Definition: And I, and all the people that [are] with me, will approach unto the city: and it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 8:5. It's a pretty dramatic passage about a battle! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a desperate situation where the Israelites are facing imminent defeat by the Canaanites. They’re going to try and take the city of Jericho, which was heavily fortified, but they’re worried they’ll be overwhelmed. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And I, and all the people that [are] with me…” : This tells us that Joshua himself is leading the effort. He's not just a soldier; he’s a leader who understands the situation and is determined to defend the Israelites. “That are with me” refers to the entire Israelite army – soldiers, priests, and everyone involved. “…will approach unto the city…” : This means Joshua and his army are going to travel towards the city of Jericho. It’s a strategic move – they're planning to attack. “And it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first…” : This is the crucial part. "It shall come to pass" is a key phrase that means this event will happen . The verse compares this situation to a previous battle where the Israelites were defeated. “…that we will flee before them.” : This is the consequence of their approaching. It means if the Canaanites attack, they will flee – run away! They’ll be vulnerable and unprepared. In short: Joshua's army is planning to attack Jericho, but if the Canaanites do it, the Israelites will have to flee before them, because they are in a very difficult and dangerous situation. It’s a warning about the importance of preparation and vigilance. The verse highlights that even with a large force, you need to be ready to defend yourself if a threat arises. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you another Bible verse with a similar theme (like a story about deliverance)?