‏ Joshua 19

Joshua 19:1 – The Lot of Simeon

This passage describes how the tribe of Simeon received its inheritance. Simeon’s land was located within the territory of Judah, fulfilling Jacob’s prophecy that this tribe would be divided in Israel (Genesis 49:7 ^a). This arrangement came about because Judah’s land was found to be too large. Although Simeon was not a prominent tribe in Israel and produced no famous leaders or prophets, its history shows how God’s plan worked through the tribes and their relationships.

v. 1: Simeon’s lot came after those of Judah, Joseph, and Benjamin. This order might reflect the disgrace placed on Simeon by Jacob, but Simeon was still given its inheritance before the younger sons of Leah and the sons of the handmaids. The land Simeon received was located within Judah’s territory (v. 1 ^b).

Simeon’s cities were scattered within Judah’s land, except for the side facing the sea. This arrangement created a close connection between the two tribes. They worked together in battles, as seen in Judges 1:3 ^c. Later, during the division of Israel, many people from Simeon stayed loyal to the house of David and joined Asa’s reforms (2 Chronicles 15:9 ^d). Good relationships with neighbors can lead to positive spiritual and political outcomes.

v. 2–8: The cities in Simeon’s territory are listed. Beersheba (also called Sheba) is mentioned first. Ziklag, a city connected to David’s story, is also part of Simeon’s inheritance. To expand their borders and make more room for their people, the Simeonites later took action, as described in 1 Chronicles 4:39-43 ^e.

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v. 9: The land of Judah was found to be too large for its population. Some cities in Judah’s territory were taken and added to Simeon’s lot. The men of Judah did not resist this adjustment, recognizing that it was fair for them to share their abundance with a neighboring tribe that needed land. This situation teaches us to share generously and seek fairness, even when the law might not require it. God directed this adjustment to fulfill Jacob’s prophecy that Simeon would be “divided in Jacob” (Genesis 49:7 ^f).

Joshua 19:10 – The Lot of Zebulun

This passage describes the land given to the tribe of Zebulun. Zebulun, though born after Issachar, received his blessing from Jacob and Moses before his brother, which might explain why his lot was assigned first. Zebulun’s territory was located north of Issachar and south of Asher. It was a remarkable inheritance because it fulfilled Jacob’s prophecy and included places significant in both the Old and New Testaments.

v. 10–11: Zebulun’s land stretched to the west, touching the Mediterranean Sea, and to the east, reaching the Sea of Galilee (Tiberias). This fulfilled Jacob’s prophecy: Zebulun shall be a haven of ships (Genesis 49:13 ^g). The tribe’s location allowed for trade on the Mediterranean and fishing on the Sea of Galilee.

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v. 12–16: The cities and landmarks in Zebulun’s territory are listed, showing the boundaries of the tribe’s inheritance. The region included some places of great importance in Israel’s history.

General Notes: While Zebulun’s land included significant places in the Old Testament, such as Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:19-39 ^h), the tribe became even more notable in the New Testament. Nazareth, where Jesus grew up, was in Zebulun’s territory, and from there, He was called Jesus of Nazareth. Mount Tabor, where Jesus was transfigured (Matthew 17:1-2 ⁱ), was also within this region. Additionally, the coast of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus preached and performed many miracles, was part of Zebulun’s inheritance. This land became central to Jesus’ ministry, making it one of the most important locations in the New Testament.

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Joshua 19:17 – The Lot of Issachar

This section describes the land given to the tribe of Issachar. Issachar’s territory stretched from the Jordan River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. Manasseh’s land was to the south, and Zebulun’s was to the north. Issachar was a large tribe (Numbers 26:25 ^j). Some important people from this tribe included Tola, a judge, and Baasha, a king of Israel. The land of Issachar contained several famous places and events in Israel’s history.

v. 17–23: Issachar’s borders are described, and its main cities are listed. One important city was Jezreel, where King Ahab had his palace and where Naboth’s vineyard was located. Shunem was another well-known place; it was the home of the kind Shunammite woman who cared for Elisha (2 Kings 4:8 ^k).

v. 17–23 (continued): The territory also included the river Kishon, where Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera and his army (Judges 4:7, 13-16 ^l). The mountains of Gilboa, where King Saul and his son Jonathan died in battle, were also in Issachar’s land. Not far from here was Endor, where Saul visited the witch (1 Samuel 28:7 ^m).

v. 17–23 (continued): The valley of Megiddo, where King Josiah was killed, was also part of Issachar’s inheritance (2 Kings 23:29; Zechariah 12:11 ⁿ). This valley became a famous place in Israel’s history.

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Joshua 19:24 – The Lot of Asher

This passage describes the land given to the tribe of Asher. Asher’s territory was along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, also called the great sea. The tribe of Asher is not known for having many famous people or important cities in the Bible. However, it was close to the well-known sea-port towns of Tyre and Sidon, which played a big role in later history. The land included some strong cities where Canaanites may have taken refuge when Joshua conquered the land.

v. 24–29: Asher’s land was on the coast, reaching to the great sea. The border included several cities, but the most famous places nearby were Tyre and Sidon. Tyre is called “that strong city” (v. 29 ^o), but this may not be the same Tyre built on an island that is mentioned later in the Bible. The old city was on the mainland. It is possible that many Canaanites escaped to these strong cities when Joshua invaded.

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v. 30: Aphek, one of the cities in Asher’s territory, was the place near where Benhadad was defeated by King Ahab (1 Kings 20:30 ^p).

General Note: The only well-known person from the tribe of Asher in the Bible is Anna the prophetess, who was in the temple when Jesus was born (Luke 2:36 ^q). Most of the important events and cities in this region are connected to the neighboring towns of Tyre and Sidon, rather than to Asher itself.

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Joshua 19:32 – The Lot of Naphtali

This section describes the land given to the tribe of Naphtali. Naphtali’s territory was in the far north of Israel, bordering Mount Lebanon. It was surrounded by Zebulun to the south, Asher to the west, and a region referred to as "Judah upon Jordan" to the east, which may have been a city rather than a reference to the tribe of Judah. Naphtali’s land included important historical and spiritual locations, especially during the time of Christ.

v. 32–33: Naphtali’s land stretched to the northernmost part of Israel. The city of Leshem (or Laish) was on the very northern border. Later, the Danites captured this city and renamed it "Dan." This is why the length of Israel was often described as "from Dan to Beersheba," marking the northern and southern boundaries (Judges 18:29 ^r).

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v. 34: Naphtali bordered Zebulun to the south and Asher to the west. On the eastern side, it bordered an area referred to as "Judah upon Jordan," likely a city and not the tribe of Judah itself. This border positioning made Naphtali a northern gateway for the tribes of Israel.

v. 35–39: This region included many significant places. Near the waters of Merom, Joshua defeated Jabin, a Canaanite king, in a great battle (Joshua 11:1-14 ^s). The territory also featured Capernaum and Bethsaida, towns on the northern shore of the Sea of Tiberias (Sea of Galilee), where Jesus performed many miracles and preached. The mountain where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount is also believed to be in this area (Matthew 5:1 ^t).

General Note: Naphtali’s inheritance became central to Christ’s ministry on earth. In this land, Jesus taught His followers and demonstrated His divine power. This makes Naphtali’s territory one of the most spiritually significant regions in Israel’s history.

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Joshua 19:40 – The Lot of Dan

This section explains how the tribe of Dan received its inheritance in Canaan. Even though Dan was a leader among the tribes in the wilderness, his tribe was the last to get land. Dan’s territory was in the southern part of Canaan, between Judah on the east, the Philistines on the west, Ephraim on the north, and Simeon on the south. God placed this strong and numerous tribe in a difficult area, close to the Philistines, because they were able to handle these tough neighbors. The story of Samson, who was from Dan, shows this strength.

v. 40–46: Dan’s allotted land included cities like Zorah, Eshtaol, and the camp of Dan, which are connected to the story of Samson (Judges 13:25 ^u). The valley of Eshcol, where the Israelite spies got the famous bunch of grapes, was also nearby. Japho, or Joppa (modern-day Jaffa), was a seaport included in Dan’s territory.

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v. 47: Dan later gained extra territory by their own effort and bravery. They conquered the city of Leshem (also called Laish), renamed it Dan, and settled there. This event is explained in more detail in Judges 18:7-31 ^v. Dan’s actions showed their courage and determination when their first inheritance was not enough.

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Joshua 19:49 – The Inheritance of Joshua

This passage tells how Joshua finally received his own share of land after all the other tribes had been settled. Even though Joshua was the leader and could have chosen first, he waited until everyone else had their portion. This showed his humility and his desire to serve others before himself. Joshua’s inheritance was given according to God’s promise, and he chose land in the area of his own tribe, Ephraim. His example teaches us to put the needs of others first and to be content with what God gives us.

v. 49: Joshua was the last to receive his inheritance, even though he was the leader of Israel. He waited to be settled until everyone else had their land. This shows he cared more about the good of the people than about himself. The people of Israel gave him his portion, which shows his humility. He did not take it by force or demand special treatment.

v. 50: Joshua’s inheritance was given to him “according to the word of the Lord.” This probably means that God had promised this land to him, just as He did for Caleb (ch. 14:9 ^w). Joshua chose his land in Mount Ephraim, his own tribe’s territory, rather than taking land from another tribe. He chose to live among his family and people. The tabernacle was also nearby, so Joshua stayed close to the center of Israel’s worship.

v. 51: The city Joshua received needed to be rebuilt before he could live in it. While many other people lived in houses they did not build, Joshua had to build his own home. This shows his willingness to work hard and be content with simple things. In this way, Joshua set an example of humility and service, much like Jesus, who came to serve and not to please Himself (Romans 15:3 ^x).