Definition: And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD [is] among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 22:31. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about God’s judgment and a crucial moment in the story of the Israelites' escape from slavery. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: The Problem: The Israelites were being led by Joshua to surrender their people (the Israelite slaves) to the Midianites – a group of neighboring tribes. This was a huge deal for God, because it meant the Israelites were still enslaved and vulnerable. The Treason: Phinehas, a priest in the Israelite army, saw an opportunity to trick the Midianites into letting go of the slaves. He used a special weapon – a sword that could kill a man with just one thrust – to make it look like the Israelites had surrendered willingly. It was a deliberate act of betrayal. God’s Reaction: God, seeing this betrayal, immediately intervened. He showed himself among the Israelites through the action of Phinehas. What the Verse Says – A Message of God’s Justice and Restoration: “And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh…” This means Phineas was speaking to leaders of those tribes. “…This day we perceive that the LORD [is] among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD.” “This day we perceive…” – It wasn’t just a feeling; God clearly recognized the wrong. "...the LORD is among us..." – This is the key part. It means that God is actively present and watching over his people, right now . "...because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD:" - Phinehas's action was a serious breach of trust with God. He was deliberately defying God’s will. "Now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD." – This is the result of God’s intervention. The Israelites were rescued from the Midianites’ control. In Simple Terms: God is showing himself to the Israelites through Phinehas's actions, and because they didn’t break his trust by betraying him, he is now actively protecting them. He is demonstrating His presence and power. It’s a powerful statement about God’s justice and His ongoing care for his people. Why it’s important: This verse highlights several key themes: God's Sovereignty: He controls everything, even the actions of those who oppose him. Divine Judgment: It isn't just about punishing wrongdoers; it's about God upholding His own plan and justice. Redemption Through Faith: The Israelites’ deliverance is a testament to their faith in God. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or perhaps explore the context of this passage within the larger story of the Old Testament? For example, I could go into more about the significance of the Midianites, or how this verse fits into the broader narrative of Israel's journey? Just let me know what you’re interested in!