Definition: And out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs; two cities.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 21:25. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising detail about the division of the land after the conquest of Canaan. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: After the Israelites conquered the Promised Land, they divided it into two parts – Manasseh and Judah, and Gathrimmon. But instead of dividing them equally, they chose to create two separate cities within each of these areas. Let’s unpack it further: “Out of the half tribe…” : This refers to a specific group of people called the “half tribe” of Manasseh and Judah. It's important to understand that this tribe was smaller than the other two. “…Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs…” : This is where it gets a bit more complex. "Tanach" refers to the tribe of Manasseh. “Suburbs” means surrounding areas or suburbs. “Gathrimmon” also refers to the tribe of Gathrimmon. So, this means they created two separate cities within each of these tribes’ territories. Why did they do this? This is where it gets a bit debated among biblical scholars. There are a few possible explanations: Symbolic Representation: Some believe that dividing the land into two parts symbolized that God was choosing to have separate, independent kingdoms within the land. It might represent the idea of two different ways of living or worshipping under one God. Practical Considerations: It could also reflect practical concerns – perhaps they needed to manage resources differently in each area, or the tribes had distinct customs and traditions. Important Note: The exact reason behind this division is not definitively known. It's a detail that adds a layer of complexity and historical context to the story of Joshua’s leadership. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Joshua? Discuss a specific interpretation of this passage?