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?)