Definition: The children of Merari by their families [had] out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 21:7. It’s a really important part of the story of Israel’s conquest of Canaan! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse tells us that after Israel conquered the land and established its territory, they started settling new cities and villages. Let's unpack it a bit: “The children of Merari…” : This refers to a specific tribe within the Reuben and Gad tribes. These were two of the tribes who were part of the original group that was conquered. “…by their families [had] out of the tribe of…” : This is where it gets interesting. These twelve cities weren't entirely new. They were formed because they came from these two tribes – Reuben and Gad. “…and out of the tribe of Zebulun” : This means that besides the Merari tribe, there were also other groups within the Reuben and Gad tribes who contributed to the settlement. So, it’s like this: Israel established a new region, but they built new cities and villages by taking people from several existing tribes – including those from Reuben and Gad. Why is this significant? It shows that Israel wasn't just conquering land; they were also building new communities and establishing settlements based on the legacy of its past. --- Do you want to know more about: The history behind the Merari tribe? How these new cities influenced the development of Israel?