Definition: And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long [are] ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 18:3. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about obedience and faith. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Joshua is telling the Israelites – who are facing a difficult situation – to move quickly and fully take possession of the land God gave them. He’s urging them to be diligent and not delay. Let's unpack it word by word: “And Joshua said unto…” - This sets up a conversation between Joshua and the Israelites. “…the LORD God of your fathers hath given you” – This is the key part. It means that the land God gave them was already theirs, but they weren't fully embracing it or working hard to claim it. It’s a reminder of what they had and what was their responsibility. “How long are ye slack to go…” – This is where the urgency comes in. "Slack" means to be slow or lazy. “Are ye slack?” Joshua is asking if the Israelites still haven't been working hard enough to claim the land. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to a crucial moment in the story of the Exodus and the beginning of the Israelites’ journey into the Promised Land. It highlights: Responsibility: Joshua is emphasizing that God gave them the land, and they have a responsibility to use it wisely and take it over. Faith & Obedience: It's not just about hard work; it's about faith – believing in God’s promises and trusting him to guide their actions. Joshua is asking if they are following God’s instructions, even when things are tough. In short, Joshua is urging the Israelites to be quick, energetic, and committed to claiming the land God has given them. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a related story or example from the Bible?