Definition: Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked [thee] yesternight.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 31:42 together. It's a really interesting passage that speaks about a young man named Joseph. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Joseph is in Trouble: This verse tells us about a young man named Joseph, who was tricked by his jealous brothers. They stole him into Egypt and ran away. God's Protection: The key here is that God wasn’t involved in Joseph’s situation. It wasn't a direct act of intervention. Instead, God was watching over him and protecting him. Joseph Needs Help: God saw that Joseph was suffering – he was in a difficult and challenging situation. He knew Joseph needed help to get out of Egypt. The Problem: The brothers tried to trick Joseph into doing something they wanted, but God intervened. He made it so that Joseph would be left empty – meaning he would be lost and without anything. What the Verse Says - A More Detailed Explanation: “Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty.” “God of my father…” : This refers to Joseph’s father, who was a man named Jacob. “…the God of Abraham…” : This is important – it means Joseph’s father was considered a special and holy person because he was connected to the people of Israel through his son Isaac. "...and the fear of Isaac..." : This refers to Joseph's ancestor, Isaac, who was an important figure in Jewish tradition. He was known for his faith and obedience. The Core Message: This verse is a powerful expression of God’s love and protection. It highlights that even when things seem hopeless or difficult , God is always watching over us and offering help. God's presence – His power and guidance – were the things that kept Joseph safe. In short, it’s a story about divine providence and God's unwavering care for his people. --- Do you want to explore any of these aspects in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of the brothers’ actions? Discuss what this verse might teach us about faith and trust?