What is the definition of Joshua 11:19? ๐ ๐
There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all [other] they took in battle.
Explanation:
Okay, letโs break down this verse from Joshua 11:19. Itโs a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about a group of people โ the Hivites โ and their impact on Israel.
Here's what it means in simpler terms:
Basically, the Hivites were a group of people who lived in Gibeon (a region near Jerusalem) and they deliberately refused to make peace with the Israelites.
Letโs unpack that a little further:
๐
โThere was not a city that made peace with the children of Israelโฆโ
: This means there wasn't ๐any๐ city or nation that successfully negotiated peace with the Israelites. It suggests a consistent pattern of conflict and refusal to cooperate.
๐
"...save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeonโฆ"
: The Hivites were the key players in this refusal to make peace. They were a distinct group who chose to remain separate and hostile.
๐
โall [other] they took in battle.โ
: This is the crucial part. The Hivites ๐actively๐ engaged in warfare against the Israelites. They weren't just passively resisting; they fought, invaded, and challenged them. They even took advantage of the conflict to establish their own territory and influence.
So, whatโs the big takeaway?
This verse paints a picture of a prolonged period of hostility between Israel and its neighbors. The Hivites were a persistent force of disruption and conflict, creating significant challenges for the Israelites' peace and security.
It's a sobering reminder that sometimes, even seemingly peaceful groups can be antagonistic.
Itโs a story about a deliberate choice to fight, which highlights the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding conflict wherever possible.
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Do you want me to:
๐ Explain ๐why๐ this verse is significant in biblical history?
๐ Discuss its implications for understanding the relationship between Israel and its neighbors?
๐ Give you a little more context about the region of Gibeon?