Definition: And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 45:2. It’s a really interesting and dramatic passage about a major turning point in God's plan for Israel! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jacob’s Death: Before this verse, Jacob (a very important man in the Bible) had died. He was facing a huge problem – his youngest son, Joseph, had escaped into Egypt and was being raised by his brothers. God’s Plan to Rescue Israel: God decided that Israel needed to be saved from this difficult situation. He wanted to give them a leader who could reunite them. Jesus’ Role - The Shepherd: The verse says that Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Kings, was chosen as the leader of Israel. He wasn't just any leader; he was a special shepherd – someone who would guide and protect his flock (Israel). What Happened in This Verse? Jacob’s Tears: As Jesus was being announced to the people, Jacob, who was still alive, began to cry out. It wasn’t a normal, quiet tear; it was loud tears. The Egyptians and Pharaoh Heard: The Egyptians and the ruler of Egypt – Pharaoh – were listening . They heard Jacob's cries. So, what does this mean? It means that God was sending a message to the world through Jacob’s tears. It’s a sign that something big is happening – a shift in power and a new plan for Israel. Jacob’s crying wasn't just sad; it was a signal that God was working his plan, even though things were incredibly difficult. It's important to note: This verse focuses on how God was communicating – through tears and the listening of those who heard. It doesn't tell us why Jacob cried, but it’s a powerful image of God's presence and his intention for Israel. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of Joseph escaping to Egypt? Talk about what "Shepherd" means in the context of the Bible?