Definition: And with him ten princes, of each chief house a prince throughout all the tribes of Israel; and each one [was] an head of the house of their fathers among the thousands of Israel.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 22:14. It’s a really important passage about leadership and obedience! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes how God chose leaders for the Israelites after the battle of Jericho. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “And with him ten princes…” : This refers to a group of people – ten men – who were chosen as leaders. These weren't just any ordinary soldiers; they were selected based on their importance and connection to the tribe of Israel. “…of each chief house a prince throughout all the tribes of Israel” : This is the key part. Each of these ten princes was given a very important position – a “Prince” – within a specific tribe of Israel. They were essentially the heads of that tribe’s families and communities. “…and each one [was] an head of the house of their fathers among the thousands of Israel.” : This is where it gets really significant. The ten princes weren't just in charge ; they held a special, almost regal status. They were considered to be the direct descendants of the oldest and most important leaders of the tribe. They represented the entire tribe and were responsible for ensuring the tribe’s well-being and loyalty to God. So, what was the point of this arrangement? The Bible says this system was put in place to ensure that the Israelites would obey God's commands and stay faithful to him. By having these leaders chosen and positioned with such authority, it was believed that they would act as a reminder of God’s presence and guidance. It was a way for God to show his favor and protect his people. In short, this verse describes a carefully structured system of leadership designed to ensure obedience and loyalty to God among the Israelites. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in a particular context (like the story of Joshua)?