Definition: Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 4:7. It's a really significant passage about God’s judgment and a miraculous deliverance. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel was Sinning: The story begins with the Israelites being wicked and refusing to follow God’s instructions regarding the Ark of the Covenant. They were acting like they didn't care about the covenant (a sacred agreement) between them and God. God’s Anger Grows: God is incredibly angry with Israel because of their disobedience. He feels a deep sadness and frustration. The Ark is Threatened: To show how serious the situation is, God decides to use a massive flood to wash away their sin. The Flood Begins: God sends a great flood to cover the entire land, including the Jordan River. This flood is meant to stop the Israelites from polluting the land and showing their lack of respect for God. The Ark’s Protection: As the floodwaters rise, the Ark of the Covenant (which held precious symbols of God's presence) is protected and placed on Mount Zion – a high place, signifying God’s power and protection. What This Verse Says - A Literal Explanation: “Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.” "Then ye shall answer them..." : This means God is directly addressing Israel. "...that the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD..." : This is the core of the verse. It refers to a time before the Ark was brought into Jerusalem. God said, “I will let the waters of the Jordan River flow freely.” He made this promise to Israel. "...when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off..." : This is a key point. The floodwaters did pass over the Jordan River – that's what happened! It was like a massive, controlled deluge. "...and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever." : God says that these stones (which are rocks and markers) will become a permanent reminder of this event in Israel’s history. It's not just a temporary punishment; it's a lasting testament to God's power and judgment, and ultimately, His faithfulness to his covenant with them. What It Means Beyond the Literal: This verse is a powerful message about: God's Justice: It’s about God’s righteous anger against sin and disobedience. His Sovereignty: He controls events and uses them to demonstrate his power. The Importance of Obedience: It emphasizes that obeying God's commands is crucial for maintaining a relationship with him and avoiding punishment. In short, this verse is a dramatic story about God’s judgment on Israel, but it also speaks to the enduring significance of his covenant and faithfulness. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss its symbolism? Connect it to other stories or themes in the Bible?