Definition: But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 24:10. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising passage in the Bible! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Balaam was troubling Joshua. Balaam was a priest of God who was offering healing to the Israelites – essentially, he was helping them stay healthy. But he was being disrespectful and interfering with Joshua’s mission to deliver the Israelites from danger. Joshua disobeyed Balaam. Joshua, feeling angry and wanting to protect his people, told Balaam to stop what he was doing. Balaam blessed you still. Instead of continuing to harass you, Balaam actually blessed you! This is a really significant shift in the story. What it Means – A Simple Explanation: This verse shows that even when Joshua disobeyed Balaam and tried to stop him, God’s judgment was turned into something positive. It highlights that God's love and care for his people often finds a way to work for them. Key Takeaway: It means God doesn’t always punish us in the ways we expect. Sometimes, He can use difficult situations or even disobeyances to bring about good outcomes – like protecting our people. Why is this important? This story illustrates a few key points: God's Sovereignty: God is in control of everything, even when we make mistakes. Divine Providence: God’s plan might be different than what we expect, but He still works for our good. Does this mean Balaam was innocent? No! The Bible says that Balaam did have a responsibility to be respectful of God's people. His actions were inappropriate and disruptive. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this story (like why it happened)? Give you some deeper meaning or symbolism related to this passage?