Definition: And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 45:7. It's a really interesting and somewhat surprising passage! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: This verse tells us about a very dramatic situation in the beginning of the Bible – after Jesus’ death and resurrection. God is talking to Joseph, one of his chosen servants. Joseph is facing a huge challenge: He’s been appointed by God to lead the Israelites (a group of people who were enslaved) out of Egypt! What's Happening in Verse 7? God tells Joseph that he’s going to come and protect the Israelites. He says, “I am sending me before you…” This means he’s not just showing up – he’s actively guiding and helping them. He wants to ensure their survival and future. “Preserve you a posterity in the earth” – This is the key part! “Reproduction”: It refers to having children. “A posterity”: This means a continuation of the family line, or a group of people who will live on for generations. It’s about creating a lasting legacy. “In the earth”: This is a bit poetic – it's talking about the whole world and all of humanity. “Save your lives by a great deliverance” - This means God wants to protect them from disaster, hardship, or danger. It’s essentially saying that God is actively working to ensure their well-being through his actions. In simpler terms: God is sending someone special (Joseph) to help the Israelites survive and thrive for many generations in the world. He's not just showing up; he’s actively working to protect them from bad things and ensure they have a future. Why is this important? This story is a foundational one! It shows God's love, his plan for His people, and his willingness to intervene even in difficult times. It sets the stage for the rest of the Bible – it’s about God working through his chosen leaders and ultimately leading them to a fulfilling future. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the meaning of a specific part of this verse in more detail? Talk about the significance of Joseph's role in this story?