Definition: There was also [a lot] for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these [were] the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Joshua 17:2. It’s a really important verse in the Bible that describes a devastating event involving a city called Manasseh. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse tells us about a massive and horrific massacre that happened after the Israelites had exiled Manasseh. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “There was also [a lot] for the rest of the children of Manasseh…” – This means there were many children born into the Manasseh community. "A lot" is a huge number, suggesting a significant population. “…by their families.” - This tells us these children weren’t just random births; they came from established families within the Manasseh region. “These [were] the male children of Joseph by their families.” – This is the crucial part. It identifies the specific individuals involved in this massacre. It's saying that these children were all descendants of Joseph, a man who lived in Manasseh. What happened? The Bible describes a brutal attack on the city of Hepher (which was located within the Manasseh territory). During this attack, the people deliberately slaughtered all the male children born to the families of Joseph. This is a truly horrific act of violence and revenge. Why is this important? This verse is significant because it illustrates: The consequences of injustice: It shows that even after being exiled, the Israelites could still inflict terrible suffering on their neighbors. The importance of justice: It highlights how wrongdoers can be devastating to entire communities. A warning against violence: It serves as a stark reminder to avoid hatred and violence against others. In short, this verse describes a massive massacre that occurred because of the vengeful actions of people who were seeking revenge on the families of Joseph. Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this passage – perhaps its historical context or its theological significance?