Definition: And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou [art] our sister, be thou [the mother] of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 24:60. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage about God’s plan for family and future generations! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is looking ahead to the future and wants to create a strong, lasting family line. He’s giving Rebekah a special role – she’ll be the mother of all people who hate her family. Let’s break it down word by word: “And they blessed Rebekah…” : This tells us that people are celebrating and praising God for Rebekah. She's being recognized as important. “…and said unto her, Thou [are] our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions…” : This is the really big part. God says to Rebekah, “You are our sister.” He’s calling her a sibling and suggesting she will become incredibly important. He’s saying she will have a massive influence – "thousands of millions" - in the future. “and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.” : This is where it gets even more symbolic. God wants to create a family that doesn't spread hatred. He wants to ensure that people who dislike her family won’t be able to prosper. He wants this family to have power and influence, but also to be a source of peace and prosperity. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as: God's plan for a lasting legacy: It suggests that God has a vision of a future where his children will grow strong and create a powerful, positive influence on the world. The importance of family: It highlights the significance of family relationships – they’re meant to be strong and supportive, even in the face of challenges. Hope for the future: It’s a hopeful statement about God's ability to shape events and create a better world. In short, it’s a beautiful verse that speaks to God's desire for a thriving family line that brings peace and prosperity. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance in the context of the story of Genesis 24?