Definition: And he will be a wild man; his hand [will be] against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 16:12. It’s a really significant passage about God’s plan for the future and how He will work through His people. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: God is going to be completely active and powerful in bringing about a new creation – a whole new world – and He intends to dominate that world with His own will. Think of it as a very deliberate, forceful, and dominating presence. Let’s look at the parts: “And he will be a wild man…” : This is a metaphorical way of saying God will be incredibly powerful and unrestrained. He won't be controlled by anything – no laws, no rules, just his own will in action. It suggests a sense of raw, untamed power. “…his hand [will be] against every man…” : This is the key part. “His hand” refers to God’s power and influence. It means He will actively oppose, challenge, and possibly even crush all humanity – everyone on Earth. It's not just about being present ; it’s about actively fighting against them. “…and every man’s hand against him…” : This reinforces the idea of God’s overwhelming power. It means He will also actively oppose and challenge each individual human. “And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.” : This is where it gets really interesting. “Brothers” refers to God's people – those who have faith in Him. He’ll be present with them, meaning He will be near them, actively observing and interacting with them. This signifies a time of intense focus and purpose as He works to establish His kingdom. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse describes God’s active involvement in the creation of a new world. It speaks to a period of intense divine activity – a time when He will be focused on bringing about something truly significant, and that includes actively battling against humanity's existence. It’s a powerful image of God’s sovereignty and His plan for the future. Context & Why it Matters: This passage is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of events in the Old Testament, particularly the rise of Israel and their eventual conquest of Canaan (the Promised Land). It symbolizes God's ultimate victory over evil and establishes the foundation for the establishment of the Kingdom of God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event from the Bible? Discuss what this passage might symbolize in a broader context?