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Book of Joshua - Chapter 21 - Verse 11

21:11
And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.

Meaning

According to the Bible, in the book of Joshua, the Israelites were given the city of Hebron by God as part of the Promised Land. Hebron was originally known as Arba, named after the father of the Anakites who were a fierce and powerful tribe that inhabited the area. Hebron is located in the hill country of Judah in the southern region of Israel. The city of Hebron, along with its surrounding suburbs, was strategically important due to its elevated location, making it a valuable stronghold in ancient times. The Israelites conquered Hebron with the help of God, and it became one of the important cities in the area, mentioned several times throughout the Bible. The significance of this verse lies in the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites to inherit the land of Canaan, including the city of Hebron, as their rightful possession.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Joshua, the city of Hebron is mentioned as being given to Caleb and his descendants. The city of Hebron holds significance in biblical history as it was a place of great importance for the Israelites. It was originally called Kirjath-arba, named after the father of the Anakim, a race of giants. After the conquest of the land of Canaan, the city was given to Caleb as his inheritance. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the faithfulness of God in fulfilling his promises to his people. Despite facing formidable obstacles, such as the presence of giants in the land, God remained true to his word and allowed Caleb to inherit the city of Hebron. The word study of "Hebron" reveals that it means "association" or "alliance," emphasizing the idea of God forming a covenant with his people.

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