Definition: [Now] Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh [belonged] to the children of Ephraim;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 17:8. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about betrayal and division within the Israelite kingdom under King Josiah. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: What it means: This verse describes a situation where Manasseh, a region in Israel, was given land that also belonged to Tappuah, which was a specific area of land near the border of Manasseh. The key part is this: Tappuah’s land was bordering Manasseh's land. Let’s unpack it: Joshua 17:8: This is a specific, detailed description of what happened. Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: This means Manasseh received a large area of land that was historically associated with the people of Tappuah. But Tappuah on the border of Manasseh [belonged] to the children of Ephraim: This is where it gets really significant. It means that the land bordering Manasseh, which was previously held by Tappuah, actually belonged to the people of Ephraim. What does this suggest? This verse points to a historical betrayal and a division within Israel. It suggests: Disruption of Boundaries: There was a boundary between two groups – Tappuah and Manasseh – that was established. This verse shows that the boundary was violated, creating a separation. Political Manipulation: The verse implies that someone (or some group) deliberately moved land that should have been part of Tappuah to Manasseh, effectively stealing from the people of Ephraim. It suggests a power struggle or a deliberate act of division. Context is Important: This passage appears in the Book of Joshua and is generally interpreted as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and the importance of maintaining boundaries between tribes. It highlights the potential for internal conflict and the consequences that can arise from betrayal within a kingdom. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or would you like me to focus on a specific aspect (like its historical significance)? For example, are you interested in: The historical context of the time? The meaning of "Tappuah"? How this relates to later events in the Bible?