Definition: But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 7:1. It’s a really important story about a conflict and God's judgment. Here’s a simplified explanation: What happened? A group of Israelites – specifically the tribe of Judah – had accidentally left behind an altar with a sacred object (the “accursed thing”) in Jericho. This was a big deal, because Jericho was a fortified city and a major enemy. What did they do wrong? They took this object off the altar! This is a serious transgression – it’s a violation of God's law and trust. They were acting out of selfishness or rebellion against God. Why did God get angry? God was incredibly upset because this act offended him. It showed a lack of respect for his laws and his people. He felt betrayed by their disobedience. In short, it's a story about sin and the consequences of breaking God’s rules. Let’s look at some key takeaways: Sin is punished: The verse emphasizes that sin leads to God’s anger and judgment. It’s a turning point: This event set off a chain reaction – God's anger ignited against the Israelites, leading to their exile from the land. Responsibility: The story highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands and respecting his laws. Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? Perhaps we could talk about: What was the "accursed thing"? (It was a sacred object, likely a symbol of worship.) Why was this event significant in the Old Testament story of Israel’s conquest of Canaan?

Definition: And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this very short but important passage from the Book of Joshua. It’s a bit surprising and has a lot of meaning! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Situation: The Israelites were invading Canaan (modern-day Israel) and had lost their way. They were trapped, and the Egyptians were threatening to kill them. Joshua's Response: Joshua was sitting down, seemingly defeated and despairing, and crying out to God. What the Verse Says: "And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?" Translation & Explanation: This is a very unusual command from God. It's not a question of asking for something to happen . It’s a command to rise up and look directly at God. The Meaning – It's About Humility & Seeking Guidance: Here's the key takeaway: God is telling Joshua to be humbled before him. He’s reminding him that he’s in a vulnerable position, and he needs to acknowledge his dependence on divine guidance. He wants Joshua to realize he isn't strong enough to overcome this challenge alone. Why was this command given? It's essentially a test of faith. God is showing Joshua that he needs to be humble and willing to listen for His direction, rather than trying to force his own way. In short: This verse is about recognizing our dependence on God and needing to humbly seek His help when we’re in difficult situations. It's a reminder of the importance of humility and faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Provide context for this passage (like its historical significance)? Discuss the symbolism behind it?

Definition: Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put [it] even among their own stuff.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 7:11. It’s a really important and dramatic passage in the Bible about a serious mistake Israel made. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core of the Problem: Israel had broken God’s rules – they were sinning! The verse says they’ve “sinned” and have committed a terrible act. It specifically mentions taking something sacred – an "accursed thing" – and stealing it. They then ‘disassembled’ (broke apart) it, placing it in their own possessions. Let's unpack the details: “Israel hath sinned…” : This means Israel has done something wrong according to God’s standards. It's a direct admission of wrongdoing. “…and they have also transgressed my covenant…” : A covenant is basically a promise or agreement between God and his people. This verse refers to the specific promises God made to Israel, specifically regarding their obedience and worship. They’ve broken those promises . “which I commanded them” : This clarifies that this wasn't an accident; it was a deliberate action against God's will. God gave instructions for how they were supposed to behave. “…for they have even taken of the accursed thing…” : This is a very strong word – “accursed.” It means something inherently evil, forbidden, or dangerous. They took something that was meant to be holy and protected. “…and stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put [it] even among their own stuff” : This is the most disturbing part. They broke it apart and then placed it in their own homes – literally in their own possessions. It’s like destroying something precious and putting it somewhere they don't belong to. The Significance & What Happened Next: This event was a huge warning to God. It showed that Israel wasn't just making mistakes; they were actively defying him. God then ordered them to bring the accursed thing (which is symbolic of something wicked) out of their land and into the desert, where it would be destroyed. In short, this verse describes a grave offense against God – a deliberate act of desecration and defiance that resulted in a terrible consequence. --- Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Israel’s eventual exile in the Promised Land. It highlights their separation from God and their willingness to disregard his laws. Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories or biblical themes?

Definition: Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, [but] turned [their] backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 7:12. It's a really important and dramatic passage in the Bible about God’s judgment on Israel during the time of the Siege of Jericho. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is saying: “Because of their disobedience and wickedness, they’re completely defeated and will be abandoned.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies…” - This means that the Israelites were facing a serious problem – they were being attacked and harassed by their neighbors. They were in a difficult situation where they couldn’t stand to be seen or confronted. “…but turned [their] backs before their enemies…” - This is the key part. Instead of fighting back, the Israelites ignored their enemies. They didn't defend themselves. “because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.” – This is where it gets really powerful. "Accursed" means cursed or condemned. God sees this as a sign of their sin and wickedness. He’s saying that because they weren't fighting back, they were already in a position of being cursed. And he’s giving them a very specific task: destroy the accursed from among you. This means that God intends to completely eliminate them – to sweep them out of their land and leave them with no future. In short, it's a judgment from God about Israel’s defiance and disobedience, leading to their ultimate defeat. The Context is Important: This verse happened during a time when the Israelites were refusing to walk through the walls of Jericho after God promised to give them victory. They had been defiant, and God decided that their refusal to fight was a sign that they needed to be removed from the land. It’s a powerful example of God's power and his judgment on sin and disobedience. Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant in biblical history? Discuss the context surrounding this passage? Or, do you have any other questions about it?

Definition: Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, [There is] an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 7:13. It's a really important and dramatic passage about a massive betrayal! Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Imagine Israel was being attacked by the Philistines – they were invading their land. The Israelites were deeply worried, and they needed to stop this invasion quickly. Their King, Joshua, had a plan to do this. He decided to send a special angel (God’s messenger) to the Philistine camp to take away something terrible – an idol! What the Verse Says: “Joshua 7:13 says that God is telling them, ‘Up, sanctify yourselves against tomorrow!’” Let's unpack that: “Up, sanctify yourselves…” This means actively work to purify yourself. It’s not enough to just be polite or nice; you need to change your own attitude and behavior. “…and say, Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow…” This is the key part! It's telling them to prepare for a future battle. They need to become strong and ready to fight. It’s like saying, “We need to be vigilant and prepared.” “For thus saith the LORD God of Israel…” - This is a very important statement – it’s from God himself. It's a serious warning. What it Means in Simple Terms: Joshua is telling the Israelites (and urging them) that they need to actively change themselves and prepare for a difficult future battle. They must become strong, righteous, and ready to defend themselves against their enemies. It’s about becoming a shield of God's protection. The Bigger Picture - Why it Matters: This verse is a warning about the importance of staying vigilant and resisting evil. It emphasizes that we need to be prepared for challenges – both big and small – and work to overcome them with God’s help. It’s a reminder that God wants us to always stand firm against temptation and opposition. In essence, it’s a call to proactive righteousness! --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Connect this verse to a specific story or theme in the Bible?

Definition: In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, [that] the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families [thereof]; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 7:14. It’s a really important passage about God’s judgment and how he chooses who gets into Heaven. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: God is going to punish the Israelites (and all of their enemies) with a massive flood. But instead of just randomly flooding the land, He wants to make it fair – meaning, people get in based on what they’re made of. Let’s unpack the parts: “In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes:” This means that God will bring the Israelites into Heaven as each tribe is assigned to them . He's saying, "You will be brought to Heaven as you are numbered by your family." It’s a process of sorting. “and it shall be, [that] the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families [thereof]; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.” This is where it gets a little more complex. Let's break this down further: “The tribe which the LORD taketh”: This refers to the twelve tribes of Israel – the ones who were originally chosen as leaders and sent into the wilderness. "according to the families [thereof]": God is assigning each tribe a specific family within their group. This means that some tribes will be part of larger families, and others will be smaller. It’s like saying "You'll be assigned to one large family, and another to a smaller one." “the family which the LORD shall take”: This refers to the twelve tribes of Israel. God is taking them into Heaven. "come by households": Each tribe will come as individuals – not in huge groups. It’s like each family gets its own way into Heaven. “and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.”: This is a really striking part! God is taking every single person from each tribe – individually . He’s not just bringing groups together; he's bringing everyone into Heaven. The Big Picture – It’s about God’s Justice This verse is about God's righteous justice. He’s choosing to punish the wicked, and He’s doing it in a way that’s fair. It shows that God values each person and wants to bring everyone into His presence. Important Note: This is a difficult passage to understand fully. It’s designed to be shocking and emphasize God's power and judgment. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Provide a simpler analogy to illustrate the concept? Discuss the context of this verse in the larger story of Israel’s history?

Definition: And it shall be, [that] he that is taken with the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath: because he hath transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he hath wrought folly in Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 7:15. It’s a really important passage about repentance and punishment for breaking God's rules. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Story: Imagine Israel is messing up badly. They’ve been disobeying God’s laws, and they’re causing trouble. Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, decides to take a specific object – an idol – with him to the land of Moab. This idol was a symbol of worship and power. What Happens Next: The Idol is Burned: God tells Joshua to immediately burn the idol with fire. All Belonging to Him: This burning isn’t just about destroying the idol itself. It's a complete destruction – everything associated with that idol, including its owner and all of its belongings, is taken. Punishment for Sin: God sees this as a serious sin – a deliberate breaking of a covenant (a promise made between God and Israel). He’s punishing them for their foolishness. What Does It Mean in Simple Terms? It's essentially a punishment for: Disobedience: They’ve been ignoring God's commands. Foolishness: Their actions are wrong and they’re making decisions without wisdom or understanding. Key Takeaway: This verse is a strong warning that when we disobey God, we face consequences – including destruction. It emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s laws and living righteously. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, I could: Discuss the significance of the "covenant" Explain what a “covenant” is in religious terms. Give you an example of how this happened in real life (without getting too detailed).

Definition: So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Joshua 7:16. It’s a really significant moment in biblical history! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse tells us that after the Israelites had been conquered by the enemy, God sent Joshua to bring them back. Let's unpack it further: "So Joshua rose up early in the morning..." – This means Joshua was getting ready and starting his task. It wasn’t a leisurely stroll; he was actively preparing for something important. "...and brought Israel by their tribes..." - This refers to the Israelites, specifically their tribes (groups of people). They were being led back to their homeland. "...and the tribe of Judah was taken:" – This is the key part. The tribe of Judah, a group that had been exiled and scattered for many years, was specifically brought back by Joshua. What happened next? The verse goes on: “...throughout the night.” This suggests a dramatic event. It’s like a sudden shift in the story. Why is this important? This event was a crucial turning point in the story of Israel's history. It demonstrates God’s power to bring them back, even after they had been defeated. It shows that He isn’t just interested in winning battles; He also has a plan for restoration and bringing people home. In short, this verse describes Joshua leading the Israelites back to their homeland after they were conquered. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the story of Israel’s history? Answer a specific question you might have about this passage?

Definition: And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Joshua 7:17. It's a really important and dramatic part of the story of Israel’s defeat during the time of the Assyrian Empire. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: The Assyrians are coming: The Assyrians were a powerful, vast empire that controlled much of the Middle East at this point. They were planning to invade and conquer Israel. They're targeting Judah: Joshua was leading the Israelites into battle, but the Assyrians decided to focus their attack on Judah – a specific region within Israel. They’re taking families: The Assyrians didn't just want to kill people; they wanted to capture families. They were essentially taking entire families and holding them captive. What Happened Next? They brought the family of Judah: The Assyrians took the families of Judah – a group of Israelites who were under Joshua’s command – and took them away. They took the family of the Zarhites: This is where it gets really significant. The Zarhites were another group of Israelites, and they were being taken too. They captured families man by man: This is the key part! They didn't just send them away; they carried each family individually . This meant that every single person from Judah and the Zarhites was taken one by one. The Result – Zabdi Was Taken: Zabdi was taken: The final, and perhaps most chilling detail, is that the entire family of the Zarhites – a specific group of Israelites who were considered rebellious – were taken one by one . What's the Significance? This event is significant because it demonstrates: Extreme Brutality: It shows a level of violence and cruelty that was shocking to the world at the time. A Symbolic Punishment: The capture of these families can be seen as a symbolic punishment for the rebellion of the Zarhites. It’s like a very harsh, individualized act of retribution. In short, this verse describes a terrifying and deliberate act of capturing individuals – families – to demonstrate the Assyrians' power and their desire for complete control. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this in more detail? Provide context about the history surrounding this event? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?

Definition: And he brought his household man by man; and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 7:18. It's a pretty dramatic scene! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Achan Was Involved in a Problem: A man named Achan was part of a group – a tribe called Judah – and he was doing something wrong. He Was Arrested: The army of Joshua, led by God, came to arrest him. It’s like they stopped him for a reason. They Brought a Helper: Instead of just arresting him alone, the army brought his household man (a servant or helper) with them. This is important – it shows that the soldiers weren't just acting on their own; they had help. The Man Was Taken Away: Finally, the army took Achan away from the group of people he was involved with. What’s the Big Picture? This verse is about cleansing a problem. It’s telling us that God is working to deal with wrongdoings and bringing justice. Key Takeaway: It's about God using his army (the people of Israel) to stop something bad happening and remove it from the situation. Important Note: This story is part of a larger story in the Bible about conflict and judgment. It’s often interpreted as a symbolic representation of God's power to cleanse evil and bring order back to the world. --- Do you want me to explain any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain what “household man” might represent? Discuss the symbolism of the event?