Definition: And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 6:12. It’s a pretty important passage about how God deals with people who are setting aside time for special rituals and offerings. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is choosing to pause and focus on a specific, holy period of time for his people. He’s making this pause deliberately because it’s important for him. This pause isn’t just about waiting; it’s about a significant, sacred act. Let's unpack the details: “Numbers 6:12” : This is the verse itself – it’s a specific event in the story of the Tabernacle in Israel. “He shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation…” : This means God is making a special, holy time for himself and his people. It's like setting aside a day or a period of time to focus on him. “…and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering:” This describes what they’re doing: They’re offering a lamb – a young sheep – as a "trespass offering." “Trespass” means something that goes against God’s rules, but this is a special kind of offering. “…but the days that were before shall be lost…” : This is the crucial part. The verse says that before this time of consecration, there are still days before it. However, because of what happened before , those days are gone – they’ve been lost or forgotten. “…because his separation was defiled.” This means that the act of setting aside this special time is tainted or corrupted. It's not a pure, holy moment; there's something wrong with it because of what came before. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to the idea that even good intentions can be marred by sin or wrongdoing. It’s a reminder that God’s plan and his relationship with us are perfect and complete. It’s about recognizing that we need to be mindful of our actions and make sure they align with His will. In essence, it's a warning against focusing on things that aren’t holy or right, and emphasizing the importance of staying focused on God’s purpose. Does this help you understand the verse better? Would you like me to: Explain another part of the story? Discuss the significance of the lamb as a symbol?