Definition: And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without [doing] any thing [else], go through on my feet.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 20:19. It’s a really important passage about hospitality and boundaries! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about the Israelites being incredibly hospitable to Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler, and his family. They were essentially saying, “We’ll stay here, drink from your water, and we’ll pay for it, but we won’t do anything else .” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the children of Israel said unto him…” – This sets the scene. The Israelites are complaining and demanding something from Pharaoh. “…we will go by the high way…” - They were suggesting a direct route to his palace, which was a significant distance away. They wanted to be close to him. “…and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without [doing] any thing [else], go through on my feet.” – This is the core of the verse. It’s a very strict demand. Let's break this down further: “I and my cattle”: This refers to all the Israelites. “…without doing any thing [else]” : This is the crucial part. They are demanding that they stop all other activities while they’re there. No visiting, no trading, no speaking, no anything else. “go through on my feet”: This is a really strong statement – it means they must completely and without fail follow his instructions. They are obligated to obey every single command he gives them. What’s the point of this verse? This verse highlights several important themes in the Bible: Respect for Authority: It shows that God expects respect for those in positions of power, even when they are difficult or demanding. Boundaries & Obedience: It emphasizes the importance of obeying rules and boundaries set by authority figures. It's a reminder that sometimes, you need to adhere to specific guidelines to maintain order and peace. The Importance of Hospitality: It demonstrates how hospitality can be a significant expression of respect and loyalty. In short, this verse is a powerful example of divine expectation – that people should honor authority with unwavering obedience. --- Do you want me to elaborate on any part of this explanation? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this passage in the Old Testament? Discuss the significance of the "high way" portion?