Definition: And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Joshua 19:27. It's a really strange and dramatic description of a military campaign! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Joshua is telling us he’s going to attack the city of Zebulun. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “And turneth toward the sunrising…” : This means Joshua is heading towards the rising sun. It's a symbolic gesture – perhaps indicating a new beginning or a shift in direction. “…to Bethdagon” : Bethdagon is a very old and sacred place, often associated with the goddess Deborah. Joshua is essentially saying he’s going to visit this place. “…and reacheth to Zebulun…” : He's moving directly towards the city of Zebulun. “And Neiel, and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand” : This is where it gets really interesting. He’s going: Neiel: A specific soldier named Neiel. Cabul: A very remote and mysterious place in modern-day Afghanistan. It's often associated with ancient rituals and practices. Joshua is essentially saying he will travel to this location. The Significance & Possible Interpretations (This is where it gets a bit debated): This passage has been interpreted in several ways for centuries. Here are some of the most common theories: Ritualistic Journey: The most widely accepted theory is that Joshua was performing a ritual journey to the Temple of Jerusalem, specifically to the location associated with the goddess Deborah. He’s essentially going to visit the temple and participate in an ancient ceremony. A Warning or Plea: Some scholars suggest it could be a warning to the Israelites. It shows Joshua's determination to attack Zebulun, possibly as a sign of impending doom. It might be a plea for divine intervention. Important Note: The exact meaning of this passage is still debated by biblical scholars. It’s a complex and somewhat unsettling description that reflects a time of intense military action and potential danger. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the story in Joshua 19? Discuss different interpretations of the passage?