Definition: And all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites, that [were] beyond Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashan, which [was] at Ashtaroth.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 9:10. It’s a bit complex, but here's the gist in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a very difficult and unpleasant situation for Joshua as a leader. He made choices that were incredibly harsh and unjust towards two powerful neighboring kingdoms – the Amorites and the Assyrians – who had ruled in the region of the Levant (modern-day Israel, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine). Let’s unpack it: “And all that he did to the two kings…” : This means Joshua made a series of very serious actions towards these rulers. “…of the Amorites, that were beyond Jordan…” : He dealt with the Amorites – a group of people who lived in the region of the Jordan River. Specifically, he punished them. They ruled over a large territory and were considered a threat. “Beyond Jordan” means they were far east, near the border of modern-day Israel. “…Sihon king of Heshbon…” : This is another Amorite ruler, named Sihon. He was known for his military strength. “…and to Og king of Bashan…” : This refers to a powerful Assyrian king named Og. He ruled over the region of Bashan (modern-day Lebanon and Syria), which was a vital area for trade and agriculture. The Crucial Point – The Harshness: Joshua’s actions – punishing these rulers – were incredibly brutal, disrespectful, and likely caused significant suffering to their people. He essentially treated them as enemies. What's the overall message? This verse highlights a theme of justice being compromised. Joshua was trying to maintain order and security for Israel, but his choices demonstrated that sometimes, prioritizing one’s own goals can lead to unjust treatment of others. It also suggests that even powerful rulers could be targeted by Joshua in this way. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of power and the importance of fairness and righteousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the Bible verse? Give you more context on the Amorites or Assyrians? Discuss the theological significance of this event?