Definition: Also from the house of Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 12:29. It's a really interesting story about rebuilding and a bit of a mystery! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Problem Happened: In the ancient Middle East, there was a group of people living near Jerusalem who were building villages around the city. They were doing this to protect themselves and to make Jerusalem more secure. The Singers Were Involved: These builders were led by a group of singers (we don't know exactly who they were). They were incredibly skilled and dedicated to their work. They Built Villages: They built large, fortified villages around Jerusalem, completely enclosing it! Think of them as creating a really strong border for the city. God’s Judgment: The Bible says that God was displeased with this activity because it was causing too much trouble and making Jerusalem vulnerable. Putting It All Together - A Slightly More Detailed Explanation: “Also from the house of Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem” essentially means: “And this happened from a place near Gilgal, in the regions of Geba and Azmaveth….” Gilgal: This is an important name. It's often associated with a specific location that was historically significant. Bega and Azmaveth: These are two villages that were involved in this construction project. They were part of the original settlement area. The Significance & What it Means: This story highlights several key ideas: God's Watchful Eye: God is constantly watching over His people and intervening to protect them from danger. Divine Judgment: Sometimes, humanity’s actions can cause problems for those who are entrusted with protecting a place of importance. It wasn't just about the builders; it was a consequence of their activity. In essence, the verse is a story about God’s concern for His people and a reminder that even good intentions can have unintended consequences. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of Gilgal? Discuss what ‘villages round about Jerusalem’ might symbolize?