Definition: And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 3:21. It's a pretty powerful and important part of the Old Testament. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s judgment and control over those who are leading his people. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And I commanded Joshua…” : This refers to Joshua, a military leader who was tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. He was in charge of the Israelites’ journey. “…saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings…” : This is the core of it. It means God watched and observed the actions of these two rulers – the kings of Israel and Judah – throughout their reigns. He saw what they did good and what they did bad. “…so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.” : This is where it gets serious. It means that if those two rulers continue to act in a way that displeases God, then God will ultimately punish them – all the kingdoms (countries) they lead. What does this mean practically? It’s a warning about leadership and responsibility. God isn't just concerned with whether these kings are good or bad; He's concerned with their actions . If they continue to be selfish, unjust, or rebellious, God will hold them accountable. It suggests that those in power have a huge responsibility – to rule justly and for the good of their people – and must act responsibly. In essence, it’s a statement about divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a future event, but it's also used metaphorically to describe God's ongoing watch over humanity. It's a reminder that we are all subject to His will, and we need to strive to live in a way that honors Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Deuteronomy 3? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Israel’s history? Give some examples of how this verse might be applied today?