Definition: And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs; four cities.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 21:22. It’s a really significant passage that speaks about the future growth and expansion of Israel after the conquest of Canaan. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: The verse describes four cities – Kibzaim, Bethhoron, and two others – being established as independent settlements within the newly conquered territory of Canaan. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Kibzaim with her suburbs…” : This refers to the city of Kibzaim. It means a significant area surrounding Kibzaim, including its surrounding areas and land that was previously part of the larger Canaanish region. “…and Bethhoron with her suburbs…” : Similar to Kibzaim, this describes the city of Bethhoron. It's also located within the newly conquered territory. “Four cities.” : This is the crucial point. The verse states that these four settlements become four separate cities. What does this tell us about God’s plan? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of God's blessing and establishing His presence in the land. It suggests: God’s Sovereignty: He is actively working to bring about the fulfillment of His plans, even through the placement of these cities. Expansion and Growth: It signifies that God intends for Israel to expand its territory and become a powerful nation. A New Beginning: It marks a significant step in God’s plan to establish His kingdom in Canaan. In short, it's a description of the result of God's actions – the creation of four independent cities within the land he conquered. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore the theological significance of this event in more detail?