Definition: For the LORD our God, he [it is] that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 24:17. It's a really significant and comforting passage about God’s faithfulness. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God has been working through history to help us reach our present situation. It’s like a story of rescue and deliverance. Let's unpack the parts: “For the LORD our God…” : This immediately tells us we're talking about God, the ultimate source of all things. “…he [it is] brought us up…” : This refers to a time when our ancestors were in a very difficult and vulnerable position – living in a land that was clearly not safe or comfortable for them. They were "brought up" from a place of hardship. "...and our fathers out of the land of Egypt..." : This is a crucial part. It says God brought our ancestors out of Egypt. Egypt was a powerful and oppressive nation, and it was a place where people were enslaved and lived under difficult conditions. "...from the house of bondage…” : This highlights that they weren’t free; they were in a situation of being held captive or restricted. "...and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went..." : This is where it gets really powerful. God watched and did things – He worked through history to help them survive. It’s like saying that God was actively intervening to protect them. “Great signs” means significant events happened – they were amazed by God's power. "Preserved us in all the way wherein we went" – This means that God kept them safe and moved them forward, guiding them through difficult times. Overall Meaning: The verse is a reminder that God isn’t just interested in us as individuals; He has a plan for our entire lineage. He's been working to protect and guide us throughout history, leading us from a desperate situation to where we are today. It emphasizes His faithfulness, sovereignty, and the hope of future blessings. In short, it’s a statement of God’s ongoing care and protection for his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in history? Discuss its theological significance (e.g., promises, hope)?