Definition: From Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and the Manassites, from Aroer, which [is] by the river Arnon, even Gilead and Bashan.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse! It's a really important part of the story of the Israelites during the time of King Josiah. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes the geographical location of a group of people who were fleeing from the Babylonian Empire (the empire that ruled over Judah at the time). Let's unpack it piece by piece: "From Jordan eastward..." : This tells us they originated in the region near the Jordan River. The Jordan was a vital source of water for the Israelites, and this area was likely where they were escaping. "...all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites..." : These are names of groups of people who were part of the Israelites' escape. "Gadites" is a Hebrew name, and "Reubenites" is another. It means "the people of Reuben." "...and the Manassites..." : This adds more to the group – “Manassites” was a tribe from the region of Aroer (which is where the modern-day city of Amman is located). "...from Aroer, which [is] by the river Arnon..." : This is the crucial part. "Aroer" is a place on the border between Israel and the territory of the Babylonian Empire. It’s located along the river Arnon. The phrase “by the river Arnon” means they are positioned on that river, which was an important route for their journey. So, putting it all together: The verse says that these people – mostly from the groups mentioned above (Gilead, Gadites, Reubenites, and Manassites) – were located in the region near the Jordan River, specifically along the river Arnon, and they are essentially moving eastward towards the territory of the Babylonian Empire. Why is this significant? This was a strategic move for the Israelites to find a safe place to hide and eventually rebuild their nation after being conquered by Babylon. It highlights their determination to escape and preserve their identity. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these terms in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Give a little historical context (what was happening at the time)?