Definition: And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 21:15: “And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.” It’s a pretty strange and symbolic passage, but here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God sending a man and woman to create life on Earth. They wanted to protect this life from being destroyed by storms or bad weather. They used a container – a bottle – to hold the child, and they placed it under a bush as a safe place to be protected. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening: “The water was spent in the bottle…” : This refers to God providing rain for the fertile land. He's using the rain to nurture the plants and make them grow, which ultimately leads to life. “…and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.” : This is the key part. The woman, who was named Sarah, cast the child – meaning she gave it away, placed it under a bush, or sheltered it. It’s a symbolic act of protecting and preserving this new life. What does this verse teach us? This story is often interpreted as representing: God's Protection: God is actively safeguarding his creation from harm. New Life & Responsibility: By giving the child under a bush, God is entrusting it to be cared for and nurtured. It’s a sign that this new life has value and needs protection. Sacrifice & Trust: The woman's act of placing the child under a bush symbolizes a sacrifice – she was willing to give up something precious to protect it. Important Note: It’s important to remember this is a story , not a literal account of events. It’s a metaphor for God’s love and care for his creation. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the symbolism behind this particular passage? Provide context about the story of Genesis 21?