Definition: And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite which [was] in it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 32:39. It’s a really significant passage about a strategic move made during a time of great crisis. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Time of Trouble: The verse comes after a period of intense political upheaval and danger in Israel, particularly surrounding the Amorite people. Machir’s Group: “Machir the son of Manasseh” is a specific leader – a man named Machir who was part of a group of people. Taking Possession: “Went to Gilead” means they went to a place called Gilead. Gilead was a small, fortified city in Israel. Taking It & Dispossessed: This is the key part! They took Gilead – the city itself – and dispossessed (meaning they took it by force or with a strategic advantage) the Amorite people who were living there. Let's unpack it further: Amorites: The Amorites were a group of people who had been conquered and displaced from their land long ago. They were considered enemies of Israel. “Which [was] in it” : This is crucial. It means the Amorite people were already present within Gilead. They were living there, possibly even holding positions of power. The group took them because they had a strategic advantage – they were already there and could be controlled. In essence, this verse describes a deliberate act of conquest and control. It highlights a moment where Israel’s leaders used military force to secure their territory and eliminate a rival group. Important Note: This is just one piece of the bigger story of the Book of Judges. The Bible often uses stories and events to illustrate important lessons about leadership, faith, and God's plan for his people. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: Why it’s significant historically? What the meaning of “dispossessed” might mean?