Definition: And when they had set the people, [even] all the host that [was] on the north of the city, and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 8:13. It's a really important moment in the story of the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The Threat: The Israelites were about to defeat the Canaanites, who were a fierce and powerful people. They knew they would be ambushed by the Canaanites. Joshua's Plan: Joshua, the leader of Israel, decided to use a clever plan. He sent his men to set up an enormous guard – a huge “host” – in the middle of the valley. Think of it like a massive barrier. The Canaanites’ Strategy: The Canaanites also put their own spies (secret watchers) out there, positioned on the west side of the valley. They were waiting for an opportunity to attack. Joshua's Move: Joshua went into the middle of the valley at night . This was a crucial move – it meant he was completely surrounded and protected. What Does It Mean in Simple Terms? It’s a dramatic, somewhat mysterious moment. Here's what we can infer: Joshua is Protecting His People: The most important thing here is that Joshua was protecting his people from being attacked. He was using this strategic placement to create a safe zone for the Israelites. He’s Taking Control: By going into the middle of the valley, he was essentially taking control of the situation and making it impossible for the Canaanites to launch an attack. It's a Moment of Vigilance: It suggests that Joshua was aware of the danger and took steps to ensure his people's safety. Key Takeaway: This verse tells us about a moment of intense preparation and protection during a crucial battle, where Joshua was using a strategic position to safeguard his army. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, I could delve deeper into: The meaning of "host" – what were they doing? Why the Canaanites were setting spies out? What does it mean for Joshua to be “in the midst” of the valley?