Definition: Since those [days] were, when [one] came to an heap of twenty [measures], there were [but] ten: when [one] came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty [vessels] out of the press, there were [but] twenty.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Haggai 2:16. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Book of Haggai. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Imagine God is working to build a magnificent temple in Jerusalem – a place for worship and connection with him. God has given instructions to build it, but there's a specific task he wants to complete. “Since those days…” : This tells us this is happening after the construction of the first partially built temple. “…when [one] came to an heap of twenty measures…” : A “measure” was a standard unit of measurement back then – likely something like a large, round container. God gave them 20 containers to fill with specific materials. “There were [but] ten…” : This means only ten of those containers were filled completely. “…when [one] came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty vessels out of the press…” : Now, this is where it gets interesting! God instructs them to draw out (like pouring) the contents of these 10 containers. He wants to use the liquid inside to make something special – 50 vessels. Think of them as empty jars or containers ready for a specific purpose. “There were [but] twenty.” : Finally, after this process, there were only twenty vessels remaining. Putting it All Together - The Message: The verse essentially says that God is giving instructions to fill 20 containers with something valuable (the liquid inside). But, due to a mistake or oversight, only 20 vessels are actually filled. This seems like a significant problem – it's not quite enough to complete the task. It’s a reminder of the importance of accuracy and careful attention to detail. What does this tell us about God? He’s watching closely: The verse shows that God is intensely focused on this task and isn’t just passively letting things happen. He's testing us: It suggests that there might be a challenge or something that needs to be addressed, even though the initial plan seems complete. In short, it describes a careful process of filling containers with liquid, but with a slight error – only 20 vessels were actually completed. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Haggai 2:16? Discuss the historical context (when was this likely happening)? Relate it to a modern-day principle?