Joshua 10:38

returned] or turned. "Turnyde in," Wyclif. The words indicate a change in the direction of the march. Comp. Exodus 5:22, "and Moses returnedunto the Lord," From Hebron he turned in to the south-west, and attacked Debir.

Debir The early name of this city was Kirjath-sepher = "the town of the book" (Joshua 15:15; Judges 1:11), or Kirjath-sannah = "the town of palm" ("of the law"?) (Joshua 15:49). We find it afterwards given with its "suburbs" to the priests (Joshua 21:15; 1 Chronicles 6:58). "About three miles to the west of Hebron is a deep and secluded valley called the Wady Nunkûr, enclosed on the north by hills, of which one bears a name certainly suggestive of Debir, Dewîr-ban. The name supplies some evidence that the Canaanites were acquainted with writing and books. The town probably contained a noted school, or was the site of an oracle, and the residence of some learned priests." This accounts for the Hebrew name, Debir, which Jerome renders "oraculum." The same term was used to denote the adytum of Solomon's temple.