Definition: For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone [shall be] seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a pretty complex passage, but we can understand it at its core. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s plan to cleanse and purify a land – likely referring to Israel – with a powerful judgment. Let’s unpack the parts: “For behold…” : This is a way of saying “Watch this closely.” It's a dramatic introduction, setting up something important. “…the stone that I have laid before Joshua…” : This refers to Joshua, who was leading Israel into the Promised Land. The "stone" represents a significant and crucial act – God’s plan for cleansing. “Upon one stone [shall be] seven eyes:” : This is where it gets interesting. “One stone” signifies a single, unified action. The phrase “seven eyes” means that this single stone will be filled with something powerful. It's like saying a single drop of water can hold a lot of potential. “Behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts…” : This is where God’s power and intention are emphasized. “Engrave” means to mark or create something permanent. The Lord says this with authority – it's not just a casual observation. He’s clearly taking control and creating a lasting change. “and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.” : This is the key part – “iniquity” means sin, wickedness, moral failings, or wrongdoing. The Lord says he will erase this evil completely in just one day (a very short period). Putting it all together: God is setting a plan to cleanse Israel of its sins and corruption. He’s creating a single, powerful stone that will be filled with something – possibly divine judgment or a transformative power – and then he will permanently remove all the bad things within the land. It's a dramatic promise of a complete cleansing and restoration. Important Context: This verse is part of a larger story in the Book of Joshua, which describes God’s plan to deliver his people from oppression and lead them into their promised land. It’s often interpreted as a prophecy of judgment and renewal – a time when God will punish sin and restore his kingdom. In essence, this verse paints a picture of a complete and irreversible cleansing of Israel, orchestrated by God's power. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Talk about the context of this passage in the Bible? Explore what this verse might symbolize beyond just a literal cleansing?