Definition: Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Joshua 13:13. It's a really important part of the story of Israel’s early history, and it’s about how they chose to live in a foreign land. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Israel stayed with the Geshurites and the Maachathites for a long time. Let's unpack that: “Joshua 13” : This refers to a specific event in the Old Testament, specifically a period when Joshua was leading the Israelites into Canaan (modern-day Israel). “The children of Israel” : This is the group of people who were leaving Egypt. “Geshurites and Maachathites” : These are two specific groups of people who lived in a region called Meshasha (pronounced “Mesh-ah-chet”). They were located near the Red Sea, and they were considered enemies of Israel. “Dwell among the Israelites until this day” : This is the crucial part. Even though they initially left, they remained in Meshasha for many years – until now . So, what's the big takeaway? It means that despite their initial exile, Israel chose to remain in a neighboring land, even after being forced out of Egypt. This was a difficult decision, and it’s a significant part of how they navigated their situation. Why is this important? This story has some deeper theological implications: Showing Resilience: It shows that despite facing hardship and exile, Israel maintained its identity and continued to exist. Understanding God's Plan: It highlights that God’s plan for his people isn’t always about immediate return to the land they left. Sometimes, it means adapting and finding a way to live in a new place. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like to know: Why this story is considered significant? What does it say about Israel's relationship with God?