Definition: And the men said unto her, We [will be] blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 2:17. It’s a really important and slightly surprising part of the story of the Israelites entering the Promised Land! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Joshua, the leader of Israel, has just made an oath – a promise – to God. This oath is about protecting the Israelites and ensuring their safety as they enter the land. What happened next? A group of men, likely some of the Israelites’ leaders or advisors, say: “We are blameless of this oath.” This means they deny that they did something wrong in regard to the promise made by Joshua. They're saying they didn't break it. What does "blameless" mean? “Blameless” means not guilty or not responsible . It’s a strong statement – it suggests a complete lack of wrongdoing. Why is this significant? This verse is key because it shows that the Israelites were willing to take responsibility for their actions, even when they were in a difficult situation. It demonstrates faith and honesty – a crucial quality for leaders in those times. It sets the stage for the rest of the story where the Israelites will be judged and have to prove their loyalty to God. In essence: Joshua's oath was made, but these men are saying they didn’t do anything to break it. It highlights a moment of trust and honesty within the group. --- Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the story in Joshua 2:17? Talk about why this verse is important in biblical history?