Definition: Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, [in] the field of Zoan.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 78:12. It’s a really beautiful and slightly mysterious passage about time and how God feels about things happening long ago. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God feeling wonder and peace when he looks back on events that happened thousands of years ago, specifically in the land of Egypt. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers…” – This is a big one! “Marvellous” means astonishing or wonderful. It suggests something beyond what anyone expected. "Their fathers" refers to the people who lived in Egypt at that time. “…in the land of Egypt…” – This places the event in a specific place - Egypt, a very important and powerful nation at the time. “[in] the field of Zoan.” – This is where it gets interesting. "Zoan" was an ancient Egyptian word that likely meant “the fields” or “the land”. So, it’s describing a specific place within Egypt's vast agricultural lands. Putting it all together: God is saying, “I saw things amazing happen in Egypt thousands of years ago – things I couldn't have imagined at the time.” It wasn’t just any event; it was a significant moment that shaped Egyptian history and culture. The Significance (and what it suggests): This verse speaks to a sense of eternal perspective for God. It reminds us that even though events happen in the present, they are part of a larger story stretching back long before us. It also shows that God is aware of everything that has happened and will happen, and perhaps feels a little comforted by it. Overall: This verse isn't about what happened, but rather how God felt when he witnessed those events. It’s a moment of awe and remembrance, highlighting God’s timeless presence in history. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse further? For example, we could discuss: The context of the Psalm (which event is being described?) The meaning of "Zoan" - what was it like? How this relates to our understanding of time and history?