Definition: And now, behold, I go unto my people: come [therefore, and] I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Numbers 24:14. It's a pretty dramatic and unsettling part of the Book of Numbers. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a future judgment and a devastating consequence for Israel. Here’s what it means in plain language: “And now, behold…” : This immediately sets up a significant shift in perspective – we're looking at something that's going to happen soon . “…I go unto my people” : This is a symbolic phrase. “My people” refers to Israel, the nation God chose as his chosen people. It’s about a time of reckoning and judgment. “Come, I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.” : This is the core message: The people of Israel will become terrible and destructive. The verse promises a very harsh outcome for them. What does “the latter days” mean? It's a period of time – likely many years – following a specific event, which is not explicitly stated in the text but is implied to be a significant crisis or challenge that Israel faces. It’s essentially a time when they will become increasingly rebellious and fall into sin. The implication: The verse warns that God's judgment will come upon Israel if they don't repent (turn back to him) and change their ways. It's a warning about the dangers of disobedience and idolatry (worshiping other gods). In short, it’s a prophecy about a time of great trouble for Israel, with God ultimately punishing them for their sins. Important Note: This is a complex passage that has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. It's often seen as a reminder of the importance of obeying God and maintaining righteousness. --- To help me explain it even better to you , could you tell me: What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., Are you wondering about the context of the story, or what kind of punishment is being foretold?)