Joshua 11:19
Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
وَلَمْ تَعْمَلْ مَدِينَةٌ مُعَاهَدَةَ سَلَامٍ مَعَ بَنِي إسْرَائِيلَ إلَّا الحِوِّيُّونَ السَّاكِنُونَ فِي جِبعُونَ. فَقَدْ هَزَمَ بَنُو إسْرَائِيلَ كُلَّ تِلْكَ المُدُنِ فِي الحَرْبِ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse from Joshua explains that every city fought against the Israelites, except the Hivites from Gibeon who made peace. It shows the conflict and alliances of that time. The key message is that only those who sought peace with the Israelites avoided battle.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing a game where everyone is against you, but one team decides to be your friend. That's like what happened here. Everyone fought the Israelites, except one group that became their friends.
Historical Background
The Book of Joshua was written by Joshua himself and perhaps later editors around 1370-1050 BC. It was written for the Israelites to recount their conquest of Canaan. The cultural setting was one of tribal warfare and alliances.
Living It Out Today
Today, this verse can remind us that choosing peace over conflict can prevent unnecessary battles. In a workplace, for example, choosing to communicate and negotiate rather than to argue can lead to a more harmonious environment.
Topics
warpeacealliancesnegotiationconflict resolutionconquest
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Hivites make peace with the Israelites?
The Hivites likely made peace with the Israelites to avoid being conquered and to benefit from an alliance, showing strategic thinking and negotiation skills.
What does this verse tell us about the Israelites' conquest?
It indicates that the Israelites faced resistance from most cities, showing the difficulty and scale of their conquests and the importance of alliances.
How does this relate to conflict resolution today?
This verse highlights the value of seeking peace and negotiation over conflict, which can apply to modern conflict resolution in various settings like politics or business.
What can we learn from the Israelites' interactions with other cities?
We can learn the importance of communication and the potential benefits of forming alliances, rather than always engaging in conflict.