Definition: And they answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told thy servants, how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you, therefore we were sore afraid of our lives because of you, and have done this thing.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 9:24. It's a really important part of understanding how God felt about what happened in ancient Israel. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Situation: God Gave Land: God had instructed Moses to give the land to the Israelites (the people he had chosen) as a gift. This land was vast and included all the tribes of Israel, plus all the surrounding lands. Moses's Actions: Moses, in response to a challenge from the Philistines (a group of people who lived nearby), disobeyed God’s instructions. He took the land and destroyed everyone – Israelites and Philistine people – from before them. What the Verse Says - It’s About Fear & Shame: “Because it was certainly told thy servants…” This means Moses told the Philistines that he would do this. “…how that the LORD thy God commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you.” This is the key part. It's saying that Moses was deliberately disobeying God’s instructions. He took the land without permission, and he destroyed the people who lived there. “Therefore we were sore afraid of our lives…” This expresses a deep sense of fear and dread. The Israelites weren’t just worried about being attacked; they were terrified that everything would be lost. It was a profound emotional response to the injustice. What it Means - A Message of God's Justice: God’s Perspective: This verse shows that God is watching over his people and upholding his laws. He isn’t just concerned with the outcome; he’s concerned with how things happen. Justice & Accountability: It highlights God's justice – that he will hold people accountable for their actions, even when they disobey him. He doesn't tolerate disobedience. In a nutshell: This verse describes a moment of profound fear and shame experienced by the Israelites because Moses disobeyed God’s command to give them the land. It emphasizes God's unwavering judgment and his concern for his people. Important Note: This is a difficult passage, and it’s important to remember that it was written in a time of great suffering and upheaval. It reflects a moment of crisis where the Israelites needed to understand why God was acting so decisively. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a specific detail? Connect it to a larger theme in the Old Testament (like obedience, justice, or fear)?