Definition: And Joshua adjured [them] at that time, saying, Cursed [be] the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest [son] shall he set up the gates of it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 6:26. It's a really significant and powerful passage about God’s judgment on Jericho. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: God is saying to the people of Jericho – who were previously safe and prosperous – that they are responsible for building a city, and they need to do it exactly according to his instructions. This isn't just any building; it’s a specific, crucial part of the city’s foundation. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Joshua adjured [them] at that time…” – This means God is speaking directly to them and giving them a clear instruction. Joshua was the leader of the Israelites at the time. “…saying, Cursed [be] the man before the LORD…” - This is where it gets serious. God is declaring that this man – we’ll call him “the one” – is going to be cursed for building this city. It's a powerful declaration of divine wrath. “…that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son [son] shall he set up the gates of it.” – This is the key part. God says that this man must build the city with a specific, incredibly important detail: “in his firstborn”: He’s talking about the boy born before Joshua – a young boy, likely the eldest. “…and in his youngest son [son] shall he set up the gates of it.” - This means the foundation of the city must be laid with this specific child. The gates are the entrance to the city, and God is commanding him to place them there first. What does this all mean? This verse describes a very deliberate and symbolic act. It's telling Jericho that they need to be prepared for a significant and potentially devastating consequence if they don’t follow God’s instructions precisely. Why is it important? It’s about divine judgment: It’s not just about building a city; it’s about a consequence of disobedience and failing to honor God's authority. It signifies a specific plan: It establishes a very clear, detailed plan for the future – a city built according to God’s will. In short, this verse is a warning and a command from God, emphasizing that Jericho must fulfill a specific requirement to ensure their ultimate fate. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Provide context about the story of Jericho? Discuss what this verse might be teaching us about obedience and consequences?