Definition: And this [is] the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, [that were] males, [even] all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 5:4. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about the end of the Israelites’ time in the wilderness. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a devastating event that happened when the Israelites left Egypt – and their military forces – were lost in the wilderness. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And this [is] the cause why Joshua did circumcise..." - Joshua was tasked with leading the Israelites out of Egypt. He made a crucial decision to make all the Israelites Jewish, including giving them the ritual of circumcision as a sign of their covenant with God. "...All the people that came out of Egypt, [even] all the men of war..." - This refers to everyone who left Egypt – all the Israelites, and importantly, all the Egyptian soldiers and warriors. The word "people" is a broad term here, encompassing everyone who was part of the group leaving Egypt. "...died in the wilderness by the way." - This is the heartbreaking part. The entire army, including the men who were fighting, perished when they were lost in the desert. “By the way” emphasizes that this wasn't a planned or strategic move; it was an accident – their journey ended tragically. What’s the Significance? This verse highlights several important points: Divine Punishment: It speaks to God’s judgment and his desire for a complete and faithful people. It shows that He doesn't tolerate disobedience or wandering away from His plan. The Consequences of Leaving: Leaving Egypt was a significant event, but it wasn’t enough. The Israelites needed to stay in the wilderness to fulfill God’s promises. A Reminder of Responsibility: It serves as a stark reminder for us to always honor our commitments and be faithful to our covenants, even when things get difficult. In short, this verse describes a catastrophic loss that was a direct result of disobedience and abandonment – a tragic consequence of leaving the land God promised. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a larger biblical story or theme?