Joshua 19

Joshua 19 details the division of land among the remaining tribes of Israel. After Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh received their portions, the remaining tribes, including Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan, are allocated their inheritances by lot. The chapter concludes with Joshua himself receiving his own inheritance, signifying the completion of the land distribution process. Each tribe’s inheritance reflects both their size and God's guidance, with the process conducted at Shiloh under the supervision of Joshua, Eleazar the priest, and tribal leaders.

Joshua 19:1-5 (NKJV)
1 The second lot came out for Simeon, for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families. And their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.
2 They had in their inheritance Beersheba (Sheba), Moladah,
3 Hazar Shual, Balah, Ezem,
4 Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah,
5 Ziklag, Beth Marcaboth, Hazar Susah,

The land allocated to Simeon was within the larger territory of Judah because Judah's portion was too large. This arrangement shows the unity among the tribes, where one tribe shares part of their inheritance with another. The cities listed here became part of Simeon’s heritage, including Beersheba, a prominent location. Simeon’s inheritance being in the midst of Judah reflects how smaller tribes could still have a meaningful place among the larger tribes of Israel.

Joshua 19:6-8 (NKJV)
6 Beth Lebaoth, and Sharuhen: thirteen cities and their villages;
7 Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan: four cities and their villages;
8 and all the villages that were all around these cities as far as Baalath Beer, Ramah of the South. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.

Simeon’s inheritance included thirteen cities and several villages. The listing of these cities emphasizes the extent of Simeon’s allotted territory. Though they were a smaller tribe, Simeon received enough land to maintain their distinct identity. The reference to the "South" highlights the geographic location near the Negev, indicating that they were positioned in the southern region of the Promised Land.

Joshua 19:9 (NKJV)
9 The inheritance of the children of Simeon was included in the share of the children of Judah, for the share of the children of Judah was too much for them. Therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of that people.

Judah's portion was so large that it was practical for Simeon to receive part of their land. This verse reflects the fairness and flexibility of the distribution process. Even though Simeon was a smaller tribe, God ensured that each tribe received what was needed according to their size and circumstance. It highlights the cooperative nature of Israel as a collective community under God’s leadership.

Joshua 19:10-16 (NKJV)
10 The third lot came out for the children of Zebulun according to their families, and the border of their inheritance was as far as Sarid.
11 Their border went toward the west and to Maralah, went to Dabbasheth, and extended along the brook that is east of Jokneam.
12 Then from Sarid it went eastward toward the sunrise along the border of Chisloth Tabor, and went out toward Daberath, bypassing Japhia.
13 And from there it passed along on the east of Gath Hepher, toward Eth Kazin, and extended to Rimmon, which borders on Neah.
14 Then the border went around it on the north side of Hannathon, and it ended in the Valley of Jiphthah El.
15 Included were Kattath, Nahallal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages.
16 This was the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their families, these cities with their villages.

Zebulun's inheritance was located in the northern region of Israel, stretching from the border near Sarid to the Valley of Jiphthah El. The boundaries highlight key cities and natural landmarks that shaped Zebulun’s territory. Twelve cities were allotted to this tribe, each contributing to their identity and role in the nation. Zebulun’s territory included varied landscapes, from valleys to higher regions near Mount Tabor. The specific boundaries ensured that the tribe had access to resources and fertile land.

Joshua 19:17-23 (NKJV)
17 The fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families.
18 And their territory went to Jezreel, and included Chesulloth, Shunem,
19 Haphraim, Shion, Anaharath,
20 Rabbith, Kishion, Abez,
21 Remeth, En Gannim, En Haddah, and Beth Pazzez.
22 And the border reached to Tabor, Shahazimah, and Beth Shemesh; their border ended at the Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages.
23 This was the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities and their villages.

Issachar’s territory lay in the fertile Jezreel Valley, a strategically significant region in northern Israel. The listing of sixteen cities shows that Issachar’s land was both agriculturally rich and important for trade routes. Some of the cities, like Jezreel and Shunem, would later play significant roles in biblical events. The inclusion of key landmarks like Mount Tabor and the Jordan River highlights the importance of Issachar’s territory in Israel’s broader geography.

Joshua 19:24-31 (NKJV)
24 The fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.
25 And their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph,
26 Alammelech, Amad, and Mishal; it reached to Mount Carmel westward, along the Brook Shihor Libnath.
27 It turned toward the sunrise to Beth Dagon; and it reached to Zebulun and to the Valley of Jiphthah El, then northward beyond Beth Emek and Neiel, bypassing Cabul which was on the left,
28 including Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, as far as Greater Sidon.
29 And the border turned to Ramah and to the fortified city of Tyre; then the border turned to Hosah, and ended at the sea by the region of Achzib.
30 Also Ummah, Aphek, and Rehob were included: twenty-two cities with their villages.
31 This was the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.

Asher's territory extended along the Mediterranean coast, including key cities such as Tyre and Sidon, which were important for trade and defense. The mention of Mount Carmel and the coastal regions emphasizes the beauty and richness of Asher’s land. The twenty-two cities and villages indicate the tribe’s significant settlement in the northern part of Israel. Asher’s proximity to the sea also positioned them strategically for maritime activities, giving them an important economic role in the nation.

Joshua 19:32-39 (NKJV)
32 The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, for the children of Naphtali according to their families.
33 And their border began at Heleph, enclosing the territory from the terebinth tree in Zaanannim, Adami Nekeb, and Jabneel, as far as Lakkum; it ended at the Jordan.
34 From Heleph the border extended westward to Aznoth Tabor, and went out from there toward Hukkok; it adjoined Zebulun on the south side and Asher on the west side, and ended at Judah by the Jordan toward the sunrise.
35 And 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 was the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages.

Naphtali’s territory was in the northern part of Israel, extending to the Jordan River. The mention of fortified cities like Hazor and Kedesh indicates the tribe’s defensive strength. Their inheritance of nineteen cities provided ample space for the tribe to thrive. The territory also included the region around the Sea of Galilee (Chinnereth), making it an agriculturally productive area with access to water and fishing. This location would later become significant in the ministry of Jesus.

Joshua 19:40-48 (NKJV)
40 The seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.
41 And the territory of their inheritance was Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir Shemesh,
42 Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Jethlah,
43 Elon, Timnah, Ekron,
44 Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath,
45 Jehud, Bene Berak, Gath Rimmon,
46 Me Jarkon, and Rakkon, with the region near Joppa.
47 And the border of the children of Dan went beyond these, because the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem and took it; and they struck it with the edge of the sword, took possession of it, and dwelt in it. They 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.

Dan's territory included both coastal cities and inland areas. The tribe faced challenges in securing all their land, so they went beyond their initial borders to conquer the city of Leshem. This expansion shows their resilience and determination to establish their inheritance. The renaming of Leshem to Dan reflects their desire to honor their patriarch and assert their identity. Despite being one of the smaller tribes, Dan played a significant role in the overall territorial distribution of Israel.

Joshua 19:49-51 (NKJV)
49 When they had made an end of dividing the land as an inheritance according to their borders, the children of Israel gave an inheritance among them to Joshua the son of Nun.
50 According to the word of the Lord, they gave him the city which he asked for, Timnath Serah in the mountains of Ephraim; and he built the city and dwelt in it.
51 These were the inheritances which Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel divided as an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the Lord, at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. So they made an end of dividing the country.

After all the tribes received their inheritance, Joshua, as the leader who led Israel into the Promised Land, was also given a portion. He chose Timnath Serah in Ephraim, a place in the mountains that symbolized his humility and dedication to God. The entire land distribution process took place in Shiloh, before the Lord, emphasizing that God was the ultimate overseer of this inheritance. This marked the completion of Israel’s territorial allotment, fulfilling God’s promise to the patriarchs.