Definition: And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall [any] word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout; then shall ye shout.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 6:10. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage in the Bible! Here's what it means, explained simply: Basically, this verse tells us to be quiet and silent during a crucial moment. “And Joshua had commanded the people…” - This establishes that this is a specific situation – a time when the Israelites were about to face the enemy. “…saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall [any] word proceed out of your mouth…” - This is the core instruction. It’s saying absolutely no speaking or making sounds whatsoever. No shouting, no talking, no humming – just silence. “…until the day I bid you shout.” – This is the key part. The command continues until Joshua gives the order to shout. It’s a waiting game! What's the why behind this instruction? This is a very powerful example of obedience and reverence. The Bible says that God has given the Israelites the authority to fight, but they need to be quiet and respectful during battle. It’s a way for God to test their faith and prepare them for a crucial moment. It's about showing humility before God and avoiding pride. Think of it like this: Imagine you’re trying to signal someone across a vast field – you wouldn’t yell loudly, would you? You’d be very careful not to draw attention. This verse is similar - it’s a deliberate act of restraint to avoid attracting the enemy’s attention and to show respect to God. In short, this verse instructs us to remain silent during a moment of intense importance – a moment that demands quietness and obedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this passage? Or perhaps offer some deeper theological meaning?