KJV ORIGINAL
Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, and abode in his breaches.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Gilead stayed on the other side of the Jordan River. Why did Dan stay with their ships? Asher remained along the seashore, staying safe in their harbors.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The writer is criticizing several tribes for not joining the battle, choosing instead to stay in their comfortable, secure locations.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of Deborah's victory song after defeating the Canaanites. She's celebrating the tribes that fought alongside her while calling out those who didn't help - Gilead (part of Manasseh), Dan, and Asher all chose to stay in their territories rather than join the battle against Israel's oppressors.
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