Definition: Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with her suburbs,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Joshua 21:13. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising story about God’s plan for Israel! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is giving the Israelites a special place – a city called Hebron – specifically designed to be a safe haven for those who kill people. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thus they gave to the children of Aaron…” This means that God is directly instructing Moses to give this land to Aaron’s family. Aaron was the high priest in Israel’s early days. “…the priest Hebron with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer.” This is the key part. “The slayer” refers to someone who kills a person. God is telling Aaron and his family to build this place specifically as a place where those who kill people can find safety and protection. It's a dedicated area for this purpose. “Libnah with her suburbs” This is a neighboring town that’s also being given this space. So, essentially, it means God is creating a protected area – a city – specifically for those who kill people. It’s a very deliberate and symbolic act, showing that God is actively involved in protecting his people from violence. Why was this done? It's believed to be part of a larger plan to ensure the safety and well-being of Israel during a time when they were vulnerable to conflict and potential attacks. Important Note: This passage is a bit mysterious, and there’s some debate about exactly why God chose this specific location and purpose. It highlights God's watchful eye over his people and their protection. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Talk about the historical context surrounding this passage? Explore the symbolism of this event?