Definition: And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which [is] Kirjathjearim:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 15:9. It’s a really important passage about establishing boundaries and securing a place for Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “After the battle, we marked the edge of our territory – the boundary line – from the top of Mount Hermon to the water source of Nephtoah, and then extended that line out to the cities of Mount Ephron.” Let's unpack that a little further: “And the border was drawn…” - This means we created a defined line or edge. “…from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah…” – This refers to a specific, high point on Mount Hermon (which is known as the “hill”). The "fountain of Nephtoah" is a very old and significant source of water in the region. So, we’re establishing a line that starts at this hilltop and goes all the way to a location with a large water supply. "...and went out to the cities of mount Ephron…” – This means the boundary line extended outwards towards the cities located on Mount Ephron (which is a cluster of settlements). “And the border was drawn to Baalah, which [is] Kirjathjearim:” - This is where it gets really significant. “Kirjathjearim” means "the city of Jerusalem." So, this line extended all the way to Jerusalem! It’s a crucial step in making sure Israel had a secure and defensible area. What's the big takeaway? This verse shows that after a significant battle, Israel was carefully establishing their territory and ensuring it was protected. It’s about securing the land and marking the boundary so they could defend themselves effectively. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is important in the Bible? Give you a more detailed explanation of the historical context (e.g., why it was needed)? Or, do you have any other questions about this passage?