Definition: And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the LORD your God [is] he that hath fought for you.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 23:3. It’s a pretty powerful and somewhat surprising statement. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that because of the actions of people – specifically, the nations that have disobeyed God – the Lord has fought for them. It’s a consequence of their disobedience. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto all these nations…” - This is a general statement about what the Lord has already done to these nations. It's not saying everything is bad, just that He has been actively involved in their lives and experiences. Think of it like a long history of challenges and consequences. “…because of you” – This is the crucial part. The verse directly links the Lord’s actions directly to the nations' choices. It’s saying that their disobedience – their breaking God's rules – has been causing Him to intervene and fight for them. “For the LORD your God…” - This immediately identifies the Lord as the cause of this action. He’s not just a passive observer; he’s actively working to protect and defend those nations. “…is he that hath fought for you.” – This is the most impactful part. It means that God himself has been fighting alongside these nations. This isn't about a literal battle. Instead, it speaks to God’s ongoing protection and care for those people, using His power and influence to ensure their well-being. In short: The verse acknowledges that the nations have disobeyed God, and because of that disobedience, the Lord is actively intervening to protect them. It's a statement of divine justice and faithfulness. Important Context (Briefly): This verse comes after Joshua, who was leading the Israelites into Canaan (the Promised Land). It’s a moment where there’s a sense of tension – the Israelites are entering a new land, but they’ve been warned to be careful. This verse emphasizes that God is watching over them and will not allow them to be harmed or abandoned. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible?