What is the definition of Joshua 13:31?

And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, [were pertaining] unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, [even] to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.

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Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Joshua 13:31. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious detail about the aftermath of the Battle of Jericho. Here’s what it means in simple terms:
The Basic Idea:
This verse describes a group of people who were left behind after the destruction of Jericho. They were essentially a remnant, a “half” or “portion” of the original population.
Let's unpack it piece by piece:
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“Joshua 13:31”
: This is the specific verse we’re looking at. 💎
“And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei…”
: These are different names for groups of people. “Gilead” refers to a specific tribe of Israel. "Ashtaroth" and "Edrei" are other names given to these groups. Think of them as different divisions or communities within the overall group. 💎
“[were pertaining] unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh…”
: This is the key part! “Machir” was a prominent leader in the Israelite kingdom, and “the son of Manasseh” refers to him. So, this means these people were 💎related💎 to him. 💎
“[even] to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.”
: This is what makes it significant. It tells us that 💎half💎 of the children of Machir – meaning his descendants – were taken care of by these remaining groups.
What does this tell us?
This verse is a bit cryptic, and there are several interpretations among scholars. Here are some possibilities: 💎
A Legacy:
It suggests that the people who survived the destruction of Jericho left behind a significant portion of their ancestral lineage. They were preserving a connection to the original Israelite population. 💎
A Responsibility:
The fact that they were “pertaining” to this remnant implies a responsibility or obligation to continue their traditions and perhaps even a role in rebuilding or maintaining a part of the kingdom.
Important Note:
This is an ancient text, and its interpretation has been debated for centuries. It's not always straightforward!
In short, this verse describes a significant portion of Israel’s population surviving the destruction of Jericho – a group that continued to exist and potentially played a role in the future of the kingdom.
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💎 Are you curious about a particular interpretation? 💎 Would you like me to explain a concept further?