Definition: And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 48:21. It’s a pretty fascinating and complex passage about the future role of Jacob (later known as Israel). Here's a simple explanation: What it means in plain language: “Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Israel said…” : This is Joseph speaking. “…I die…” : This is a significant statement – he's about to die. It’s not a happy ending, but it’s a crucial part of the plan. "...but God shall be with you..." : This is where it gets interesting. God isn’t just existing for Joseph; He’s actively involved in his life. He’s promising to be present and support him. "...and bring you again unto the land of your fathers." : This is the key part! This means that God intends to bring Joseph back to a specific place – the land of Israel, where his family came from. It's a promise of reunion and restoration. What’s the Big Picture? This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Jacob (later known as Israel). It sets up a long chain of events that leads to the birth of the nation of Israel and ultimately, the establishment of the Jewish people. Why is it important? Jacob’s Destiny: This verse establishes that Jacob (Israel) would become a very important figure in history – the father of many nations. Divine Providence: It highlights God's plan for events to unfold according to His will, even through difficult and challenging times. He's working behind the scenes to bring about a specific outcome. In short, it’s a promise of a future reunion between Joseph and his family, guided by God’s presence. --- Do you have any other questions about this verse or would you like me to explain another part of Genesis 48? For example, we could talk about: The context of the verse within the larger story. Joseph's role in this passage. The significance of "the land of your fathers."