Definition: And the coast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim [are] among the cities of Manasseh: the coast of Manasseh also [was] on the north side of the river, and the outgoings of it were at the sea:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Joshua 17:9. It’s a really important and dramatic verse in the Old Testament that describes a significant event during the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Joshua is leading the Israelites into a city. The verse describes Joshua setting his men down to conquer a city – likely a significant one like Jericho. They’re approaching a river. The key here is the river Kanah. It's not just any river; it’s a vital waterway. The coast changes dramatically. As they get closer, the river’s banks begin to slope significantly south (southward) of the river. What’s Happening – The "Coast Descending" This is where it gets interesting and concerning. The passage says: “The coast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim [are] among the cities of Manasseh.” Let's unpack that: “Descended”: This means the land slope downwards . It’s like the ground is sinking. “Southward of the river”: The coast is sloping south, meaning it’s getting closer to the water. "These cities of Ephraim [are] among the cities of Manasseh": This tells us that the cities of Ephraim are located in a part of Manasseh – which was a region of the land that was later conquered by the Israelites. Putting it All Together: A Dramatic Shift Essentially, this verse describes a massive change in the landscape. The coastline is dramatically shifting to the south, and the entire area around the river Kanah now appears to be located in Manasseh. Why is this significant? This isn’t just a physical shift. It's a strategic one. The Israelites were entering a region that was previously occupied by a large population of the people of Manasseh. This change indicates a significant and potentially troubling event – a move in territory and a disruption to the existing balance of power. In short, this verse describes a dramatic shift in the landscape, revealing a significant change in the political and territorial situation after the conquest. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect this passage to other stories or events in the Bible? Discuss what this verse might symbolize (e.g., a shift in power, conflict)?