Definition: [Even] from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 11:17. It’s a really significant passage about a massive battle and a change in power. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The Problem: The Israelites were being invaded by the Philistines, who were a fierce and organized people. They were building a temple on Mount Sinai, which made them a target. God’s Command: God told Joshua to take all the kings of the Philistine tribes and send them to destroy the temples. Basically, he wanted to eliminate the threat. The Battle: Joshua sent his army to attack the Philistine cities. They fought fiercely, and the battle was incredibly intense. The Victory: After a long and brutal struggle, Joshua’s forces completely defeated the Philistines. They took all the kings of the tribe of Benjamin (the ones who built the temple) and sent them to Mount Hermon. What it Means in Plain Language: “Even from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them.” This means: "Mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir..." – This refers to a specific mountain range near the Dead Sea. "...even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon..." - This is a very long and detailed description of where the battle took place. It’s a geographically precise location. "and all their kings he took..." – Joshua ordered to take all the kings of the Philistine tribes. "...and smote them, and slew them." - He sent his army to kill these kings. Key Takeaway: This verse describes a complete and decisive victory for God in a major battle against the Philistines, resulting in the destruction of their ruling class. Important Note: The exact details of how this happened are debated among scholars, but it’s generally understood as a clear example of divine judgment and the ultimate triumph of God's power over evil. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the significance of this story in the Bible?