Definition: And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before [was] Kirjathsepher:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 1:11. It's a really important and slightly mysterious verse that sets up a lot of story! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that the person named “he” – we don’t know who he is exactly – started fighting against people living in the area of Kirjathsepher. It's a starting point for a larger conflict in the book of Judges. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And from thence he went against…” : This means “then he began to fight against” or “he started opposing.” "Thence" is a fancy word meaning “at that time” or “in this moment.” “…the inhabitants of Debir:” : “Debir” was a city in the region of Kirjathsepher. So, "the inhabitants" refers to the people who lived there. “and the name of Debir before [was] Kirjathsepher:” : This is the key part. It’s saying that before the time of Kirjathsepher, the name of Debir was linked to the place. It's like saying "Debir was located in Kirjathsepher." So, what does this tell us? A Historical Beginning: This verse establishes a chain of events. It tells us that the conflict began before Kirjathsepher – which is important because it suggests a long history and maybe even a previous struggle in the area. Debir as a Location: The fact that the name of Debir was linked to Kirjathsepher hints at a connection between these two places, possibly making them part of a larger region or group. It could be a place that was historically significant or had a special importance. Why is this important? This verse is significant because it’s often seen as the beginning of a series of events in the Old Testament. It sets up the context for the story of the Judges, who were involved in a period of rebellion and conflict. It's a foundational moment that leads into the main narrative of Israel's history. In short: This verse tells us that the initial struggle against the people of Debir began before Kirjathsepher, suggesting a historical connection between these two places. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible? Discuss its symbolic meaning (if any)?