Definition: And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was [thus]: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 16:5. It's a really important detail in understanding how the Israelites were organized and settled in Canaan (modern-day Israel). Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes the geographical boundaries of the Ephraim tribe, specifically their inheritance location on the east side of the land. It’s a precise map! Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And the border of the children of Ephraim..." – This refers to the Ephraim people, who were a significant group in ancient Israel and Judah. "...according to their families..." - This is key. It means they were organized into distinct families based on lineage and ancestry. It’s not just about where they lived; it's about how they were connected to each other. "[thus]: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;" – This is the most detailed part. It gives us a very specific location: “Atarothaddar” : This refers to a specific area along the eastern side of the land. "unto Bethhoron the upper” : This tells us that at this point, the Ephraim tribe was located above (the "upper") portion of that area. Putting it all together - What does it mean? Essentially, this verse establishes a clear and defined boundary for the Ephraim tribe’s territory. It shows that they were physically divided into distinct families who lived along a certain eastern side of the land, with a specific location designated as "Atarothaddar" (a specific place) and then connected to "Bethhoron" (another specific place). Historical Significance: This detail is significant because it tells us that the Ephraim tribe was geographically organized. It suggests a more structured and defined territory than just scattered people living in a vague area. It’s a clear example of how ancient communities were often divided into smaller, identifiable groups based on ancestry and location. In short: The verse describes the exact geographical boundaries of the Ephraim tribe, establishing a clear division of their land along the eastern side of Canaan. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific historical event or period?