Definition: And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon: and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 19:14. It's a really important part of the story of the Israelites conquering the city of Jiphthahel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon: and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel:” “The border compasseth it” : This means the Israelites were carefully marking a boundary line. Think of it like drawing a line on a map – they were establishing a clear edge for the area they were conquering. “on the north side” : They were setting this boundary line north . “to Hannathon” : This is where it gets a little more complex. "Hannathon" isn't a real place, but it’s a name – it’s an ancient Hebrew name that means “the Great Place.” So, they were marking the north side of the area as being near this location. “and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel” : This is the key part. "Outgoings" means things coming out or flowing away. “Jiphthahel” is a name – it’s an ancient Hebrew name for a specific valley or region. So, they were marking the area within that valley as being outside the boundary line. It's like saying, "The flow of water and people will come out of this valley." Putting it all together: Joshua 19:14 describes the Israelites setting a boundary line – a line on the north side – to mark the area around Jiphthahel. They were also marking the areas outside that valley, as those areas would be flowing away from it. It’s a strategic placement to prevent further attacks or incursions into that area. What's the significance? This verse shows: Precision and Planning: The Israelites were meticulous in their preparation for warfare. Strategic Placement: They weren't just randomly attacking; they were carefully positioning themselves to control territory. Defensive Measures: It suggests a deliberate effort to protect the area they were conquering. Do you want me to explain any of these parts further, or perhaps delve into why this verse is important in biblical history? For example, I could talk about its context within the larger narrative of the Joshua conquest.