Definition: Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Joshua 18:21. It’s a really significant part of the story of how Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Here's what it means in simple terms: “Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz.” This verse tells us that the tribes of the children of Benjamin (which included the descendants of Jacob, who was the father of Moses) were particularly difficult to conquer. It means these cities – Jericho, Bethhoglah, and the Valley of Keziz – were extremely fortified and important. Here's a breakdown of what that suggests: “The tribes of the children of Benjamin…” This refers specifically to the descendants of Jacob, who was the father of Moses. It’s a specific group within the larger tribe of Israel. “…according to their families.” This is a crucial detail. It means these cities weren't just large; they were massive . They were built with incredibly strong walls and defenses, and they had many residents – making them difficult to defeat. “Jericho…” Jericho was a very important city in ancient Israel. It’s known as the “Red-Earth City” because of its ancient walls and fortifications. “…Bethhoglah…” This is another significant city. “And the valley of Keziz…” This is the most challenging part. The Valley of Keziz was a deep, narrow valley on the north side of Jericho. It’s believed to have been a strategic location with a difficult path to defend. So, putting it all together: The verse describes a situation where the tribes of the children of Benjamin were incredibly well-fortified and strategically important. Their cities – Jericho, Bethhoglah, and the Valley of Keziz – were extremely challenging to conquer because they were built with strong defenses and had large populations. It was a huge obstacle for the Israelites! Why is this important? This verse is a key part of the story of the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt and their initial struggles in the wilderness. It highlights the power of God's chosen people and underscores the challenges they faced in establishing themselves as a nation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Discuss the significance of this verse within the larger narrative of the Exodus?