Definition: And said unto them, Ye have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 22:2. It’s a pretty significant passage about obedience and consequences. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying: “Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, told his people to follow all the instructions Moses gave him. And he made sure they did exactly what he said.” Let’s unpack it a bit more: Joshua: He was in charge of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land after a long and difficult journey. Moses the servant of the LORD: This refers to Moses, one of the most important figures in the Old Testament – he led the Israelites out of Egypt and gave them the Law. “Servant of the LORD” means he was a trusted follower of God. Commanded you: Joshua is telling his people that Moses gave him specific instructions - rules and laws to follow. Obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you: This is the crucial part. Joshua is saying, “You’ve been following my instructions, and you’ve been doing exactly what I said.” What's the implication? This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands. It highlights that obeying God’s will is vital for success and a good life. It suggests there might be consequences if people don't follow instructions, even those from someone like Moses. In short, it's a reminder that following God's word is essential. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the story of Joshua and Moses?

Definition: Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 22:20. It’s a really important and complex passage about a serious situation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Achan was a young man. He lived in a village called Zerah. He was involved in a big problem: He brought a strange, precious metal – likely gold – to the temple of Yahweh (God). This was a significant religious act. He committed a terrible sin: He stole the metal! It’s described as a “trespass” – meaning it was a violation of God's rules and laws. The Temple Was Damaged: The temple itself was damaged by the theft. Wrath Falls Upon Everyone: This is the key part. Everyone in the village, including the priests and leaders, were outraged and furious. They felt deeply betrayed and attacked Achan. What Happened Next? Achan Perished Alone: Instead of being killed by the angry crowd, Achan died alone . This is a crucial detail – it shows that his death wasn't caused by a single violent act but was a consequence of the entire community’s wrath. It's like he died peacefully and without causing further harm. What Does It Mean? This verse is about the consequences of pride and transgression. It highlights several important points: Pride Can Lead to Serious Consequences: Achan’s pride in his possession of the metal was a major problem. It shows that excessive pride can lead people to do wrong. The Importance of Obedience: The verse underscores the importance of following God's laws and commandments. When people act out of selfishness or arrogance, they risk facing severe punishment. God’s Justice: It also speaks to God's justice – He doesn’t simply punish individuals; He punishes those who disregard His law. In a nutshell, this verse is a story about the dangers of pride and the consequences when people act against God's will. Important Note: The Bible sometimes uses figurative language to describe events. It’s not always easy to fully understand every detail, but this verse provides a significant and thought-provoking glimpse into a challenging situation in ancient Israelite history. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about the context of the story? Would you like me to explain a particular aspect of the verse further?

Definition: Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 22:21. It’s a really significant part of the story of how God deals with a massive uprising in the land of Canaan. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is essentially saying that anyone who is participating in the rebellion – whether they're leading the group, contributing to the conflict, or even just being part of the crowd – will be held accountable and punished. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad…” : This refers to two specific tribes from the northern kingdom of Israel. They were known for their military strength and a desire to take control of Canaan (the land God promised). “…and the half tribe of Manasseh” : This is a crucial part. "Manasseh" was a tribe that was historically associated with a more subdued, defensive role. The “half tribe” means they were cut off from the main group – a significant loss in power and numbers. This suggests this tribe had been exiled or diminished before. “answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel…” : This is where it gets interesting. The tribes are responding with a statement – an answer – to God’s command. They're essentially saying "We acknowledge you!" What did they say? The verse doesn't tell us exactly what they said, but the key takeaway is that they were acknowledging God’s authority and recognizing that they were being held accountable. It was a formal declaration of responsibility. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse highlights several important points: God’s Justice: It shows that God isn't just concerned with punishing the rebels; he is actively involved in maintaining order and justice in His land. Responsibility: It emphasizes that everyone has a responsibility to obey God's commands, regardless of their position or status. The Cost of Rebellion: It foreshadows a significant consequence for those who defy God’s will – it points towards a reckoning. In short, the verse is a statement about accountability and the potential for serious consequences for those who disobey God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this verse might be used in a story or historical context?

Definition: The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if [it be] in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 22:22. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about God’s judgment. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is warning Israel to stay away from disobedience and breaking His rules. He’s saying that if they continue to disobey him, he will ultimately punish them. Let's unpack the parts: “The LORD God of gods…” : This establishes the speaker as speaking directly to God. “…the LORD God of gods…” : This reinforces that we are talking about a powerful and revered deity – God himself. “he knoweth” : This means God knows what’s happening. He's aware of their actions. “and Israel he shall know…” : This is the key phrase. It means God will eventually understand what they are doing. He will be aware of their choices. “…if in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD…” : This is the warning. It’s saying that if they continue to disobey God's laws and commands, they will face consequences. “Rebellion” means defying God; "transgression" means breaking a rule or command. “…save us not this day,” : This is the plea. It’s a desperate request for God’s protection and guidance. It's saying, "Please don't let this happen to us today ." What does it mean practically? This verse highlights that obedience is crucial. God doesn't just want to be aware; He wants to prevent trouble. It’s a serious warning about the importance of following God’s instructions and staying true to his will. In short, it’s a plea for repentance and a reminder that disobedience has consequences. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Provide a little context about what happened in Joshua 22?

Definition: That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD, or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD himself require [it];

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 22:23. It's a pretty serious and complex passage about a significant shift in obedience. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the Israelites, after being incredibly obedient to God for a long time, began to question his will and started building altars – special places dedicated to worshipping – to offer things to God, instead of just listening to him. It’s essentially a move away from genuine worship and toward something more personal and arguably selfish. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "That we have built us an altar..." - This describes the act of creating a dedicated space for worship. "...to turn from following the LORD..." – This is the core of the problem. The Israelites had been diligently obeying God’s commands and laws throughout their history. Now, they were starting to want something different – to build altars and offer things to God as a way to earn his favor or have a more personal relationship with him. "...or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon..." – This clarifies what they were starting to do. They weren’t just passively listening; they were actively creating these altars to offer things – like burning sacrifices (burnt offerings), offering meat, or even offering “peace offerings” - as a way to show devotion and seek God’s approval. "...let the LORD himself require [it]..." – This is the crucial part. The verse emphasizes that God alone has the right to determine what constitutes proper worship. He isn't allowing them to make up their own rules or desires. It’s a statement of divine authority and control. What's happening here? It suggests a growing sense of pride and independence within the Israelite community. They were moving away from a relationship based on humility and obedience, towards one where they felt they could earn God’s favor through their own actions and offerings. It highlights a potential shift towards idolatry – worshipping something other than God himself. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning against pride and seeking to control God's will. It's a reminder that true worship comes from recognizing God’s sovereignty and obedience, not from trying to dominate or manipulate him. --- To help me explain this verse even better for you , could you tell me: What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., its historical context, its theological significance, what it means in terms of our relationship with God?)

Definition: And if we have not [rather] done it for fear of [this] thing, saying, In time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, What have ye to do with the LORD God of Israel?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 22:24. It’s a really complex and dramatic passage, but here's the gist in plain language: The Core Idea: This verse is about a betrayal and a desperate attempt to hide something terrible. It’s a moment of intense fear and anger. Here’s what it means, broken down piece by piece: “And if we have not [rather] done it for fear of…” : This immediately establishes the context – it's not about simply avoiding a mistake. It’s about a deep, overwhelming fear. The word “rather” is crucial; it suggests a significant shift in perspective. “…your children might speak unto our children…” : This refers to a future generation who will somehow discover what happened. The key here is "might speak." It's not guaranteed – it’s an possibility . "...saying, What have ye to do with the LORD God of Israel?" : This is the shocking part. The people are trying to deflect attention from a terrible act by pretending it didn’t happen. They’re attempting to create a false narrative to avoid consequences. Putting it all together: The verse describes a moment where a group of people – likely leaders or officials – were so afraid and angry that they deliberately tried to mislead future generations about a significant transgression. They wanted to prevent the truth from being revealed, even if it meant trying to manipulate history. What's the significance? This is a powerful example of how fear and deception can be used as a weapon. It highlights the importance of honesty and transparency – a fundamental principle of faith in the Bible. It also warns against attempts to hide or distort truth, which ultimately leads to trouble. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride and manipulation. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a particular biblical story or theme (like repentance)?

Definition: For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 22:25. It's a pretty powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about the future relationship between Israel and its neighbors. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about a shift in how Israel will interact with the people of Reuben and Gad after the conquest of Canaan (the land God promised to them). It’s saying that after they’ve conquered the land, they'll become a separate group – a distinct “group” – who won’t be subject to the same reverence or fear that the Israelites had. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you…” - This means God has intentionally placed a boundary, a line, between Israel and Reuben and Gad. It’s not accidental; it’s a deliberate act of separation. "...ye children of Reuben and children of Gad..." – This refers specifically to the two tribes of Reuben and Gad who were part of the original group that conquered Canaan. "...ye have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.” - This is the core of the message. It means that because they've established this boundary, their descendants will lose their connection to God and stop fearing Him. They’ll become disconnected from the sacredness of the Lord’s presence and guidance. What does this mean practically? This verse suggests a possible future where: Israel becomes isolated: The Israelites would no longer be seen as a unified group under the authority of God, and they might develop a sense of independence or even rivalry with other groups. Fear diminishes: The verse implies that the fear of God – a crucial part of Jewish practice – will gradually fade away from the descendants of Reuben and Gad. Important Context (Briefly): This verse is part of a larger story in Joshua’s book, which tells about the conquest of Canaan. It's often interpreted as a warning about the potential for Israel to become overly focused on its own power and independence, rather than remaining in a relationship with God. In short, it’s a message about separation and a potential loss of spiritual connection. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?

Definition: Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 22:26. It’s a really important and slightly surprising part of the story! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, the Israelites were planning to build a temple – a huge, ornate building dedicated to God – but they decided not to offer sacrifices. Let's unpack that a bit: “Therefore we said…” : This is a confession. They realized they’d made a mistake in their plan. “…let us now prepare to build us an altar…” : They were thinking about constructing a special structure, like a temple, as a place to worship God. "...not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:" This is the key part. They didn't want to offer sacrifices of animals (like lambs or goats) to be burned. They weren’t aiming for a ritualistic, sacrificial practice. Why did they do this? This verse speaks to a shift in their relationship with God. They had been focusing heavily on appeasing God through rituals and offerings. This verse shows them that they needed to refocus their worship towards God's love and faithfulness, not just to appease him with things. It was a recognition that true worship comes from a deeper connection with the divine. In short, it’s about moving away from a traditional, ritualistic approach to worship to a more personal and heartfelt relationship with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context for this story in the Bible?

Definition: But [that] it [may be] a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 22:27. It’s a really important passage about how God wants to protect his people and ensure they remain faithful to him. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God wants to actively guide and oversee the offerings and sacrifices made by the Israelites during times of conflict, specifically when they’re fighting against enemies. He’s setting up a system where these offerings aren’t just random things, but are overseen and directed by Him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But [that] it [may be] a witness between us…” – This is saying that God will watch over the Israelites. It’s not just about observing; He’s actively involved in their actions. It’s like having a guardian or protector. “…and you, and our generations after us…” – This emphasizes that this isn't just about the Israelites themselves anymore. It’s about everyone who comes after them, ensuring God’s presence continues to be felt. “that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings…” – This is the core of the verse. It means that God wants the Israelites to actively perform these offerings in a specific way – to give them as a form of worship and honor to Him. “Burnt offerings,” “sacrifices,” and “peace offerings” are all ways they’d traditionally express their devotion. “that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.” – This is the crucial part. It warns that if the Israelites continue to make these offerings without God's guidance, their children will be left with a lingering feeling of distance from Him. They’ll never truly understand or feel the presence of God. In short: This verse tells us that God wants to keep an eye on the Israelites and ensure they maintain their faithfulness through diligent and intentional worship – specifically through offering sacrifices and other types of devotion. Why is this important? This verse highlights a shift in focus within the Old Testament. It's moving beyond just doing the offerings, and it’s emphasizing that God wants to guide those offerings and ensure they are done with a genuine sense of reverence. It’s about maintaining a connection with God that goes beyond simply fulfilling requirements. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, I could: Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Joshua and the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan. Explain what “burnt offerings” and “sacrifices” meant for the ancient Israelites.

Definition: Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should [so] say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say [again], Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it [is] a witness between us and you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 22:28. It’s a really interesting passage about God’s judgment and purpose. Here's a simplified explanation: What the Verse is Saying: God is saying that we (the people of Israel) are giving a very important message to future generations – a message about the importance of worshipping Him. It’s essentially saying, “We’ve established a pattern for how we should behave in worship.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Therefore said we…” : This is a formal statement from God, acknowledging that he’s speaking to us. “…that it shall be…” : This sets up a promise or instruction for the future. It’s like saying "This is what will happen ." “…when they should [so] say to us or to our generations in time to come…” : This is the key part. It's about future people – future generations of Israelites, and potentially others. "...that we may say [again], Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it [is] a witness between us and you.” Let’s break down what "it is" means: “the pattern of the altar of the LORD…” : This refers to a specific, ancient ritual – the making of an altar dedicated to God. It's a symbol of worship. "...not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it [is] a witness between us and you.” : This is the crucial part. The altar wasn’t just about offering things to God. It was also a way for people to show that they were connected to God and his purpose. The altar acted as a witness, or record, of their devotion and relationship with Him. It showed them that they weren't just focused on the act of giving but on being devoted to God. So, what’s the overall message? God is teaching us that true worship isn’t just about performing rituals – it’s about a deep, ongoing connection and understanding of who He is and why He exists. It's about recognizing His authority and purpose in our lives. It’s a reminder to always remember why we should be worshipping Him. In short: God is giving us a legacy of worship – a pattern that shows how we should approach the relationship with him, not just through ritual, but through devotion and remembrance. Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail, or perhaps explore a related idea? For example: What does "witness" mean in this context? How does this verse relate to other parts of the Bible?