightly unsettling passage about the Israelites’ construction of the Tabernacle. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The Israelites were building a special shelter for God – the Tabernacle – in Egypt. They were tasked with building it, and they started by laying bricks. But these bricks weren’t just lying around; they were idle . They didn't have a specific purpose. What’s Happening? The Israelites are saying, "Let’s go and sacrifice to our God! Let’s build this thing for him!" But they’re not building it well . They’re just piling the bricks up without a plan or a reason. It's like they’re doing nothing productive with their time. The Meaning – It’s About Lack of Purpose: This verse is really about a lack of focus and direction. The Israelites are feeling restless and unproductive. They want to do something important, but they aren't doing anything meaningful. They’re wasting their time. Why does this happen? The Bible suggests it was because they were focused on their own desires rather than God’s will. It points to a deeper issue – a lack of spiritual focus and purpose. In short, the verse is saying: “Don't just pile bricks! Build something with a clear goal and purpose!” --- To help me explain it even better, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this passage? (Are you curious about its historical context, or its message about productivity?)