Definition: And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 18:1. It’s a really important passage about God's plan for the Israelites! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is telling the people of Israel to come together and build a special place – a “tabernacle” – for them. Let’s unpack that a little bit: “And the whole congregation of the children of Israel…” This refers to all the Israelites who were in one place – likely at Mount Sinai after receiving the Ten Commandments. It's about everyone they had gathered together. “…assembled together at Shiloh…” Shiloh was a special location, a beautiful place near Jerusalem, that God chose as a central spot for this gathering. Think of it as a really important meeting point. “…and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there.” The “tabernacle” is a very symbolic word in Jewish tradition. It’s like a portable temple – a special structure where God would live and interact with his people. This verse means they built this structure right here at Shiloh, making it their own sacred space. “And the land was subdued before them.” This is a key part. “Subdued” means to control or quiet something. It means the land itself became peaceful and ready for the people to worship in. So, putting it all together: God instructed the Israelites to gather together at Shiloh and build a special place – a temple – for them. They made this place their own, and this act of building the tabernacle helped to make the land settle down and become peaceful for everyone. Why is this important? This event was a big step in God’s plan to bring his people into a covenant relationship with him. It shows that God wanted them to have a dedicated place to worship and be close to him. Do you want me to: Explain why this event happened (historically)? Talk about the significance of the tabernacle itself? Give you a little more context about the time period when this verse was written?

Definition: And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 18:10. It's a really important part of God’s plan for the Israelites as they are moving into Canaan (what is now the US and parts of Canada). Here’s what it means in simple terms: “Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel.” Let's unpack that: "Joshua cast lots..." – This means Joshua, a leader of the Israelites, decided to decide how to divide the land God gave them. It’s like he was making a plan. "...for them in Shiloh..." - "Shiloh" is a very special place – it's a beautiful location near the Jordan River where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This suggests a significant and important decision. "...before the LORD..." – This is really key. It means God was involved in this decision. He’s making sure everything is done according to His will. “And there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel.” - This is the main part. Joshua, with God's help, took a piece of land and decided how it would be split among the Israelites. He then gave that portion to the descendants of Jacob (Israel). So, essentially, this verse says: God instructed Joshua to decide how to divide the land he’d given to the Israelites, and he did so with God's guidance and a specific plan. It’s a foundational step in the journey they would take into the new territory. What does it tell us about God’s plan? It shows that God is actively involved in how things are handled, especially when it comes to giving land and establishing communities. It's also a reminder of his leadership and purpose in leading the Israelites. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give more context about Shiloh or the history surrounding this event?

Definition: And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Joshua 18:11. It's a really important part of understanding how God’s plan for the Israelites was set up in the Old Testament. Here’s what it means, explained simply: Basically, this verse describes the distribution of the Israelites’ land. “And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin…” – This refers to a specific group of people called the “children of Benjamin.” Benjamin was a prominent tribe in Israel. This is like saying "the people from this particular branch of the family." “…came up according to their families:” - It means they were assigned to specific areas within the land, based on their family lines. Think of it as dividing the land into sections that matched who was born into them. “and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.” – This is the crucial part! The “coast” refers to a specific area along the eastern side of the land, near the Mediterranean Sea. The “children of Judah” are the people from the north, and the “children of Joseph” are the people from the south. This verse tells us that the Israelites were assigned to live in a particular region on the east coast – specifically, between the areas where the northern and southern tribes lived. So, what's the point? It’s saying that God intentionally planned for the Israelites to be settled in a specific area of the land, with the families of Benjamin naturally gravitating towards certain parts of it. This is part of how God decided how to distribute his people and establish a nation. Why is this important? This verse highlights several key ideas: Divine Order: It shows that God has a plan and a way of distributing his people, even if that distribution isn’t perfectly smooth or easy. Family & Identity: It emphasizes the importance of family and identity within the Israelites. The assignments were based on lineage to strengthen their community. In short, this verse describes how God strategically placed the Israelites in a particular region, guided by family ties. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Talk about its significance within the context of the Old Testament story?

Definition: And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 18:12. It’s a really important part of the story of the Israelites entering Jericho! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, they built a wall all around Jericho to make it very difficult for them to attack. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And their border on the north side was from Jordan…” - This tells us the wall started at the Jordan River. It was a strategic point – a boundary that separated them from the land of Israel. “…and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side…” - This is the key part! The wall extended directly to the city of Jericho, on its northern side. “…and went up through the mountains westward…” – This means the wall wasn't just a simple fence. It was built through the mountains to the west of Jericho. “And the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.” - This is where it gets a little more symbolic. “Bethaven” refers to a place in the desert, and "goings out" means they were leaving. The wall was built through this desolate area – the wilderness of Bethaven. So, putting it all together: The Israelites built a massive wall around Jericho, stretching from the Jordan River to the north side of the city. They built it through the mountains on the west side too, making it incredibly difficult for the enemy to attack. Why was this important? It’s a powerful illustration of God's power and His plan to conquer evil and protect his people. It shows that He is willing to go beyond just a simple battle – He actively creates a barrier to make the victory easier. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its significance in the context of the story of the Israelites’ conquest of Jericho?

Definition: And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which [is] Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that [lieth] on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 18:13. It's a really important passage about establishing borders and protecting Israel! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a boundary line established by God for the Israelites to protect and expand their territory, specifically focusing on a region called “Luz.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the border went over from thence toward Luz…” - This means the boundary line started moving toward Luz. "Luz" was a place in the north of Israel, and this verse describes the beginning of establishing a boundary line towards that area. It's like saying, “We’re starting to draw a line towards the North.” “…to the side of Luz, which [is] Bethel…” - Now, “Bethel” is a very important place mentioned in the Bible. It’s a small village located near Jerusalem, and it’s significant because it's where an angel appeared to Abraham. So, this verse means the boundary line moved south toward Bethel. It’s establishing a border right next to this location. “Southward…” - This reinforces the direction of movement – towards the south. “…which [is] atarothadar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.” - This is where it gets a bit more detailed. “Atarothadar” is another place in the north, and it’s located near a hill (the "hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron"). This hill is significant because it's a place of worship – a place where the people of God gathered. So, this verse means the boundary line is now extending southward towards this hill as well. In short: This verse tells us that the Israelites began establishing a boundary line for their territory toward the north, specifically settling near the village of Bethel and continuing south towards this hill. Why is it important? This is a foundational passage in the Old Testament that demonstrates God’s plan to protect his people and establish order. It shows how He moved the boundaries of Israel forward to secure their future. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a particular event or story in the Bible?

Definition: And the border was drawn [thence], and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that [lieth] before Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah: this [was] the west quarter.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 18:14. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage in the Bible! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes the beginning of establishing borders around the sea. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the border was drawn [thence], and compassed the corner of the sea southward…” – This means the boundary line was established. It wasn't just a vague idea; they actually drew a line on the coast, marking where the sea ends. "Compassed" suggests it was done with a measuring tool to make sure it was straight. “…from the hill that [lieth] before Bethhoron southward…” – This tells us where this boundary line started. It's located near the town of Bethhoron, which is about 6 miles south of Jerusalem. "Lieth" means "lay" or “was located." “And the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah:” - This is the key part! Kirjathbaal was a place where people began to build and move into this new territory. “Goings out” means they started moving or establishing something there. And “Kirjathjearim” is the name of a city – specifically, it's the capital city of Judah, which is part of Israel. “this [was] the west quarter.” - This phrase is slightly more complex. It means that this initial boundary line was the western side of the area being established. It’s like saying “This is where we started our settlement.” In short, this verse tells us that after a long period of preparation and surveying, God began establishing boundaries around the sea to mark the edge of the land that Israel would eventually occupy. Context & Significance: This passage is significant because it’s often interpreted as foreshadowing the conquest of Canaan (the Promised Land) by the Israelites. It shows that God was already working in this area and preparing the way for their future arrival. It's a moment of establishing order and setting a foundation for a new nation. Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Compare it to another passage in the Bible?

Definition: And the south quarter [was] from the end of Kirjathjearim, and the border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 18:15. It’s a really important detail that shows how God was involved in the Israelites’ victory over the Philistines! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it tells us that the boundary line (the edge of the territory) for the Israelites went right to the well of waters in the Jordan River. Let’s unpack that a little further: “And the south quarter [was] from the end of Kirjathjearim…” – This means the boundary line started at the end of the city of Kirjathjearim, which was a very important and strategic location. It’s where the Israelites were gathering to prepare for the battle. "...and the border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah:" – This is the key part! The boundary line extended westward along the Jordan River. It essentially marked the edge of the territory where the Israelites were allowed to settle and build. And it was extending towards the source of the river – the well of waters in the Nephtoah Valley, which is a significant area for water supply. So, what’s the big picture? This verse emphasizes that God’s plan was very clear: He wanted the Israelites to be near the Jordan River and had already established them in a strategic location. It shows a sense of divine direction and purpose in their journey. In short, it means the Israelites' boundary line stretched right into the heart of the river valley! --- Do you have any other Bible verses you’d like me to explain? Or would you like me to delve deeper into why this verse is significant?

Definition: And the border came down to the end of the mountain that [lieth] before the valley of the son of Hinnom, [and] which [is] in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 18:16. It’s a really important passage about clearing the borders of Israel! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lay before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel.” Let’s unpack it: “The border came down…” : This means that a boundary line was established. It wasn't just a simple fence; it was a clearly defined edge. “…to the end of the mountain…” : Think of this as reaching the highest point, the very top of a large mountain. This was a huge physical barrier. “that lay before the valley of the son of Hinnom…” : The ‘mountain’ in question is the mountain that's located before the valley of Hinnom. The Son of Hinnom is a place of great darkness and evil. “…and which is in the valley of the giants on the north” : This means this mountain was situated in a particular area, perhaps near a large, imposing landscape – the “valley of the giants.” Giants are mythical creatures from ancient stories, so it's likely referring to a very tall and prominent landmark. “and descended to the valley of Hinnom…” : The boundary line now went directly into the valley of Hinnom. It’s a place of intense darkness and evil. “…to the side of Jebusi on the south” : This continues the boundary, moving further down the mountain's slopes. “…and descended to Enrogel” : Finally, the boundary line reached the valley of Enrogel – a place that was also a significant and dangerous area. In essence, this verse describes a complete and decisive removal of the barrier separating Israel from its enemies. It shows a clear, unbroken line marking the edge of their territory. What's the Significance? This event is considered a pivotal moment in the Old Testament because it demonstrates God’s power to overcome evil and establish His people as secure and victorious. It signifies that the boundary was firmly established, protecting Israel from further threats. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a historical context for what might have been happening at this time? Or perhaps explore a related Bible passage?

Definition: And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which [is] over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a really interesting passage about a journey! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a very long and difficult journey undertaken by Joshua, a leader of the Israelites, to bring his people to safety. It’s essentially a detailed account of their trek from the north to the city of Geliloth (which is located near Jerusalem). Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And was drawn from the north…” : This tells us that Joshua and his team started traveling north . Think of it like moving towards the North. “…and went forth to Enshemesh…” : Enshemesh is a place mentioned in the Bible – likely a significant city or settlement. They were heading toward this location. “…and went forth toward Geliloth, which [is] over against the going up of Adummim…” : This is where it gets really interesting! The verse says they were traveling towards Geliloth. But it’s positioned over against a place called Adummim – which is a very important city further north. This suggests a strategic route or a path that needed to be carefully planned. “…and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben…” : Finally, they reached Geliloth (the city) and then descended down towards a specific landmark – “the stone of Bohan.” Bohan is named after a king in the Old Testament, and this stone likely played a role in their journey. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse describes a perilous journey. It highlights: Discipline & Determination: Joshua was leading his people on a long and arduous path – showing great effort and willpower. Strategic Planning: The route they took suggests a deliberate plan to get to Geliloth, which was important for the Israelites’ future. A Challenge: It shows that their journey wasn't easy; it required significant effort and navigation through difficult terrain. In short, it’s a narrative of a long and challenging journey – one that ultimately brought them closer to their destination. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Discuss the historical context of this passage? (Knowing when it was written can give us deeper insights) Relate it to a larger story or theme in the Bible?

Definition: And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 18:18. It’s a pretty important part of the story of the Israelites entering the Promised Land! Here's what it means in simple terms: “And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah:” “And passed along…” : This means they were moving forward. “…toward the side over against Arabah” : They were traveling towards the eastern side of the land that was previously occupied by the Egyptians. Think of it as heading towards the border of the Promised Land. “Northward” : They were moving north, which is a significant direction in biblical storytelling. “…and went down unto Arabah:” This means they moved down into the land of Arabah – that’s where the Israelites were destined to enter! In essence, it's a description of their journey towards the border of the Promised Land. What does this tell us about the story? This verse is significant because it marks the beginning of the Israelites' journey. It shows they are moving towards the edge of the land they were promised to claim as their own. It’s a pivotal moment in the narrative, setting them on the path to fulfilling God's promise. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Provide context for this verse within the larger story of Joshua and the Israelites’ journey?