Definition: Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashanhavothjair, unto this day.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Deuteronomy 3:14. It's a pretty old and somewhat surprising passage! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very unusual act of relocating people. “Deuteronomy 3” : This is a section of the Old Testament, specifically from the book of Deuteronomy. It's a set of laws and instructions given to Moses as he led the Israelites out of Egypt. “3:14” : This is the verse we’re focusing on. “Jair the son of Manasseh” : This refers to a man named Jair, who was a descendant of Manasseh, a brother of Moses. “Took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi” : This is the key part. “Argob” was a region in the south of Israel – basically a large area that included parts of present-day Lebanon and Syria. Jair took everything in that area, including its people, land, and resources, and moved it to the coast of Geshuri (a coastal region) and the Maachathi mountains. “And called them after his own name, Bashanhavothjair” : This is where it gets really interesting. Jair named the entire area "Bashanhavothjair" – which translates roughly to “the land of the Bashan” (which is the region we know as Israel today). He essentially made this new territory entirely devoted to him and his family. What's the Significance? This story is a bit unsettling because it suggests a very deliberate, possibly manipulative, act by Jair. It raises questions about: Power and Control: Jair was establishing a powerful claim over this land, effectively making it his territory. Divine Favor: It points to a possible desire for favor from God, as Jair was actively shaping the landscape and people in response to his wishes. In short, this verse describes a move of people and land that was driven by a specific goal – to establish a powerful claim on a region, named "Bashanhavothjair" in honor of Jair. --- Important Note: This is an interpretation based on the text itself. The exact meaning and intent behind this story have been debated by scholars for centuries. Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Deuteronomy? Discuss the historical context of this story?