Definition: And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Joshua 13:11. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very large and significant area of territory – essentially, a huge chunk of land – that Israel is being tasked with conquering and settling. It’s about establishing a new kingdom and securing their borders. Let's unpack the parts: “Joshua 13” : This immediately tells us we’re talking about a specific event in the past, likely after the conquest of the Geshurites and Maachathites. “And Gilead…” : “Gilead” was a kingdom located in the north of Israel, bordering the land of the Geshurites. This is where the verse begins. “…and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites…” : This means Israel needed to secure its boundaries with these neighboring kingdoms. They were essentially on the edge of a vast area – the border between the Geshurites and the Maachathites. It was a crucial defensive line. “and all mount Hermon…” : “Mount Hermon” is a very important mountain in the region, known for its significance in biblical history. It’s often associated with a significant battle. “…and all Bashan unto Salcah;” This is the most crucial and disturbing part. "Bashan" refers to the fertile lands south of Mount Hermon – the area that Israel was planning to conquer. “Salca” means “the edge of the sea,” which points to a large body of water, likely the Red Sea. Putting it all together: Joshua 13:11 describes a vast region – encompassing the Geshurites, Maachathites, Mount Hermon, Bashan, and the Red Sea – that Israel was ordered to conquer and settle. It’s a massive expansion of territory, signifying a significant military campaign and the beginning of establishing a new kingdom in this area. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about potential threats and challenges to Israel's security. It highlights the importance of securing borders and being prepared for conflict. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on established interpretations of scripture and historical context. Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of Mount Hermon in more detail? Provide a little background on the history surrounding this event?