Definition: And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 14:6. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising part of biblical history! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Story: This verse describes two men – Joshua and Caleb – who were searching the land of Canaan (which is now part of modern-day Israel). They weren't just looking for a pleasant vacation; they were actively trying to find evidence of God’s presence in the land. Let's unpack it: “And Joshua the son of Nun…” – This refers to Joshua, a leader in an ancient tribe (likely the Kohanim). "Son of Nun" is a specific name that means he was a leader of a particular group. “…and Caleb the son of Jephunneh…” – This is Caleb, another leader from a tribe. "Jephunneh” is another name, likely related to his lineage or background. “[which were] of them that searched the land…” - This is key! The word “searched” means they were actively looking for something. It wasn’t just casual sightseeing. They were determined to find evidence of God's favor. “…rent their clothes:” – This is where it gets interesting. In ancient times, people often wore specific clothing items that indicated their status and loyalty. Caleb and Joshua were renting their clothes! This was a very unusual thing to do – they weren’t simply wearing them for warmth or comfort. They were making a public statement: "We are willing to risk everything to find evidence of God's presence." What does it mean? This verse is significant because it shows that these two men believed the land God had promised them was still fertile and valuable. They were demonstrating a level of faith and determination that goes beyond simply observing – they were actively seeking to prove God’s blessing. Why is this important? It's a powerful example of early Israelite faith. It suggests a deep conviction that God was working for them, even if it meant taking risks. It also hints at a potential conflict that would later unfold in the book of Joshua. --- In short: This verse tells us that two leaders were willing to risk everything – their own comfort and safety – to prove God's favor in a land they believed was still promising. Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Connect it to another part of the Bible?