Definition: And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 20:4. It’s a pretty dramatic passage about how God chooses who to stay behind during a battle. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, God is choosing someone to stay and help rebuild or continue the work after the battle. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts: “And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate…” – This describes someone who runs away from the fighting. It's a person who chooses to leave the battlefield. “…and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city…” - The fleeing person has to speak up and explain why they’re leaving. They need to tell the people of the city what’s happening – perhaps they have a reason for being there, or they're worried about something. “…they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place…” - The elders (leaders) of that city will welcome this person and give them a safe place to live within their community. What’s the bigger picture? This verse is about God's judgment and a shift in power. After a difficult battle, God wants to ensure that someone remains to help rebuild or continue what was started. It shows that He’s involved and actively working to protect his people. It’s a bit of an unusual situation – the fleeing person is treated with respect and given a place. It's not just about being left alone; it’s about being valued and included within the community. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in a broader context (like the story of Joshua)? Give you some examples of how this principle might be applied today?