Definition: And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 21:20. It's a really interesting story about God working with Adam! Here’s what it means, explained simply: Basically, God gave Adam a special gift – the ability to shoot an arrow. Let’s unpack it further: “And God was with the lad…” : This tells us that God wasn't just watching Adam; He was actively involved in him. It shows that God is present and supportive. “…and he grew…” : Adam started out a bit awkward, maybe even a little clumsy. But God helped him develop and become stronger. “And he dwelt in the wilderness…” : He wasn’t living comfortably in a palace or city. Instead, he chose to live alone in a wild, remote place – a forest. This is often called "the Garden of Eden." “…and became an archer.” : This is the key part! God gave Adam the ability to shoot an arrow. It wasn’t just a random gift; it was specifically designed for him. He could use this skill to hunt and survive. So, what's the big picture? This story shows several important things: God’s Love and Provision: God provides for his creation. He doesn’t just create everything; He actively helps us develop and thrive. A Gift of Skill: God gives us special skills – like archery – to help us survive and connect with the world around us. Responsibility & Purpose: This story also suggests that we are given a purpose, whether it's through our work or our abilities. Does this verse tell us anything about Adam’s role in the story of humanity? Absolutely! It's often interpreted as the beginning of Adam's relationship with God and his role as the first human. It’s a foundational moment where God starts to actively influence and guide him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Genesis 21? Discuss what this story might symbolize in a broader context of the Bible?