Definition: Forty years old [was] I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as [it was] in mine heart.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse together. It's a really interesting passage from the Book of Joshua! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us Joshua, a powerful leader, spent a long time observing and learning about the land God gave him after the Israelites left Mount Sinai. Let's break it down word by word: “Forty years old [was] I” : Joshua was 40 years old at the time he received this message. This is important because it establishes a significant period of time spent observing and learning. “…when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea…” : This tells us Joshua was sent by Moses, who was God’s chosen leader. “Kadeshbarnea” was a place in the Sinai Desert. "...to espy out the land" : “Espy” means to look and see. Joshua was traveling to see what the land looked like. “…and I brought him word again as [it was] in mine heart.” : This is a crucial part. Joshua wasn't just looking; he remembered and thought about what God had told him – the importance of this new land. He essentially carried that memory with him, and it was influencing his decision-making. So, putting it all together: Joshua spent 40 years traveling to see the land after Moses sent him. He wasn't just passively observing; he was carefully considering what God had said about this land and how it fit into God’s plan. It suggests a thoughtful period of preparation and reflection before making decisions. What does this verse tell us about Joshua? He was wise: He took the time to understand the situation. He was reflective: He remembered what God had taught him. He was prepared: His journey suggests he was thinking ahead and understanding the significance of the land. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?