Definition: And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry [and] mouldy.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 9:5. It's a really harsh description of a situation, and it paints a very bleak picture. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Old Shoes & Clouted Feet: This suggests someone was severely dirty and uncomfortable – maybe they were walking around for a long time or had been exposed to something unpleasant. “Clouted” means they were kicked down, implying a lot of distress and perhaps shame. Old Garments Upon Their Feet: This indicates the person was wearing ragged and worn clothing. Dry & Mouldy Bread: This is the most important part. The bread – which was likely food – had completely dried out and started to mold (turn black and slimy). It’s essentially ruined, unusable. Putting it Together: A Story of Despair This verse describes a desperate situation where someone is suffering immensely. They are: Poorly dressed: They're wearing old, uncomfortable clothes. Distressed: They're dirty and uncomfortable – likely due to hardship or exposure. Lacking Food: Their bread is ruined and unusable. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse conveys a sense of profound misery and abandonment. It’s not just about the food being ruined; it's about the person being utterly deprived and left with nothing. It suggests a significant loss of hope and a state of extreme hardship. Important Note: The Bible often uses vivid imagery to show the consequences of sin or wrongdoing. This verse is a dramatic example of that – it highlights the devastation that can result from neglecting God's word and prioritizing selfish desires. --- Do you want me to explain any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery (like old shoes representing wasted time)? Explain what it might signify in a larger context of the book of Joshua?