Definition: And came to the strong hold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites: and they went out to the south of Judah, [even] to Beersheba.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really important one about God’s protection and judgment. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that God is actively watching over Israel and sending His forces to protect them from a powerful enemy – the Hivites. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And came to the strong hold of Tyre…” : Think of Tyre as a fortified city in Lebanon, a place known for its strength and power. “Strong hold” means it was heavily defended. “…and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites:” This is where it gets interesting. The Hivites were a group of people who lived near Israel and were known for their fierce warriors and raids. The verse says God sent His forces to everywhere – all the cities near Israel and the surrounding areas, including places like Canaan (which is often associated with the land God promised to Abraham). “and of Judah, [even] to Beersheba.” This is the key part! “Judah” refers to the Israelites themselves. The verse says that God sent His forces to Beersheba . So, what does this all mean? It's essentially a message of protection and divine judgment. God was sending His presence and power to safeguard Israel from these enemies. Beersheba itself is significant because it was where Abraham’s family lived, and it was a place God promised to bless them. Important Context: This verse comes after the story of the Israelites being enslaved in Egypt. It’s a reminder that God always protects His people, even when they are facing great hardship. It's also a foreshadowing of God’s plan to deliver Israel from their bondage and establish them as a nation under His rule. In short: God is actively watching over his people and sending his forces to defend them against those who would threaten them. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to modern life?