Definition: For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 22:25. It's a pretty powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about the future relationship between Israel and its neighbors. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about a shift in how Israel will interact with the people of Reuben and Gad after the conquest of Canaan (the land God promised to them). It’s saying that after they’ve conquered the land, they'll become a separate group – a distinct “group” – who won’t be subject to the same reverence or fear that the Israelites had. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you…” - This means God has intentionally placed a boundary, a line, between Israel and Reuben and Gad. It’s not accidental; it’s a deliberate act of separation. "...ye children of Reuben and children of Gad..." – This refers specifically to the two tribes of Reuben and Gad who were part of the original group that conquered Canaan. "...ye have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.” - This is the core of the message. It means that because they've established this boundary, their descendants will lose their connection to God and stop fearing Him. They’ll become disconnected from the sacredness of the Lord’s presence and guidance. What does this mean practically? This verse suggests a possible future where: Israel becomes isolated: The Israelites would no longer be seen as a unified group under the authority of God, and they might develop a sense of independence or even rivalry with other groups. Fear diminishes: The verse implies that the fear of God – a crucial part of Jewish practice – will gradually fade away from the descendants of Reuben and Gad. Important Context (Briefly): This verse is part of a larger story in Joshua’s book, which tells about the conquest of Canaan. It's often interpreted as a warning about the potential for Israel to become overly focused on its own power and independence, rather than remaining in a relationship with God. In short, it’s a message about separation and a potential loss of spiritual connection. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?