Definition: And Joshua called for them, and he spake unto them, saying, Wherefore have ye beguiled us, saying, We [are] very far from you; when ye dwell among us?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 9:22. It’s a really important and somewhat difficult passage in the Bible, and it speaks to a serious situation involving a group of Israelites who were being deliberately misled. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Joshua is addressing a group of Israelites. This was a significant issue during the time of Joshua’s leadership. They were “begetting” or "raising" children. This word suggests they were forming families and raising children together. They were deliberately misleading Joshua. The key part is that they weren't being honest with him about their location. They were acting like they were far away, but actually were right next to him. What it Means – A Deeper Look: This verse is a bit complex and has been interpreted in different ways over the centuries. Here’s a simplified explanation: “We are very far from you” : This is the core of the problem. The Israelites were pretending to be isolated and separate from Joshua, creating a false sense of distance. "When ye dwell among us?" : This is the crucial part. They were actively trying to make themselves appear as if they weren't near him at all. What it Suggests (Possible Interpretations): There are several possible explanations for why this happened, and it’s debated by scholars: Political Manipulation: It might have been a deliberate attempt by the Israelites to sow discord within Joshua's leadership. They were trying to make him think they were enemies so he could be manipulated into making a decision that wasn't in God's best interest. Pride and Self-Reliance: It could also reflect a sense of pride among the Israelites, where they felt they were superior and didn’t need to be accountable to someone else. Overall Significance: This verse highlights a theme throughout much of the Old Testament: the importance of honesty, accountability, and faithfulness in God's presence. It speaks to the potential for deception and the consequences of acting against God’s will. --- Do you want me to elaborate on any specific aspect of this passage? For example, would you like to know: More about the historical context of this event? Different theological interpretations of this verse?