From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:
From the Shihor River, which flows near Egypt, all the way north to the territory of Ekron, which belongs to the Canaanites: the five rulers of the Philistines who control Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron; and also the Avites.
This verse describes the specific territories and peoples that Israel still needed to conquer, including five major Philistine cities along the coast.
📚 Historical Context
This passage comes during the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Even though Joshua had led many successful military campaigns, significant portions of Canaan remained unconquered. The Philistines were a powerful coastal people who would become Israel's main enemies for centuries, and their five major cities formed a confederacy that controlled important trade routes.
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