Joshua Chapter 19

Commentary

Simeon's Territory

1And the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah. 2And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah, 3And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem, 4And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah, 5And Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah, 6And Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities and their villages: 7Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities and their villages: 8And all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families. 9Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them.

Zebulun's Territory

10And the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families: and the border of their inheritance was unto Sarid: 11And their border went up toward the sea, and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam; 12And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up to Japhia, 13And from thence passeth on along on the east to Gittahhepher, to Ittahkazin, and goeth out to Remmonmethoar to Neah; 14And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon: and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel: 15And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages. 16This is the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their families, these cities with their villages.

Issachar's Territory

17And the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families. 18And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem, 19And Hapharaim, and Shion, and Anaharath, 20And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez, 21And Remeth, and Engannim, and Enhaddah, and Bethpazzez; 22And the coast reacheth to Tabor, and Shahazimah, and Bethshemesh; and the outgoings of their border were at Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages. 23This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities and their villages.

Asher's Territory

24And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families. 25And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph, 26And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reacheth to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath; 27And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand, 28And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon; 29And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib: 30Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty and two cities with their villages. 31This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.

Naphtali's Territory

32The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families. 33And their coast was from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakum; and the outgoings thereof were at Jordan: 34And then the coast turneth westward to Aznothtabor, and goeth out from thence to Hukkok, and reacheth to Zebulun on the south side, and reacheth to Asher on the west side, and to Judah upon Jordan toward the sunrising. 35And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth, 36And Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor, 37And Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor, 38And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh; nineteen cities with their villages. 39This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages.

Dan's Territory

40And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families. 41And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Irshemesh, 42And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah, 43And Elon, and Thimnathah, and Ekron, 44And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath, 45And Jehud, and Beneberak, and Gathrimmon, 46And Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho. 47And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father. 48This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages.

Joshua's Inheritance

49When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them: 50According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein.

51These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they made an end of dividing the country.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Simeon’s Inheritance

1 The second lot came out for Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families. Their inheritance was in the midst of the inheritance of the children of Judah. 2 They had for their inheritance Beersheba (or Sheba), Moladah, 3 Hazar Shual, Balah, Ezem, 4 Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah, 5 Ziklag, Beth Marcaboth, Hazar Susah, 6 Beth Lebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities with their villages; 7 Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan; four cities with their villages; 8 and all the villages that were around these cities to Baalath Beer, Ramah of the South. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families. 9 Out of the part of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon; for the portion of the children of Judah was too much for them. Therefore the children of Simeon had inheritance in the midst of their inheritance.

Zebulun’s Inheritance

10 The third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families. The border of their inheritance was to Sarid. 11 Their border went up westward, even to Maralah, and reached to Dabbesheth. It reached to the brook that is before Jokneam. 12 It turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrise to the border of Chisloth Tabor. It went out to Daberath, and went up to Japhia. 13 From there it passed along eastward to Gath Hepher, to Ethkazin; and it went out at Rimmon which stretches to Neah. 14 The border turned around it on the north to Hannathon; and it ended at the valley of Iphtah El; 15 Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages. 16 This is the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their families, these cities with their villages.

Issachar’s Inheritance

17 The fourth lot came out for Issachar, even for the children of Issachar according to their families. 18 Their border was to Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem, 19 Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath, 20 Rabbith, Kishion, Ebez, 21 Remeth, Engannim, En Haddah, and Beth Pazzez. 22 The border reached to Tabor, Shahazumah, and Beth Shemesh. Their border ended at the Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages. 23 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities with their villages.

Asher’s Inheritance

24 The fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families. 25 Their border was Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph, 26 Allammelech, Amad, Mishal. It reached to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath. 27 It turned toward the sunrise to Beth Dagon, and reached to Zebulun, and to the valley of Iphtah El northward to Beth Emek and Neiel. It went out to Cabul on the left hand, 28 and Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, even to great Sidon. 29 The border turned to Ramah, to the fortified city of Tyre; and the border turned to Hosah. It ended at the sea by the region of Achzib; 30 Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty-two cities with their villages. 31 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.

Naphtali’s Inheritance

32 The sixth lot came out for the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families. 33 Their border was from Heleph, from the oak in Zaanannim, Adaminekeb, and Jabneel, to Lakkum. It ended at the Jordan. 34 The border turned westward to Aznoth Tabor, and went out from there to Hukkok. It reached to Zebulun on the south, and reached to Asher on the west, and to Judah at the Jordan toward the sunrise. 35 The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth, 36 Adamah, Ramah, Hazor, 37 Kedesh, Edrei, En Hazor, 38 Iron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth Anath, and Beth Shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages. 39 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities with their villages.

Dan’s Inheritance

40 The seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families. 41 The border of their inheritance was Zorah, Eshtaol, Irshemesh, 42 Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah, 43 Elon, Timnah, Ekron, 44 Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath, 45 Jehud, Bene Berak, Gath Rimmon, 46 Me Jarkon, and Rakkon, with the border over against Joppa. 47 The border of the children of Dan went out beyond them; for the children of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and took it, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and lived therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father. 48 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages.

Joshua’s Inheritance

49 So they made an end of distributing the land for inheritance by its borders. The children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun in their midst. 50 According to the commandment of Yahweh, they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in the hill country of Ephraim; and he built the city, and lived there.

51 These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers’ houses of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance by lot in Shiloh before Yahweh, at the door of the Tent of Meeting. So they made an end of dividing the land.

Simeon’s Inheritance

1 The second lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Simeon:

Their inheritance lay within the territory of Judah 2 and included Beersheba (or Sheba), Moladah, 3 Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem, 4 Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah, 5 Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susah, 6 Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen—thirteen cities, along with their villages.

7 Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan—four cities, along with their villages, 8 and all the villages surrounding these cities as far as Baalath-beer (Ramah of the Negev).

This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Simeon. 9 The inheritance of the Simeonites was taken from the territory of Judah, because the share for Judah’s descendants was too large for them. So the Simeonites received an inheritance within Judah’s portion.

Zebulun’s Inheritance

10 The third lot came up for the clans of the tribe of Zebulun:

The border of their inheritance stretched as far as Sarid. 11 It went up westward to Maralah, reached Dabbesheth, and met the brook east of Jokneam. 12 From Sarid it turned eastward along the border of Chisloth-tabor and went on to Daberath and up to Japhia. 13 From there it crossed eastward to Gath-hepher and to Eth-kazin; it extended to Rimmon and curved around toward Neah. 14 Then the border circled around the north side of Neah to Hannathon and ended at the Valley of Iphtah-el. 15 It also included Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem. There were twelve cities, along with their villages.

16 This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Zebulun, including these cities and their villages.

Issachar’s Inheritance

17 The fourth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Issachar:

18 Their territory included Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem, 19 Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath, 20 Rabbith, Kishion, Ebez, 21 Remeth, En-gannim, En-haddah, and Beth-pazzez. 22 The border reached Tabor, Shahazumah, and Beth-shemesh, and ended at the Jordan. There were sixteen cities, along with their villages.

23 This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Issachar, including these cities and their villages.

Asher’s Inheritance

24 The fifth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Asher:

25 Their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph, 26 Allammelech, Amad, and Mishal. On the west the border touched Carmel and Shihor-libnath, 27 then turned eastward toward Beth-dagon, touched Zebulun and the Valley of Iphtah-el, and went north to Beth-emek and Neiel, passing Cabul on the left. 28 It went on to Ebron, a Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, as far as Greater Sidon. 29 The border then turned back toward Ramah as far as the fortified city of Tyre, turned toward Hosah, and came out at the Sea b in the region of Achzib, 30 Ummah, Aphek, and Rehob. There were twenty-two cities, along with their villages.

31 This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Asher, including these cities and their villages.

Naphtali’s Inheritance

32 The sixth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Naphtali:

33 Their border started at Heleph and the great tree of Zaanannim, passing Adami-nekeb and Jabneel as far as Lakkum and ending at the Jordan. 34 Then the border turned westward to Aznoth-tabor and ran from there to Hukkok, touching Zebulun on the south side, Asher on the west, and Judah at the Jordan c on the east. 35 The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth, 36 Adamah, Ramah, Hazor, 37 Kedesh, Edrei, En-hazor, 38 Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh. There were nineteen cities, along with their villages.

39 This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Naphtali, including these cities and their villages.

Dan’s Inheritance

40 The seventh lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Dan:

41 The territory of their inheritance included Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh, 42 Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah, 43 Elon, Timnah, Ekron, 44 Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath, 45 Jehud, Bene-berak, Gath-rimmon, 46 Me-jarkon, and Rakkon, including the territory across from Joppa.

47 (Later, when the territory of the Danites was lost to them, they went up and fought against Leshem, captured it, and put it to the sword. So they took possession of Leshem, settled there, and renamed it after their father Dan.)

48 This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Dan, including these cities and their villages.

Joshua’s Inheritance

49 When they had finished distributing the land into its territories, the Israelites gave Joshua son of Nun an inheritance among them, 50 as the LORD had commanded. They gave him the city of Timnath-serah d in the hill country of Ephraim, as he requested. He rebuilt the city and settled in it.

51 These are the inheritances that Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families distributed by lot to the tribes of Israel at Shiloh before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. So they finished dividing up the land.

 

Footnotes:

28 a Some Hebrew manuscripts Abdon ; see Joshua 21:30.
29 b That is, the Mediterranean Sea, also called the Great Sea
34 c Hebrew; LXX west, and the Jordan
50 d Timnath-serah  is also known as Timnath-heres ; see Judges 2:9.

Simeon's Territory

1And the second lot goeth out for Simeon, for the tribe of the sons of Simeon, for their families; and their inheritance is in the midst of the inheritance of the sons of Judah, 2and they have in their inheritance Beer-Sheba, and Sheba, and Moladah, 3and Hazar-Shual, and Balah, and Azem, 4and Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah, 5and Ziklag, and Beth-Marcaboth, and Hazar-Susah, 6and Beth-Lebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities and their villages. 7Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities and their villages; 8also all the villages which are round about these cities, unto Baalath-Beer, Ramoth of the south. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Simeon, for their families; 9out of the portion of the sons of Judah is the inheritance of the sons of Simeon, for the portion of the sons of Judah hath been too much for them, and the sons of Simeon inherit in the midst of their inheritance.

Zebulun's Territory

10And the third lot goeth up for the sons of Zebulun, for their families; and the border of their inheritance is unto Sarid, 11and their border hath gone up towards the sea, and Maralah, and come against Dabbasheth, and come unto the brook which is on the front of Jokneam, 12and turned back from Sarid eastward, at the sun-rising, by the border of Chisloth-Tabor, and gone out unto Daberath, and gone up to Japhia, 13and thence it hath passed over eastward, to the east, to Gittah-Hepher, to Ittah-Kazin, and gone out to Rimmon-Methoar to Neah; 14and the border hath gone round about it, from the north to Hannathon; and its outgoings have been in the valley of Jiphthah-El, 15and Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Beth-Lehem; twelve cities and their villages. 16This is the inheritance of the sons of Zebulun, for their families, these cities and their villages.

Issachar's Territory

17For Issachar hath the fourth lot gone out, for the sons of Issachar, for their families; 18and their border is at Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem, 19and Haphraim, and Shihon, and Anaharath, 20and Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez, 21and Remeth, and En-Gannim, and En-Haddah, and Beth-Pazzez; 22and the border hath touched against Tabor, and Shahazimah, and Beth-Shemesh, and the outgoings of their border have been at the Jordan; sixteen cities and their villages. 23This is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Issachar, for their families, the cities and their villages.

Asher's Territory

24And the fifth lot goeth out for the tribe of the sons of Asher, for their families; 25and their border is Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph, 26and Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and it toucheth against Carmel westward, and against Shihor-Libnath; 27and hath turned back, at the sun-rising, to Beth-Dagon, and come against Zebulun, and against the valley of Jiphthah-El toward the north of Beth-Emek, and Neiel, and hath gone out unto Cabul on the left, 28and Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, unto great Zidon; 29and the border hath turned back to Ramah, and unto the fenced city Tyre; and the border hath turned back to Hosah, and its outgoings are at the sea, from the coast to Achzib, 30and Ummah, and Aphek, and Rehob; twenty and two cities and their villages. 31This is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Asher, for their families, these cities and their villages.

Naphtali's Territory

32For the sons of Naphtali hath the sixth lot gone out, for the sons of Naphtali, for their families; 33and their border is from Heleph, from Allon in Zaanannim, and Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakkum, and its outgoings are at the Jordan; 34and the border hath turned back westward to Aznoth-Tabor, and gone out thence to Hukkok, and touched against Zebulun on the south, and against Asher it hath touched on the west, and against Judah at the Jordan, at the sun-rising; 35and the cities of defence are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth, 36and Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor, 37and Kedesh, and Edrei, and En-Hazor, 38and Iron, and Migdal-El, Horem, and Beth-Anath, and Beth-Shemesh; nineteen cities and their villages. 39This is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Naphtali, for their families, the cities and their villages.

Dan's Territory

40For the tribe of the sons of Dan, for their families, hath the seventh lot gone out; 41and the border of their inheritance is Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Ir-Shemesh, 42and Shalabbin, and Aijalon, and Jethlah, 43and Elon, and Thimnathah, and Ekron, 44and Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath, 45and Jehud, and Bene-Barak, and Gath-Rimmon, 46and Me-Jarkon, and Rakkon, with the border over-against Japho. 47And the border of the sons of Dan goeth out from them, and the sons of Dan go up and fight with Leshem, and capture it, and smite it by the mouth of the sword, and possess it, and dwell in it, and call Leshem, Dan, according to the name of Dan their father. 48This is the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Dan, for their families, these cities and their villages.

Joshua's Inheritance

49And they finish to give the land in inheritance, by its borders, and the sons of Israel give an inheritance to Joshua son of Nun in their midst; 50by the command of Jehovah they have given to him the city which he asked, Timnath-Serah, in the hill-country of Ephraim, and he buildeth the city and dwelleth in it.

51These are the inheritances which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the sons of Israel, have caused to inherit by lot, in Shiloh, before Jehovah, at the opening of the tent of meeting; and they finish to apportion the land.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Joshua 19?
1.1Introduction to Joshua 19
1.2Context of Joshua 19
1.3Ancient Key Word Study
1.4Compare & Contrast
1.5Joshua 19 Unique Insights
1.6Joshua 19 Connections to Yeshua
1.7Joshua 19 Scriptural Echoes
1.8Joshua 19 Devotional
1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of Joshua 19?

Introduction to Joshua 19

Joshua 19 concludes the territorial allotments for the tribes of Israel, focusing primarily on the inheritance of Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. This chapter represents the fulfillment of God’s ancient promises to Abraham and his descendants, demonstrating His faithfulness across generations. The detailed geographic descriptions serve not only as historical records but as testimony to God’s meticulous care in providing for each tribe according to His divine plan.

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Context of Joshua 19

Within the book of Joshua, chapter 19 serves as the culmination of the land distribution narrative that began in chapter 13. It follows the pattern established in previous chapters of carefully delineating tribal boundaries and cities, reflecting the orderly nature of God’s provision for His people. The chapter concludes with Joshua’s own inheritance, a fitting end to the land distribution narrative that highlights both divine justice and human leadership.

In the broader biblical narrative, this chapter bridges the gap between promise and fulfillment. It connects back to Genesis 49, where Jacob prophesied over his sons, and looks forward to the settled life of Israel in the Promised Land. The specific tribal allotments would later influence the ministry of Yeshua, particularly in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, which Isaiah prophesied would see a great light (Isaiah 9:1-2).

Ancient Key Word Study

  • Inheritance (נַחֲלָה/nachalah): This term appears repeatedly throughout the chapter, signifying more than just land ownership. It carries the weight of divine blessing, covenant fulfillment, and spiritual legacy. The root word implies both receiving and passing on, highlighting the generational aspects of God’s promises.
  • Lot (גּוֹרָל/goral): The method of land distribution wasn’t random chance but divine guidance through the casting of lots. This word connects to the spiritual practice of seeking God’s will through sanctified means, similar to the later Urim and Thummim.
  • Border (גְּבוּל/gevul): Beyond mere geographic boundaries, this term carries implications of divine order and protection. It represents God’s sovereign determination of people’s dwelling places and spheres of influence.
  • Possession (אֲחֻזָּה/achuzzah): This word implies a firm grasp or holding, suggesting permanent ownership under divine right. It differs from temporary possession by emphasizing covenant relationship and divine gift.
  • Cities (עָרִים/arim): In biblical Hebrew, cities represented more than urban centers; they were centers of authority, worship, and community life. The strategic placement of cities in tribal territories reflected both practical and spiritual considerations.
  • Portion (חֵלֶק/chelek): This term suggests both division and unity – each tribe received its unique portion while remaining part of the whole nation. It carries overtones of divine appointment and satisfaction with God’s allocation.
  • Midst (תָּוֶךְ/tavech): Often overlooked, this word signifies central placement or core identity. When used regarding tribal territories, it implies both geographic and spiritual centrality in God’s plan.

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 1’s mention of Simeon’s inheritance “within the inheritance of the children of Judah” uses specific Hebrew phrasing (בְּתוֹךְ) that emphasizes inclusion rather than subordination. This careful wording preserves Simeon’s tribal dignity while acknowledging geographical reality.
  • The description of Zebulun’s territory in verses 10-16 employs directional terms that suggest movement toward the sea, possibly foreshadowing this tribe’s later involvement in maritime trade and its role in fulfilling Jacob’s prophecy about Zebulun dwelling at the haven of the sea.
  • Verses 17-23 describing Issachar’s territory use terminology that emphasizes agricultural abundance, reflecting Jacob’s blessing of Issachar as a strong donkey lying between the sheepfolds.
  • The lengthy description of Dan’s inheritance (verses 40-48) uses vocabulary that hints at future expansion, preparing readers for the later narrative of Dan’s migration northward.
  • The account of Joshua’s inheritance (verses 49-50) uses the Hebrew term פִּי (pi) meaning “at the command of,” emphasizing divine authorization rather than human choice.

Joshua 19 Unique Insights

The chapter contains several layers of meaning that point to God’s sovereign planning. The placement of Simeon within Judah’s territory foreshadows this tribe’s eventual absorption into Judah, fulfilling Jacob’s prophecy about Simeon being scattered in Israel (Genesis 49:7). Yet this apparent diminishment served a divine purpose, as it helped strengthen Judah’s territory and preserved Simeon’s people.

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The Rabbinical commentary Bereshit Rabbah notes that the positioning of tribal territories created a microcosm of the entire nation of Israel, with each tribe’s location reflecting its spiritual role. This arrangement would later influence the placement of synagogues and study houses throughout the land, creating centers of Torah learning that would eventually prepare the way for the Messiah’s ministry.

Ancient Jewish sources also point out that the borders described in this chapter often followed natural landmarks, suggesting that God’s division of the land respected both supernatural and natural ordering principles. This dual respect for divine and natural law would later be reflected in Yeshua’s teachings about the kingdom of heaven being both transcendent and immanent.

Joshua 19 Connections to Yeshua

The detailed land distribution in this chapter prefigures the Messiah’s role as the ultimate distributor of inheritance. Just as Joshua (Yehoshua) allocated portions to each tribe according to God’s will, Yeshua promises an inheritance to His followers (Colossians 3:24).

The placement of tribes, particularly Zebulun and Naphtali in the north, set the stage for prophecies about the Messiah’s ministry. Isaiah’s prophecy about light dawning in these territories (Isaiah 9:1-2) was fulfilled when Yeshua based much of His ministry in this region, bringing the light of salvation to both Jews and Gentiles.

Joshua 19 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical passages:

Joshua 19 Devotional

This chapter calls us to trust in God’s sovereign distribution of our “lots” in life. Just as each tribe received its unique inheritance, believers today can rest assured that their circumstances are divinely appointed. The careful attention to detail in marking boundaries reminds us that God is intimately concerned with every aspect of our lives.

Consider how Joshua received his inheritance last, modeling servant leadership and trust in God’s timing. This challenges us to embrace humility and patience in waiting for God’s provision, knowing that His timing is perfect.

Did You Know

  • The tribe of Simeon’s placement within Judah’s territory led to a unique partnership where Simeon provided teachers and scribes while Judah offered protection and resources.
  • Archaeological discoveries have confirmed many of the boundary markers mentioned in this chapter, validating the historical accuracy of these ancient descriptions.
  • The Hebrew words used for “inheritance” in this chapter appear over 250 times in the Old Testament, emphasizing its significance in biblical theology.
  • Joshua’s inheritance, Timnath-serah, means “portion of abundance,” reflecting God’s generous reward for faithful service.
  • The tribal territories were arranged in a way that would later facilitate the mandatory pilgrimages to Jerusalem, with routes connecting the tribes.
  • Many of the cities mentioned became important centers of Torah study during the Second Temple period.
  • The precise geographical descriptions in this chapter helped preserve Israel’s tribal identities during the Babylonian exile.
  • Some of the boundary markers mentioned still retain their ancient names in modern Israel, providing continuing evidence of the text’s historical accuracy.

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

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