Definition: And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all [that are] meet for the war.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 3:18. It's a really important and powerful verse from the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is telling God that He has given Israel land to settle and that He expects them to be ready for battle. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And I commanded you at that time, saying…” : This is a direct instruction from God. He's giving us specific rules and instructions. “…saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it:” He’s telling us that the land they’ve been given is theirs – specifically, it’s their land. It’s a special blessing for them. “ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel…” : This is where it gets really significant. It means God is saying, “You need to prepare yourselves.” He's instructing them to be ready to fight! “…all that are meet for the war.” : This speaks to a large group of Israelites – the entire nation - and specifically those who are planning to go into battle. So, putting it all together: God is giving them land and urging them to be ready to defend it against enemies. He’s saying that they must prepare themselves for war before they even start. What's the big takeaway? It emphasizes that God is in control and expects a strong defense of the land. It’s a call to vigilance and readiness. Context: This verse comes after a long period of Israel’s wandering and lack of preparedness, so it’s a crucial moment where God is setting them on a path towards victory. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context surrounding this verse? Discuss its significance in the story of Israel’s history?