Definition: There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all [other] they took in battle.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 11:19. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about a group of people – the Hivites – and their impact on Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the Hivites were a group of people who lived in Gibeon (a region near Jerusalem) and they deliberately refused to make peace with the Israelites. Let’s unpack that a little further: “There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel…” : This means there wasn't any city or nation that successfully negotiated peace with the Israelites. It suggests a consistent pattern of conflict and refusal to cooperate. "...save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon…" : The Hivites were the key players in this refusal to make peace. They were a distinct group who chose to remain separate and hostile. “all [other] they took in battle.” : This is the crucial part. The Hivites actively engaged in warfare against the Israelites. They weren't just passively resisting; they fought, invaded, and challenged them. They even took advantage of the conflict to establish their own territory and influence. So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse paints a picture of a prolonged period of hostility between Israel and its neighbors. The Hivites were a persistent force of disruption and conflict, creating significant challenges for the Israelites' peace and security. It's a sobering reminder that sometimes, even seemingly peaceful groups can be antagonistic. It’s a story about a deliberate choice to fight, which highlights the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding conflict wherever possible. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant in biblical history? Discuss its implications for understanding the relationship between Israel and its neighbors? Give you a little more context about the region of Gibeon?