What is the definition of Joshua 17:7? ๐ ๐
And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that [lieth] before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of Entappuah.
Explanation:
Okay, let's break down this verse from Joshua 17:7. Itโs a pretty serious passage about how Godโs judgment is being directed at a specific area. Hereโs what it means in simpler terms:
The Basic Idea:
God is saying that He will punish the people of Asher and Michmethah (a region near Asher) for something they did โ specifically, for building a city called Shechem, which was built ๐before๐ the proper time or place.
Letโs unpack it piece by piece:
๐
โAnd the coast of Manassehโฆโ
- This refers to a specific area along the eastern side of Israel, near the region of Asher.
๐
โโฆwas from Asher to Michmethahโฆโ
โ This is the key part. Asher and Michmethah are both located ๐to the right๐ of the river. Think of it like a coastline โ Asher is on one side, and Michmethah is on the other.
๐
"...that [lieth] before Shechem..."
- This means that the area between Asher and Michmethah ๐was๐ still being used as a place to build and develop. It was in a state of transition.
๐
"...and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of Entappuah."
โ This is where it gets really important. "Entappuah" is a name for a specific group of people. This phrase means that the boundary (the edge) of the area between Asher and Michmethah ๐extended๐ to the territory of Entappuah.
Putting It All Together - The Message:
God is saying that the people in Asher and Michmethah were building something ๐before๐ it was appropriate or allowed. Because of this, God is punishing them for disrupting the proper order and setting a bad example. Itโs about establishing boundaries and ensuring things are done correctly according to His will.
Important Note:
This verse is often interpreted as a warning against hasty construction or building projects without proper authorization or consideration for the established rules.
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Disclaimer:
๐I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on standard interpretations of the text.๐
Do you have any specific questions about this passage that I can answer? For example, would you like me to:
๐ Explain its significance in a broader context?
๐ Discuss different interpretations of the verse?