Definition: And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 10:18. It's a pretty dramatic image! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Joshua is telling his soldiers to build large stones around a cave entrance. He wants them to be vigilant and watch closely for anything approaching the cave. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Joshua said…” : This tells us this is a command, an instruction from Joshua himself. “…Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave…” : This is the key part. Joshua wants to create a protective barrier around the entrance to the cave. He’s using large, heavy stones to form a wall or a gate. “Great stones” suggests they're substantial and powerful. “…and set men by it for to keep them:” : This is where the purpose of the stones comes in. Joshua instructs his soldiers to guard this area with people. They’re meant to be stationed there, watching for anything suspicious – potential enemies, threats, or even just unusual activity. What does this verse tell us about Joshua's mindset? It suggests: Preparedness: Joshua is preparing for a possible attack. He’s recognizing that something could happen and needs to be ready to defend the cave entrance. Watchful Vigil: It emphasizes the importance of being alert and observant – always looking out for danger. Commanding Authority: It shows Joshua’s power and control, making a clear directive for his troops. In short, it's a powerful image of defense and readiness to protect something valuable. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Provide context about the time period this verse came from (ancient Israel)? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery (like stones and caves)?