Joshua 6:18
Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
«أمَّا أنْتُمْ فَلَا تَقْتَرِبُوا مِنَ الأشْيَاءِ المُعَدَّةِ لِلتَدْميرِ. فَلَا تَشْتَهُوا أوْ تأخُذُوا شَيْئًا مِنْهَا، فَتُعَرِّضُوا مُخَيَّمَ إسْرَائِيلَ لِلدَّمَارِ وَالمَشَاكِلَ.
What Does This Mean?
Joshua warns the Israelites not to take anything from Jericho, which is under a curse, because doing so would also curse them and the entire Israelite camp. The key message is about obedience and the consequences of disobedience.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing a game where you can't touch certain toys because they're cursed. If you touch them, you might get in trouble and make the whole game go wrong. Joshua is telling the Israelites to be careful and not touch anything from Jericho to keep everyone safe.
Historical Background
Joshua 6:18 is part of the Book of Joshua, written by Joshua around 1400-1380 BCE. This passage is addressed to the Israelites who are about to conquer Jericho, a city under a divine curse. The cultural setting is that of ancient Near Eastern warfare and divine command.
Living It Out Today
In a modern scenario, this verse could apply to a situation where a company is about to launch a new product but knows that certain unethical practices could taint it. The company must avoid these practices to ensure the product and their reputation remain untarnished.
Topics
obedienceconsequencesfaithdivine commandcurseprotection
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jericho considered cursed?
Jericho is cursed because it was under God's judgment for its sins and rebellion against God's commandments, and taking anything from it would defile the Israelites' mission.
What are the consequences of taking the accursed thing?
Taking the accursed thing from Jericho would result in personal and communal curses, leading to trouble and potential ruin for the Israelites.
How can this verse be applied to personal decisions?
This verse teaches that personal decisions should align with moral and divine guidelines to avoid negative consequences that can affect not just the individual but also the community.
What lessons can we learn about obedience from this verse?
This verse emphasizes the importance of strict obedience to divine commands, as disobedience can lead to personal and communal ruin, highlighting the need for vigilance and faithfulness.