Definition: And stay ye not, [but] pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the LORD your God hath delivered them into your hand.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 10:19. It's a pretty powerful statement about God’s power and strategy. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is actively choosing to defeat the enemies of Israel. He’s not just letting them happen; he’s taking steps to stop them. He’s saying, “Don't let them stay where they are; actively pursue them and destroy them.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And stay ye not…” – This is a warning. It means don't become complacent or idle. Don’t just sit back and watch things happen. You need to be actively involved . “…but pursue after your enemies…” – This is the core of the message. God isn’t passively avoiding trouble; he’s actively going after the ones who are causing problems. "...and smite the hindmost of them…” – “Hindermost” means the strongest, most dangerous, or the most significant enemy. “Smite” means to defeat or destroy with a forceful blow. This implies a deliberate and determined effort to eliminate these threats. "...suffer them not to enter into their cities:" – This is crucial. God isn't just trying to kill them; he’s protecting Israel by preventing them from settling in or establishing themselves in their lands. “…for the LORD your God hath delivered them into your hand.” – This emphasizes who is doing this. God has already shown himself powerful enough to defeat these enemies. He's giving you the opportunity to take action and win. In a nutshell: God is using military force (represented by pursuing and destroying the enemy) to protect Israel and prevent them from becoming a threat. It’s a call to actively defend our nation and to be determined in our victory. Important Note: This verse comes from a time of intense conflict, during the conquest of Canaan. It's a reminder that God is always working to protect his people and to ensure their safety. --- Do you want me to: Explain it further with an analogy? Discuss its significance in a particular historical context (like the Israelite conquest)?