Definition: For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 26:65 together. It's a really interesting and somewhat surprising story about faith and God’s plan! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God was planning to send the Israelites into the wilderness to do a specific task – to be tested and to be judged. But, instead of completely abandoning them, He chose one person to remain and continue on despite everything. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For the LORD had said…” : This is a direct quote from God speaking about something that was already planned. “…They shall surely die in the wilderness.” : This is the key part. The verse says that all of the Israelites were destined to die in the wilderness – meaning they would be exiled and forced to wander without a place to live. It’s a harsh prediction! “And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.” : This is where it gets really interesting. The verse names two people – Caleb and Joshua – who remained behind. What does this tell us about these two figures? Caleb: He was a man who had been with Moses for many years and was known for his faithfulness. He's often seen as a key figure in the story of leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Joshua: He was a young man who was appointed by God to lead the Israelites into Canaan (the Promised Land). He’s described as being a strong, courageous leader. So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse highlights that God's plan wasn’t just about sending them into the wilderness – it was about selecting those who would remain and continue to fight for God's purpose. It emphasizes that God is working through people, even in difficult circumstances. It suggests a deep sense of trust and that God's will is ultimately being honored. In essence, this verse speaks to the idea of enduring faith and remaining steadfast in God’s plan, even when things look bleak. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about the context of this story in the Bible? Would you like me to explain a particular aspect of it more deeply?