Definition: And it shall be, [that] whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood [shall be] upon his head, and we [will be] guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood [shall be] on our head, if [any] hand be upon him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 2:19. It's a really important passage about protecting the Israelites in battle and maintaining order. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse establishes a clear rule for how to handle someone who enters your house while you’re engaged in an attack or battle. It’s a very serious command designed to prevent bloodshed between the Israelites and enemies. Let's break it down word by word: “And it shall be, [that] whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street…” - This is the crucial part. It means anyone who enters your home (the "doorways") while you’re fighting or actively engaged in battle – any person entering – will be considered guilty of blood on their head. “…his blood [shall be] upon his head…” - This tells us that if someone is caught entering your house, they will bleed. It's a clear warning to stay away from the area of conflict. “and we [will be] guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood [shall be] on our head…” - This part clarifies who is responsible for the punishment. Only those who are with you in the house – meaning those who are inside – will be held accountable for the blood. “if [any] hand be upon him.” - This is the crucial addition that makes it so serious. It means if a person is being held by someone else, their blood will also be on their head. In simpler terms: Don’t let anyone enter your house while you're fighting. If they do, they'll be punished with blood – and the punishment will fall on those who are with you. It’s a very direct warning about maintaining order and protecting yourselves. Context & Significance: This verse is found in the Book of Joshua (a book of the Old Testament) and is part of a larger tradition of laws given to the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It highlights the importance of being vigilant, controlling your territory, and protecting yourself from harm. It’s a reminder that you are responsible for what happens within your home as well as outside it. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of the nation's need to stay safe during conflict. It’s not necessarily about literal physical blood – it's a powerful message of protection and responsibility. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail with examples? Discuss its historical context? Explore the different interpretations of this passage?