Definition: Send therefore now, [and] gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; [for upon] every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 9:19. It's a really powerful and dramatic passage about God’s judgment on a nation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is sending a terrible storm – a “hail” – to destroy all the livestock (animals) and people that are not safely brought home to their homes. It’s a very forceful way of saying, "You need to leave now!" Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Exodus 9:19 Send therefore now…" : This tells us God is taking action – he’s initiating this judgment now . It’s not something that happens gradually; it’s a direct command. “…and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field…” : This means everyone – their livestock (sheep, cows, etc.) and people – needs to quickly leave their homes and fields. It's a very urgent instruction. “For upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them…” : This is the core of the message. The “hail” (a storm of destruction) will automatically fall on anything that isn't safely carried back to its place. It’s a direct consequence of failing to follow God’s instructions. “…and they shall die.” : This is the most devastating part – it means those who don’t leave their homes and fields will perish. What does this verse mean in a bigger picture? God's Sovereignty: This verse shows that God is in control of everything, and he doesn’t tolerate disobedience or failing to follow his commands. Responsibility: It emphasizes our responsibility to obey God’s instructions and to protect ourselves and others from harm. It’s a warning about the consequences of straying from the path. Judgment & Consequences: It speaks to a larger theme of judgment – that God will punish those who choose to ignore him or disobey his rules. Important Note: This is a very Old Testament passage, and it’s often interpreted as a symbolic representation of a time when humanity was prone to wandering and being lost. It's a stark reminder of the importance of staying on the right path. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to other stories or teachings in the Bible? Discuss its symbolism?