Definition: From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 1:4. It’s a really important passage about God’s promise to the Israelites and their future home. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is promising that the Israelites will have a very large and prosperous land, stretching all the way to the great sea – essentially, a vast area bordering the Mediterranean Sea. This land will be incredibly fertile and abundant, allowing them to thrive. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “From the wilderness and this Lebanon…” : This refers to the region around the Jordan River Valley in modern-day Israel. “Lebanon” is a place known for its rich farmland and good soil – think of it as a very fertile area. “…even unto the great river, the river Euphrates…” : The river Euphrates was a significant waterway that flowed through this area. It’s often considered to be one of the most important rivers in ancient history, and it's what led to the Israelites’ migration. “all the land of the Hittites…” : The Hittites were an ancient people from Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). This part of the verse suggests that this land would be a large and significant area for them as well. “…and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun.” : This is where it gets really important. "The going down of the sun" refers to sunset. It means the land will extend all the way to the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, meaning it will be a vast area that stretches far into the west. So, what does this mean practically? God promises that the Israelites will have a place where they can grow food, build homes, and prosper. It’s a promise of abundance and security for their future. It's about establishing a strong foundation for them to live a long and fulfilling life. In short, it's God promising a land of plenty and opportunity for the Israelites, stretching all the way to the sea. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Joshua 1? Discuss the significance of the river Euphrates in more detail?