Definition: Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 5:17. It's a really interesting piece of biblical history! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This passage describes a situation where the Ephraimites (a group of people) were being led by King Saul into a dangerous situation, and the Israelites (the people of Israel) were forced to flee. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Judges 5:17: 'Judges abode beyond Jordan:' This tells us that the Ephraimites were moving towards the border of the land between Jordan and the east, near the area where Israel was located. "...and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches." This is the core of the story. Dan: Dan was a city in ancient Israel that was known for being very wealthy and powerful. “Asher continued on the sea shore…” : Asher, a leader from the Ephraimites, kept moving towards the coast. "...and abode in his breaches." This is key! Asher built a series of fortified positions (breaches) along the coastline. He essentially created a naval base or stronghold. So, what's happening? The Ephraimites were forcing Israel to move towards the border, and Asher used these breaches to create a place for them to hide and defend themselves. It was a strategic move – they wanted to make it difficult for the Israelites to attack or come to their aid. In essence, this verse paints a picture of a desperate situation where a leader attempted to protect his people by building a defensive network. Important Note: This is a very old story and often interpreted as a bit symbolic of the Ephraimites’ attempts to deceive Israel. It's important to remember that it's part of a larger narrative about conflict and strategy in ancient times. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Answer any specific questions you have about the story?