Definition: And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which [are] in Judah and in Benjamin fenced cities.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 11:10. It’s a really important passage about ambition and the potential for trouble in a specific region. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone is planning to build a large, impressive city (Zorah, Aijalon, Hebron) within Judah and Benjamin – two of the twelve tribes of Israel. It warns that this ambition could lead to conflict and disaster. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron…” : These are three specific cities mentioned. They're all important places in ancient Judah. “…which [are] in Judah and in Benjamin” : This is the key part. It tells us where these cities are located – within the region of Judah (which included parts of modern-day Israel and Palestine) and Benjamin. “fenced cities” : This is where it gets interesting. “Fenced” means protected by walls or boundaries. The verse says they were protected . What does this all mean? This verse points to a pattern of political maneuvering and scheming, primarily by King Jeroboam. He was planning to build a large city there, and he was actively trying to create barriers – walls – between the tribes of Israel. The idea is that this ambition would lead to conflict because these tribes were divided and suspicious of each other. The Significance: Political Intrigue: It’s a story about how power can be used to cause division and war. Warning against Ambition: The verse serves as a warning against excessive ambition and the dangers of prioritizing personal gain over peace and unity. It highlights that seeking power at any cost can have dire consequences. In short, this verse warns against building large cities within Israel to create conflict between the tribes, emphasizing the importance of peace and cooperation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Go into more detail about a specific aspect of this story (like the history behind the tribes)?