Definition: When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they [are] hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 7:21. It's a really important and dramatic passage about how God dealt with a huge victory for Israel. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Situation: Israel Won a Huge Battle: The story begins during the time of Joshua, who led the Israelites to victory against the mighty city of Babylon. They conquered it completely! They Found Valuable Treasures: As they celebrated their triumph, the Israelites discovered a massive pile of treasure – gold coins, silver coins, and a significant amount of clothing (a “garment” – think luxurious fabric). The Emotional Reaction & Action: Jealousy & Desire: The prophet Joshua, who was overseeing the treasure, felt incredibly jealous . He was so focused on the wealth that he started to covet it. It's a strong word for "wanting" or "desiring." Hidden Away: He then took these treasures and hidden them deep inside his tent. The Explanation – What Happened Next: They Were Hidden: The verse continues, “and, behold, they [are] hid in the earth in the midst of my tent…” This means the treasure was buried deep beneath the ground. Silver Underneath: “…and the silver under it.” - It’s not just any silver; it's a large amount – fifty shekels weight (which is roughly equivalent to 50 pounds). The Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse illustrates several key points: God’s Sovereignty: God is in control and doesn't allow for greed or selfish desires. He deliberately hides the treasure so it won't be stolen by the Israelites (or anyone else). Divine Protection: It shows that God protects his people, even when they are celebrating a great victory. He’s safeguarding something valuable to ensure its safety. A Test of Faith: Some interpretations suggest this act highlights Joshua’s faith and trust in God's plan. He was willing to take the treasure, recognizing it was meant for a greater purpose. In short, it’s a story about how God protects his people from temptation and keeps valuable treasures safe. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?