Definition: Thus saith the whole congregation of the LORD, What trespass [is] this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that ye have builded you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the LORD?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 22:16. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about a serious rebellion. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: Joshua is speaking to the Israelites. He’s a leader, and he’s addressing them after they've built an altar – essentially, a place to worship God in a way that feels like defiance. They’ve committed a serious transgression: The verse says they’ve “committed against the God of Israel.” This is a big deal because it means they’re defying God directly. The altar is the key: They built an altar, which is a symbol of worship – a place to focus their adoration and obedience to God. But this altar is too focused on themselves and their own desires, rather than on worshipping Him. What's the Message? Joshua is saying that this act of building an altar is a sign of rebellion against God. It’s not just about a simple desire to worship; it's about prioritizing their will over God’s will. They've become so focused on doing things their way, rather than being in a relationship with God, that they’ve lost sight of the purpose of worship – to honor and obey Him. In short: They’ve turned away from following God by building an altar and focusing on their own desires instead of His. Why is this significant? This verse is part of a larger story in the Bible about disobedience and rebellion against God's authority. It’s a warning to the Israelites – they need to remember that true worship comes from a relationship with God, not from building things or focusing on their own wants. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about this passage in the Bible?