Definition: And the space in which we came from Kadeshbarnea, until we were come over the brook Zered, [was] thirty and eight years; until all the generation of the men of war were wasted out from among the host, as the LORD sware unto them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 2:14. It’s a really important part of God's instructions to the Israelites before they leave Kadeshbarnea (which is likely a place in Egypt), and it speaks about a long period of preparation for war. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: God tells the Israelites, “We’ve been in Egypt for thirty-eight years, and we’ve wasted a lot of the men who were meant to be part of the army.” He wants them to focus on getting ready for a massive battle against the Egyptian army. Let's look at the details: “Deuteronomy 2:14” : This is the name of the verse itself – it’s from the Book of Deuteronomy in the Old Testament. “And the space in which we came from Kadeshbarnea…” : This refers to their initial departure from Egypt, likely when they were enslaved. They were initially living under Egyptian rule. “…until we were come over the brook Zered…” : They traveled a long distance – probably across a river – towards the east. “[was] thirty and eight years…” : This is the crucial part! God says this period lasted thirty-eight years . That’s a long time to build up an army! “…until all the generation of the men of war were wasted out from among the host…” : This means that most of the men who were supposed to be in the army, the ones meant for battle, were lost or left behind. It wasn’t just a few; it was a significant loss. “…as the LORD sware unto them.” : This is a really important phrase. "Sware" means to promise solemnly. God promised to take action – to waste the men – based on this long period of preparation. What’s the Big Message? This verse highlights that God has a plan for Israel's future, and it requires them to be ready for war. It’s a call to action: they need to focus their time and efforts on building up their strength, training, and equipping themselves for battle. It’s a reminder that God is working in a purposeful way, even during times of hardship. In short: God is preparing Israel for a major conflict against the Egyptians by giving them a long period of preparation – almost like waiting for a crucial moment to strike back! --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Relate it to a specific biblical story or event?