Definition: And Joshua called for all Israel, [and] for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old [and] stricken in age:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 23:2. It’s a really important passage that speaks about the King of Israel’s aging and his feelings about it. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is a bit poetic and expresses a deep sense of sadness and weariness by the King of Israel. He’s acknowledging that he’s old and has been through a lot. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “And Joshua called for all Israel…” - This means Joshua is calling upon everyone in Israel, from every corner to the king. It’s a plea for their attention and consideration. “…and for their elders…” – This refers to the older generations of Israel, those who have been through hardship, battles, and traditions. “…and for their heads…” - This is a bit figurative, but it means he's thinking about the wisdom and experience of these elders. “…and for their judges…” – This refers to the officials and leaders who oversee Israel’s affairs. “…and for their officers…” - Similar to the above, this highlights the responsibility of those in charge. “And said unto them, I am old [and] stricken in age:” - This is the key part. "Old" means weary and burdened by time. “Struck in age” means he’s experiencing a decline and perhaps feels a sense of loss or regret. So, what's being said? Joshua is expressing that he (the King) is old and has experienced a lot – maybe through battles, leadership responsibilities, or simply the passage of time. He's acknowledging his own age and the weariness it brings. It’s not about sadness in the traditional sense, but rather a recognition of the burden of responsibility and the fading of his own experience. Why is this important? This verse helps us understand Joshua as a leader who has served long and hard. It's a moment of quiet reflection on the weight of his position and the passage of time. It’s also a reminder that even the most powerful leaders are human beings who can feel old and burdened. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific historical context (like the Israelites’ situation at the time)? Discuss its symbolic meaning?