Definition: Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border [thereof]:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Joshua 15:47. It’s a really significant and dramatic verse in the Bible! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: God is going to utterly destroy Ashdod, Gaza, and the surrounding areas – essentially, the entire region around them – with a massive, devastating fire. It’s not just a small blaze; this is a complete annihilation. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Joshua 15:47” : This tells us who is doing this. It’s Joshua, the leader of Israel during the time of the Judges. “Ashdod with her towns and her villages…” : This refers to the city of Ashdod, a significant port city on the coast of Israel. It's described as being full of people and important settlements. “…Gaza with her towns and her villages…” : This is the same – Gaza is also a large city, and it’s filled with people. “unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border [thereof]” : This is the crucial part. It means that this destruction will extend far beyond these cities. What does "the border" mean? The word “border” in this context refers to the sea . The verse says that the fire will reach the sea and the boundary of the land, meaning it will consume everything along the coastlines of Israel. It’s a clear indication of a complete siege and destruction. What's the significance? This is a powerful image of God’s judgment and power. It speaks to: Divine Justice: God is punishing those who have been disrespectful or rebellious. God’s Sovereignty: He controls everything, and he will bring about complete destruction according to his will. The Consequences of Sin: The verse highlights the serious consequences of evil and disobedience. In short, Joshua 15:47 describes a massive, complete military campaign against Ashdod, Gaza, and their surrounding areas – a devastating judgment from God. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to explain: The historical context of the story? The symbolism behind the image of fire and destruction?