Definition: And it came to pass [about the time] of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 2:5. It’s a little mysterious, but it's packed with meaning! Here’s what it says in simpler terms: "And it came to pass about the time of shutting the gate… that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them." Let’s unpack each part: “And it came to pass…” : This is a way of saying "It was happening" or “This happened.” It sets up a story. “…about the time of shutting the gate…” : This refers to a specific time in the past, probably during the building of the walls around Jericho. The gate was closed to protect the city. “that the men went out” : This means that a group of people started leaving. “whither the men went I wot not…” : This is where it gets interesting! “I wot not” means "I don't know." The verse implies that the soldiers weren’t entirely sure exactly where the men were going. It's a moment of uncertainty and a little mystery. “pursue after them quickly…” : This is the core action – they started running to catch up with the group of men. “…for ye shall overtake them.” : This tells us that they will succeed in catching up to those men. It's a promise that God’s plan will be fulfilled. Overall Meaning: The verse describes a moment when soldiers were setting out to pursue a group of people who were leaving the city of Jericho. They were unsure exactly where they were going, but they were determined to catch up with them and complete their mission – conquering the city! It’s a simple statement of purpose and action, emphasizing God's plan to accomplish his will. It’s often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the Israelites’ victory over the Canaanites. The story of the soldiers chasing the Canaanites is a significant part of the biblical narrative leading up to the conquest of Jericho. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this verse within the larger context of the book of Joshua?