👉 And these [are] the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel [for] a possession according to their divisions;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 12:7. It’s a really important passage about God’s plan for the land and how He chooses who gets to live in it. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is giving the land of Israel to his people, specifically Joshua and his descendants, but he’s setting up boundaries and rules so that they can live peacefully and securely. It’s like He's saying, “Here’s where we’re going to settle down, and here’s what you need to do to keep the peace.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And these [are] the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan…” – This is about a conflict. Joshua and his army are attacking and destroying the people who were living in the area around the Jordan River (the border). They’re essentially causing trouble. “…on this side Jordan…” - This refers to the area specifically along the Jordan River, which was a crucial crossing point for the Israelites. “…from Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir” – This is where it gets a bit more detailed. “Baalgad” is a place in Lebanon. “Mount Halak” is a very high mountain range. "Even unto Seir" means it stretches all the way to the east of that mountain range. It's a really long and expansive area. “…that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions.” – This is the core of the verse. Joshua, as commander, gave this land – and the surrounding area – to the tribes of Israel. But he did it with a specific rule: He set boundaries and rules for them. It's like giving someone a piece of land, but also establishing how they can use it and what restrictions apply. “According to their divisions” means there were different groups of people that were given parts of this land. In short, Joshua is establishing a defined territory for the Israelites, with rules and boundaries drawn in place so that the land can be peaceful and stable. Why is this important? This verse is significant because it shows God’s plan of conquest and settlement. It highlights that He isn't just doing something; He's designing how things should be. It’s a key part of the story of Israel's history, showing how God’s judgment and providence are at work. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail (like why it was important at the time)? Compare this verse to a similar story in the Bible?
