Definition: And Abimelech charged all [his] people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Genesis 26:11. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious story about God and a man named Abimelech. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: Abimelech is a man who was very curious. He was exploring the land of Canaan (modern-day Israel) and he kept asking God questions. God tells him to stay with him for a while. God says, “Go and live in my house, and be my servant.” Then, God tells him to find a woman named Naomi. This is a crucial part – God wants to establish a relationship between Him and a human being. God instructs Abimelech to never touch Naomi. He says, "He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death." What it Means - A Bit More Deeply: This verse is a very direct command from God to protect His people. Here's what we can infer: God’s Concern for His People: The story of Genesis 26 shows that God isn’t just interested in building a relationship with humans – He has a deep concern for the safety and well-being of His chosen people. Fear of Danger: The verse highlights God's awareness of potential danger – potentially, someone might be tempted to betray or harm Naomi. Protection through a Covenant: The command is essentially a covenant (a promise) between God and Abimelech. It’s a guarantee that God will protect Naomi and her family from harm. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a very serious warning about the dangers of disobedience and betrayal, but it's also a powerful expression of God's love and protection. In short, this passage tells us that God has a strong protective instinct towards people He chooses to be with, and he will take swift action against anyone who might endanger them. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Genesis 26? Discuss the significance of the story in a broader context (like the creation story)? Give you some deeper insights into the meaning behind this specific passage?