Definition: And the land be subdued before the LORD: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the LORD, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really important passage about God’s plan for a nation and its future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, this verse is saying: “When the land is settled and secure, then we get to return to God and live as a blessed nation, and we’ll be forgiven of our sins.” Let's unpack that a little more: "Numbers 32:22" : This refers to a specific event in ancient Israel – it’s about the conquest of Canaan (the land now known as the United States). It’s a key part of God’s plan for establishing his people. “And the land be subdued before the LORD” : This means that before things are settled and organized, we need to show respect and obedience to God. We need to be careful and take steps to ensure the land is safe and under control – just like a shepherd protecting his sheep. It's about establishing order and peace. “Then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the LORD, and before Israel” : This is the most important part . After we’ve settled the land and are in control, it means we need to repent (change our ways) and return to God. It signifies that we must make amends for past mistakes and seek forgiveness. “Before Israel” refers to the Israelites – they were a significant part of this initial settling. “and this land shall be your possession before the LORD” : This is the ultimate outcome! The land, now under our control and in God's favor, becomes ours – a place where we can live, worship, and prosper as a nation blessed by God. It’s a promise of blessing and a return to a relationship with God. In a nutshell: God wants us to be responsible and righteous before he gives us the land. By showing respect, repentance, and returning to him, we earn his favor and receive the blessings that come with being part of his nation. It’s often interpreted as a call for ethical behavior and a promise of God’s blessing. Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or perhaps explore how this verse relates to other biblical stories?