Definition: And these bottles of wine, which we filled, [were] new; and, behold, they be rent: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 9:13. It’s a really interesting and somewhat dramatic passage about a leader’s situation! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Joshua was leading Israel into the Promised Land (a vast area in the Middle East). He had a large group of people with him, and they were traveling for a long time. During this journey, some of their supplies – including wine and food – got damaged or broken. What it Means Literally: “And these bottles of wine…” : This refers to a lot of wine that was being carried. “…which we filled…” : They were filling up containers with wine. “[were] new…” : These bottles weren't brand new – they had been used before. “And, behold, they be rent…” : This is the key part. “Rent” means to tear or damage something. The bottles were visibly damaged and torn. “…and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey.” : Because the bottles were broken, their clothes and shoes became worn and old. It suggests that the long journey had taken a toll on their supplies – they were no longer in good condition. The Meaning & Significance (from a biblical perspective): This verse is often interpreted as a sign of weakness or a failure of leadership. It’s not necessarily about Joshua being bad – it's more about a moment of vulnerability. It highlights the challenges of long journeys: The Bible frequently emphasizes that long journeys can be difficult and require careful management of resources. It speaks to the importance of care and responsibility: The verse suggests that leaders need to be mindful of the things they carry and ensure they are in good condition so they can continue effectively. Overall, it’s a reminder that even with good intentions and preparation, things can go wrong during long journeys – and it's important to be prepared for unexpected problems. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail (like why it’s important in the story)?