Definition: And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 10:24. It's a really powerful and dramatic passage from the Book of Judges in the Bible. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Joshua’s Army is Strong: Joshua was leading an army – a large group of soldiers – to conquer a city. King David’s Sons are Brought Forth: A group of King David's sons (specifically, the descendants of Saul) were brought out to meet Joshua. This was a significant event, marking a moment of power and authority. Joshua’s Command: Joshua then issued a specific instruction: “Come near… and put your feet upon the necks of these kings.” What Does It Mean? This verse is incredibly symbolic and has several layers of meaning: A Challenge to Power: Joshua was essentially telling the King David's sons to challenge their power. He wasn’t just asking them to be polite; he was demanding they take a bold, confrontational stance. Showing Respect (and Threat): The phrase "put your feet upon the necks of these kings" is key. It’s not about physical violence. Instead, it symbolizes a deliberate and forceful challenge to the King David's authority – to assert their dominance. A Warning: It’s a warning to the King David’s sons that they shouldn’t be complacent or arrogant. Joshua was trying to remind them that they were in a position of power and needed to act with responsibility and strength. Historical Context - It's Important! This verse is part of a larger pattern in the Book of Judges. It's often interpreted as a sign that the Israelites were facing a significant threat from the Philistines, who were growing stronger and challenging Israel’s control. This act of demanding respect was a way to demonstrate Israel’s strength and resolve. In short, Joshua 10:24 is a powerful statement about leadership, challenge, and the need for unwavering determination. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its significance in the context of the Book of Judges? Give you a more detailed explanation of a particular aspect (like the symbolic meaning)?