Definition: And it shall be, when ye have taken the city, [that] ye shall set the city on fire: according to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do. See, I have commanded you.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 8:8. It’s a really significant and dramatic passage in the Bible! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Joshua is leading the Israelites into Jericho. This is a major battle – they’re about to attack a powerful city. They conquer Jericho, but it’s heavily fortified. The city has strong walls and defenses. God sends a fiery rain down upon the city. This isn't just a normal storm; it’s a special kind of rain that burns everything to ash – including the walls! Now, let’s look at the verse itself: "And it shall be, when ye have taken the city, [that] ye shall set the city on fire: according to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do.” What does this really mean? It's a very powerful instruction from God. Here’s what it's telling Joshua to do: "When you have taken the city..." : This means after they've completely conquered the city – after they've destroyed its walls and defenses. "...you shall set the city on fire:" : They need to ignite the city. It’s not just a simple burn; it’s going to be a massive, destructive blaze. "According to the commandment of the LORD shall ye do." : This is the crucial part! God is giving Joshua a specific, absolute instruction – he needs to follow his plan. The Bigger Picture - It's about God’s Will: This verse is often interpreted as a sign that God is choosing to defeat the enemy through His own power and judgment. It emphasizes that God’s plans are always good and that He will ultimately bring justice and victory. In short, this verse tells Joshua to act decisively and boldly – to completely destroy the city because God has commanded him to do so. It's a dramatic moment of divine intervention! --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story from Joshua? Discuss the significance of fire in the Bible? Give you some context about why this event is important in Jewish history?