Definition: And what the land [is] that they dwell in, whether it [be] good or bad; and what cities [they be] that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 13:19. It's a really important passage about God’s plan for the Israelites to conquer Canaan (which is now part of Israel). Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is asking the Israelites to figure out where they are living and where they are going – specifically, where they will settle. He wants to know if their land is a good place to live or a bad one. And he's also asking about the cities they’re building so we can understand how much land they’ll need. Let’s unpack it: “Numbers 13:19” : This is the key phrase – it's a specific question being asked. “What the land [is] that they dwell in…” : This means God wants to know about the physical landscape . He’s asking about the terrain – hills, valleys, plains, mountains – of their territory. Basically, “Where are they building their homes?” “…whether it be good or bad” : This is a question of quality and safety. He's not just concerned with the shape of the land, but also whether it’s safe to live in. Does it have natural dangers? Is it fertile for farming? “And what cities [they be] that they dwell in…” : This is about the cities they are building – settlements and towns. He's asking about where they will build their homes, whether they'll be in tents (which were common then) or in strongholds (like fortified castles). The Significance & What it Means: This verse is a preview of what’s coming next: God wants the Israelites to prove that they are a capable and successful people by establishing a secure and prosperous settlement. It's about demonstrating their faith, strength, and ability to thrive in a new land. In essence, it's a test of God’s favor. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories or themes in the Bible? Give you some historical context about the time this verse was written?