Definition: And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 15:9. It’s a really important passage about God’s plan for establishing His relationship with humanity! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is setting up a system to communicate with and connect with Jesus. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he said unto him…” : This is just a way of saying “God” is speaking. “…Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” : This describes specific animals that God wants to provide for a special purpose. Let's look at each one: Heifer: A young male sheep – it’s a symbol of sacrifice and offering. She Goat: A female sheep - representing purity and devotion. Ram: A young goat - symbolizing a strong, enduring relationship. Turdledove: A small dove - representing peace and communication. Young Pigeon: A small bird – symbolizing messengers. The Purpose: God is saying, “Okay, I want to establish a connection with you, humanity, through these animals. I need to understand your needs, your desires, and your intentions.” Why is this important? This story shows that God wants a personal relationship with us. It’s a foundational part of the plan He has for bringing about the Messiah – Jesus Christ. It's about establishing a covenant (a promise) between God and humanity. In short, it's a symbolic way for God to begin building a relationship with us, starting with a demonstration of His power and purpose. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Compare this verse to another passage in the Bible?