Definition: And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar [Ed]: for it [shall be] a witness between us that the LORD [is] God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 22:34. It's a really important part of understanding how God worked in the story of the Israelites and their conquest of Canaan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is saying, “We saw that the LORD is real! We know he’s the one who led us to this land.” It's a declaration of faith and assurance. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad…” : This refers to two tribes of Israel – the Reeds and the Gades. They were part of the larger group of Israelites who were leading the conquest of Canaan (the land God promised). “…called the altar [Ed]…” : The word “ed” here is a bit tricky, but it means "witness" or "marker." It's like saying they built an altar that specifically showed that the LORD was real. “for it [shall be] a witness between us that the LORD [is] God.” : This is the core of the verse. It’s telling us that this altar – this specific structure – served as a visual proof that the LORD was indeed the one who led them to victory and established their nation. What does it mean practically? Think of it like this: when the Israelites built an altar, they weren't just building something for decoration. They were creating a visible sign – a marker – that showed everyone that the LORD was in control and actively involved in their journey. It wasn’t just a random structure; it was deliberately placed to demonstrate God’s presence. Why is this important? This verse emphasizes several key things: God's Presence: It highlights that God isn't just present but actively working and showing himself in the world. Faith & Trust: It shows that Israelites had to believe in the Lord, even when it wasn’t easy, to recognize his power. In short, this verse is a powerful statement of faith – God is real, and we know he's guiding us. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Joshua 22? Discuss the significance of the Reeds and Gades in more detail?