Definition: Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 11:12. It's a really powerful and dramatic passage about a massive plague affecting Israel. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is incredibly upset with the Israelites because they’ve been disobeying him and choosing to live in a way that’s harmful to him. He's saying he’s seen everything – every single person born from their families – and that he’s essentially “begotten” them, meaning he’s created them. He’s framing it like a father protecting his child, but with a very serious consequence. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Have I conceived all this people?” - This is a huge question! It means God has seen every single person born under the Jewish flag – from the first person to the last. He's saying he's witnessed the entire history of their lineage. “have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?” - This is where it gets really striking. He’s comparing this to how a mother nurtures her child. “Carry them in thy bosom”: He's saying he's seen every single person and is holding them close, like he's protecting them. “as a nursing father beareth the sucking child”: This is the key analogy. It’s comparing the Israelites to babies being held in a mother’s arms. The “sucking child” represents their lives – they are vulnerable and dependent on him. He's saying he’s protecting them just as a parent protects their offspring. “unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers”: This is the most important part. He's saying that he has seen every single person and is essentially “planting” them in the future, giving them a future where they will be a part of his nation. He’s saying he’s shaping their destiny and placing them under his control – as if they are being born to be part of his plan for the future. Overall Meaning: God is incredibly angry with the Israelites because they've become disconnected from him and have been choosing a life that brings him sorrow. He sees everything, including every single person born to them, and he’s using this imagery to show that he has a powerful and controlling plan for their future. Important Note: This passage is very symbolic and emphasizes God’s sovereignty over creation. It's not meant to be a literal story of birth but rather a powerful message about responsibility and obedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the symbolism behind it (e.g., the plague)? Explore its connection to other parts of the Bible?