Definition: And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 24:23. It’s a really powerful and sobering part of the story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of profound despair and realization when Moses is looking at the future – a future where the Israelites will be utterly lost without God. He’s realizing that everything they’ve worked for, everything they’ve achieved, is going to disappear if God doesn't intervene. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Numbers 24:23” : This refers to a specific moment in the story of the Israelites escaping Egypt. It’s a key part of how God chose to deliver them. “And he took up his parable…” : Moses is speaking – essentially telling a story. “Parable” means a story that uses a human example to illustrate a point. “…and said, Alas…” : This is a feeling of deep sadness and regret. It’s not just a frustrated statement; it's a lament for what might happen. “Did he do this!” : This is the crucial part. Moses is asking: “What will happen when God does this?” What "this" refers to: The phrase "this" is key because it’s a massive, almost unimaginable future. It's not about a single event, but a complete and utter loss of everything they’ve built – their freedom, their identity, their hope – all due to God's absence. Why was this verse important? It highlights God's Sovereignty: The verse emphasizes that God is ultimately in control. He has the power to intervene and save his people, but it’s his choice to do so. It underscores the importance of faith: It reminds us that our reliance on God is essential – we can’t rely on ourselves to survive if God isn’t involved. In essence, this verse speaks to the profound reality that without God's intervention, everything we cherish and achieve will be lost. --- Do you want me to: Explain it further with a bit more context? Discuss the symbolism behind the story? Compare it to another biblical passage about hope or judgment?