Definition: And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 36:1. It's a really important passage in the Bible that sets up a significant event about the Israelites’ journey into the wilderness. Here's a simplified explanation: Basically, it means: “And the leaders of the families who descended from the Gilead people – specifically, the sons of Machir, Manasseh, and Joseph – came before Moses and the leaders of Israel.” Let’s unpack that a bit further: “Numbers 36” : This refers to a specific period in ancient history. “The chief fathers…” : This means the most important and influential families within the Gilead lineage were brought together. “…of the children of Gilead…” : This identifies the group of people we're talking about – the descendants of the people who originally lived in Gilead (likely a tribe or clan). “…the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph…” : This is where it gets a bit more specific. It names three prominent figures within this group: Machir: A powerful and influential leader. Manasseh: Another significant figure. The sons of Joseph: This refers to Joseph, who was a very important leader in the lineage. What’s the significance? This verse is crucial because it establishes that these families were chosen by God to lead the Israelites into the wilderness – a place where they would be tested and instructed before entering the Promised Land ( Canaan). It highlights their importance and sets the stage for the journey ahead. In short, this verse introduces a group of influential leaders from the Gilead family who are brought together to guide the Israelites. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you some context about the Gilead people or the history surrounding this event?