Definition: And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are [here] mentioned by name,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Joshua 21:9. It's a really important part of the story of how God led Israel to victory in the Promised Land. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that after the Israelites had been conquered and forced out of their homes, God gave some of the people who remained – specifically from the tribes of Judah and Simeon – a choice about where to settle. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah…” This means that the people chosen were primarily from the tribe of Judah, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It’s a significant group because they were historically important in the story of the Israelites' history. “…and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon…” This is the crucial part. The verse then says that in addition to the Judah tribe, God chose people from the tribe of Simeon. What does this mean practically? This wasn’t just about choosing a few people. It was a deliberate decision by God to give some of these chosen individuals a place to live and build communities. It suggests that God was prioritizing their future and wanted them to establish themselves in a specific area. Important Context: The Conquest: This verse comes after the Israelites had been conquered by the Amorites and other enemies, making them desperate for a new home. God’s Plan: It highlights that God was actively working to bring Israel into a new land and establishing a future for his people. In short, it's a story of God's providence – He chose specific groups of people to settle in a new place, demonstrating His plan for the Israelites. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you more context about the history behind this event?