Definition: Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage – Joshua 21:18 – carefully. This is a really important and unsettling verse from the Old Testament, and it points to a serious problem with the Temple in Jerusalem at the time. Here's what it means in simple terms: What’s Happening? Anathoth: This is a Hebrew word that translates roughly to “false god” or “devil.” It was a very old, powerful deity worshipped by the Israelites before the time of David and Solomon. It represented chaos, wickedness, and rebellion against God. Suburbs: These refer to the surrounding areas of the Temple – the buildings and spaces around it. Almon: This is another Hebrew word that means “the god” or “god.” It was a specific deity worshipped by the Philistines, who were a neighboring people. Four Cities: This is the crucial part. The passage describes four distinct areas – four cities – dedicated to these two deities: Anathoth and Almon. What it Means - The Problem This verse paints a picture of a deliberate attempt by the Philistines to undermine God's authority and establish dual worship. It suggests that they were actively trying to create a situation where two powerful gods were worshipped in close proximity, which is considered a serious offense against God’s will. Why is it significant? It's a Symbol of Rebellion: The placement of these deities together was seen as a deliberate act of rebellion against God and His rule over Israel. It highlighted a growing tendency toward idolatry (worshiping idols instead of the one true God). It’s a Warning about Apostasy: The verse is considered a warning to the Israelites – reminding them that they must remain steadfast in their faith and resist temptation to worship other gods. It's a reminder that true devotion comes from worshipping God alone . Important Note: This passage was interpreted very differently at different times in history. It wasn’t necessarily about a single, deliberate plot but rather a gradual growing problem of idolatry within the nation. In short, Joshua 21:18 is a warning about the dangers of worshiating false gods and encourages faithfulness to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Talk about its historical context? Offer some parallels to modern-day challenges related to idolatry or spiritual compromise?