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Joshua 19

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1The second lot came out for Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families. Their inheritance was in the middle of the inheritance of the children of Judah. 2They had for their inheritance Beersheba (or Sheba), Moladah, 3Hazar Shual, Balah, Ezem, 4Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah, 5Ziklag, Beth Marcaboth, Hazar Susah, 6Beth Lebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities with their villages; 7Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan; four cities with their villages; 8and 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. 9Out 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 middle of their inheritance. 10The third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families. The border of their inheritance was to Sarid. 11Their border went up westward, even to Maralah, and reached to Dabbesheth. It reached to the brook that is before Jokneam. 12It turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrise to the border of Chisloth Tabor. It went out to Daberath, and went up to Japhia. 13From there it passed along eastward to Gath Hepher, to Ethkazin; and it went out at Rimmon which stretches to Neah. 14The border turned around it on the north to Hannathon; and it ended at the valley of Iphtah El; 15Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, 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. 17The fourth lot came out for Issachar, even for the children of Issachar according to their families. 18Their border was to Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem, 19Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath, 20Rabbith, Kishion, Ebez, 21Remeth, Engannim, En Haddah, and Beth Pazzez. 22The border reached to Tabor, Shahazumah, and Beth Shemesh. Their border ended at the Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages. 23This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities with their villages. 24The fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families. 25Their border was Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph, 26Allammelech, Amad, Mishal. It reached to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath. 27It 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, 28and Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, even to great Sidon. 29The 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; 30Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty-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. 32The sixth lot came out for the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families. 33Their border was from Heleph, from the oak in Zaanannim, Adami-nekeb, and Jabneel, to Lakkum. It ended at the Jordan. 34The 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. 35The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth, 36Adamah, Ramah, Hazor, 37Kedesh, Edrei, En Hazor, 38Iron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth Anath, and Beth Shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages. 39This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities with their villages. 40The seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families. 41The border of their inheritance was Zorah, Eshtaol, Irshemesh, 42Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah, 43Elon, Timnah, Ekron, 44Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath, 45Jehud, Bene Berak, Gath Rimmon, 46Me Jarkon, and Rakkon, with the border over against Joppa. 47The 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 forefather. 48This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages. 49So they finished distributing the land for inheritance by its borders. The children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them. 50According to Yahweh’s commandment, they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in the hill country of Ephraim; and he built the city, and lived there. 51These 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 finished dividing the land.

World English Bible (public domain)

But the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the people of Dan according to their clans. (Joshua 19:40)

Joshua 19:40

Summary

Joshua chapter 19 details the allocation of land among the remaining tribes of Israel, specifically focusing on the territories given to Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. Each tribe receives its inheritance by casting lots, illustrating the way God's providence directs the distribution of land among His people. Notably, the tribe of Simeon receives its territory within the border of Judah, indicating a unique relationship and shared history among these tribes. The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among the tribes as they take possession of the Promised Land, fulfilling God's covenant promises to His people. Theological themes in this chapter highlight the sovereignty of God in determining the boundaries for each tribe, reminding readers of His careful planning and provision. Additionally, the inheritance process showcases the principle of community and collective identity among Israel's tribes, which is crucial for understanding the nation as a chosen people. This divine allocation serves not only as a historical account but also as a typological reflection of God providing for His people, anticipating the ultimate inheritance found in Christ. Moreover, the division of land symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promises, encouraging believers today to trust in His faithfulness. As the tribes settle in their specific regions, they are reminded that they are where God wants them to be, a commentary on finding one's place in God's plan. Lastly, the mention of the towns and cities within each tribe's territory offers a glimpse into the life and culture of Israel during this formative period, illustrating the tangible reality of God's blessings.

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Chapter outline

How Joshua 19 unfolds

  1. Joshua 19:1–9 The Inheritance of Simeon

    The second lot is drawn for the tribe of Simeon, detailing their cities and villages within Judah's territory, signaling a close relationship between the two tribes.

  2. Joshua 19:10–16 The Inheritance of Zebulun

    The third lot is assigned to Zebulun, outlining their borders and emphasizing their geographical placement in the Promised Land.

  3. Joshua 19:17–23 The Inheritance of Issachar

    Issachar receives its inheritance next, with specified cities and borders, showcasing the methodical distribution of land among the tribes.

  4. Joshua 19:24–31 The Inheritance of Asher

    The fifth lot goes to Asher, detailing their regional boundaries and cities, further illustrating the comprehensive allocation of territory.

  5. Joshua 19:32–39 The Inheritance of Naphtali

    Naphtali's inheritance is defined with their inherited cities and borders, continuing the pattern of land distribution among the tribes.

  6. Joshua 19:40–48 The Inheritance of Dan

    The seventh lot falls to Dan, who expands their territory by conquering Leshem, highlighting their proactive role in claiming their inheritance.

  7. Joshua 19:49–51 Final Inheritance Distribution

    Joshua receives his inheritance, concluding the land distribution process, which reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Key verses

  • Joshua 19:40Joshua 19:40 serves as a pivotal moment, marking the completion of Dan's territorial assignment amidst the broader land distribution.

Main themes in Joshua 19

Divine inheritance

The theme of divine inheritance is evident as the land is allocated to each tribe, particularly in verses 1-51. This chapter describes the careful division of territory among the tribes of Israel, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises to give them a land of their own. Each allocation serves as a reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, emphasizing His role as the ultimate provider for His chosen people.

God's sovereignty

God's sovereignty is pronounced throughout the chapter, especially in the casting of lots for land distribution, as seen in verses 1, 10, and 24. The process emphasizes that God ultimately determines the boundaries and territories for His people. This reinforces the belief that God's providence guides the fate of Israel.

Community and identity

Community and identity are central themes illustrated through the collective inheritance of the tribes in verses 1-51. Each tribe receives its designated land, which not only affirms their distinct identities but also strengthens their unity as one nation under God. This allocation fosters a sense of belonging and shared heritage, reminding the Israelites of their collective journey and the significance of their relationship with God as His chosen people.

Fulfillment of promises

The fulfillment of promises emerges as a key theme in Joshua 19, notably as the tribes settle in their allotted lands, highlighted in verses 49-51. Each land allocation serves as a testament to God's commitment to His people. This act of settling reflects a significant step in the realization of the Promised Land.

Cross-references

Passages that echo Joshua 19

Study questions

Questions for studying Joshua 19

  1. What cities are included in Simeon's inheritance?
  2. How does Zebulun's territory relate to its neighbors?
  3. What unique action does Dan take regarding their inheritance?
  4. What significance does Joshua's inheritance hold in this chapter?
  5. How does the distribution process reflect God's sovereignty?
  6. In what ways do the tribal inheritances demonstrate community among the Israelites?

Joshua 19: frequently asked questions

What is Joshua 19 about?+
Joshua chapter 19 details the allocation of land among the remaining tribes of Israel, specifically focusing on the territories given to Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. Each tribe receives its inheritance by casting lots, illustrating the way God's providence directs the distribution of land among His people. Notably, the tribe of Simeon receives its territory within the border of Judah, indicating a unique relationship and shared history among these tribes. The chapter emphasizes the importance of unity among the tribes as they take possession of the Promised Land, fulfilling God's covenant promises to His people. Theological themes in this chapter highlight the sovereignty of God in determining the boundaries for each tribe, reminding readers of His careful planning and provision. Additionally, the inheritance process showcases the principle of community and collective identity among Israel's tribes, which is crucial for understanding the nation as a chosen people. This divine allocation serves not only as a historical account but also as a typological reflection of God providing for His people, anticipating the ultimate inheritance found in Christ. Moreover, the division of land symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promises, encouraging believers today to trust in His faithfulness. As the tribes settle in their specific regions, they are reminded that they are where God wants them to be, a commentary on finding one's place in God's plan. Lastly, the mention of the towns and cities within each tribe's territory offers a glimpse into the life and culture of Israel during this formative period, illustrating the tangible reality of God's blessings.
What is the key verse in Joshua 19?+
Joshua 19:40: "But the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the people of Dan according to their clans. (Joshua 19:40)"
What are the main themes of Joshua 19?+
The main themes of Joshua 19 are Divine inheritance, God's sovereignty, Community and identity, Fulfillment of promises.

Related chapters

Chapters that connect with Joshua 19

Study Notes