Definition: And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What [mean] these stones?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 4:21. It’s a really important and dramatic passage about how God will deal with the Israelites' idolatry (worshiping other gods). Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God is deeply disappointed with the Israelites. They've been worshipping other gods, and this has led to problems for them. After a long period of disobedience, God decides to show his displeasure by sending a massive fire from Heaven down upon their land. What Joshua Says: Joshua, the leader at the time, is giving a speech to the Israelites. He’s asking them a very pointed question: “When your children ask their fathers in the future, saying 'What means these stones?'” Let's unpack that: “Your children…” – This refers specifically to the generation of Israel after Moses. “…will ask their fathers…” – This means they’ll be asking their parents about why they worship other gods. “…saying, What means these stones?” - This is a crucial part. The stones aren't just random rocks. They were the idols that the Israelites had been worshipping. The question isn't about the stones themselves – it’s about understanding why they worship them. What Does It Mean? Joshua is essentially asking the Israelites: “Why do you worship these idols? What are the reasons behind your devotion to them?” It’s a plea for understanding and a warning that their idolatry is a serious problem. God wants to know why they choose to worship other gods instead of Him. The Significance: This verse is a key moment in the Old Testament because it foreshadows God's judgment on Israel. It's a reminder that true faith and devotion come from worshipping Him , not idols. It sets the stage for the ultimate consequence – the destruction of the nation of Israel. In short, Joshua's question is a challenge to the Israelites to show genuine faith and understand why they worship other gods, signaling that their idolatry needs to be addressed. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you an analogy to help you understand it better?