Definition: Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It's a really fascinating and somewhat unsettling one, and it’s packed with symbolism! Here’s an explanation in simple terms: What it means: This verse comes from the Book of Numbers, and it describes a very unusual situation involving Moses and his entire Israelite tribe – the twelve sons of Jacob (who later became the founders of the tribes of Israel). Basically, it says that they needed to be separated from each other in order to be completely wiped out. Let’s unpack it: “Numbers 16:21” : This is the specific verse we're focusing on. “…Separate yourselves from among this congregation…” : "Congregation" means a group of people – here, it refers to the entire Israelite tribe. “Among this congregation” means together . “…that I may consume them in a moment.” : This is where it gets really powerful. "Consume them" means to destroy them completely. “In a moment” emphasizes the urgency and scale of the plan. What does it mean in simpler terms? It’s essentially a very extreme strategy for Moses to eliminate the entire tribe of Israel. He was worried that if the tribes remained together, they would become too strong and eventually rebel against him. He wanted to create a situation where they would be completely vulnerable and easily defeated. The symbolism: This verse is rich with symbolism and represents several key ideas: Fear & Vulnerability: It highlights the idea that fear can lead to vulnerability – a weakened group is easier to attack. Divine Intervention: It shows that God is actively involved in protecting His people, even at great cost. Strategic Planning: It demonstrates a strategic mind – Moses wasn’t just reacting to a problem; he was proactively planning for a specific outcome. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a dramatic and somewhat frightening example of divine judgment. However, it's also seen as a powerful demonstration of God's care and protection. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from the Bible? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail? Explore the symbolism behind it?