Joshua 19
BSB1 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. 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. 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. 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, 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 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. 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 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. 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. 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 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.
Study Notes — Joshua 19
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Joshua 19
- Themes from Joshua 19
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the allocation of land to the tribes of Simeon, Judah, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, Dan, and Joseph, as described in Joshua 19:1-48. The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions, as seen in Joshua 19:49-51, where Joshua is given the city of Timnath-serah. The chapter also mentions the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad, highlighting God's care for the vulnerable. Key verses, such as Joshua 19:49-51, demonstrate God's provision and faithfulness to His people.
Context for the Chapter
Joshua chapter 19 is part of the larger narrative of the conquest of Canaan, as described in the book of Joshua. The chapter follows the allocation of land to the tribes, as seen in Joshua 13-19, and precedes the establishment of the cities of refuge, as described in Joshua 20. The chapter is also part of the broader biblical narrative, which describes God's relationship with His people and the fulfillment of His promises.
Heart Application
As believers, we can apply the principles of trust and obedience seen in this chapter to our own lives, recognizing that God has a plan for us and that we must follow His instructions. We can also reflect on God's faithfulness to His people, as seen in the allocation of the land, and trust in His sovereignty and goodness.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter describes the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, emphasizing God's faithfulness and sovereignty. The chapter highlights the importance of trust and obedience, as seen in Joshua 19:49-51, where Joshua is given the city of Timnath-serah. As believers, we can apply these principles to our own lives, recognizing that God has a plan for us and that we must follow His instructions.
Voices from the Church
“The division of the land among the tribes is a testament to God's faithfulness and sovereignty, demonstrating His commitment to His people and His promises.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The chapter highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God's plan, emphasizing the need for believers to follow His instructions and trust in His sovereignty.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Division of the Land (Joshua 19:1-9) — The chapter begins with the allocation of land to the tribe of Simeon, emphasizing God's sovereignty and attention to detail.
- Division of the Land Among the Tribes (Joshua 19:10-39) — The chapter describes the allocation of land to the tribes of Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises and the importance of trust and obedience.
- Inheritance of the Daughters of Zelophehad (Joshua 19:32-39) — The chapter mentions the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad, highlighting God's care for the vulnerable and marginalized.
- Conclusion of the Division of the Land (Joshua 19:49-51) — The chapter concludes with the allocation of the city of Timnath-serah to Joshua, emphasizing God's faithfulness and sovereignty.
- Summary of the Division of the Land (Joshua 19:51) — The chapter summarizes the division of the land among the tribes, highlighting God's sovereignty and the importance of following His instructions.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over the division of the land, emphasizing His faithfulness to His promises and the importance of trust and obedience.
- Faithfulness of God
- The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His people, as seen in the allocation of the land and the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad.
- Importance of Obedience
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience, as seen in Joshua 19:49-51, where Joshua is given the city of Timnath-serah.
- God's Care for the Vulnerable
- The chapter mentions the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad, highlighting God's care for the vulnerable and marginalized.
Lessons from Joshua 19
- Lesson 1: God's Sovereignty — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over the division of the land, emphasizing His faithfulness to His promises and the importance of trust and obedience.
- Lesson 2: Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience, as seen in Joshua 19:49-51, where Joshua is given the city of Timnath-serah.
- Lesson 3: God's Care for the Vulnerable — The chapter mentions the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad, highlighting God's care for the vulnerable and marginalized.
- Lesson 4: Trust in God's Plan — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trust in God's plan, as seen in the allocation of the land among the tribes.
- Lesson 5: God's Faithfulness — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His people, as seen in the allocation of the land and the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad.
Themes from Joshua 19
- Theme 1: God's Sovereignty — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over the division of the land, emphasizing His faithfulness to His promises and the importance of trust and obedience.
- Theme 2: Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience, as seen in Joshua 19:49-51, where Joshua is given the city of Timnath-serah.
- Theme 3: God's Care for the Vulnerable — The chapter mentions the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad, highlighting God's care for the vulnerable and marginalized.
- Theme 4: Trust in God's Plan — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trust in God's plan, as seen in the allocation of the land among the tribes.
- Theme 5: God's Faithfulness — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His people, as seen in the allocation of the land and the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the division of the land among the tribes reveal about God's character and plan?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of trust and obedience in God's plan?
- What does the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad reveal about God's care for the vulnerable?
- How can believers apply the principles of trust and obedience seen in this chapter to their own lives?
- What does the chapter teach about God's sovereignty and control over the lives of believers?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Division of the Land (Joshua 19:1-9)
| 19:1 | The chapter begins with the allocation of land to the tribe of Simeon, emphasizing God's sovereignty and attention to detail. |
| 19:2 | The tribe of Simeon is given the cities of Beersheba, Sheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem, Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah, Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susah, Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen, highlighting God's care for the tribe. |
2. Division of the Land Among the Tribes (Joshua 19:10-39)
| 19:10 | The chapter describes the allocation of land to the tribe of Zebulun, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises and the importance of trust and obedience. |
| 19:17 | The tribe of Issachar is given the cities of Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem, Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath, Rabbith, Kishion, Ebez, Remeth, En-gannim, En-haddah, and Beth-pazzez, highlighting God's sovereignty and control over the division of the land. |
3. Inheritance of the Daughters of Zelophehad (Joshua 19:32-39)
| 19:32 | The chapter mentions the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad, highlighting God's care for the vulnerable and marginalized. |
| 19:39 | The daughters of Zelophehad are given the cities of Mahanaim, Heshbon, and Jazer, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises and the importance of trust and obedience. |
4. Conclusion of the Division of the Land (Joshua 19:49-51)
| 19:49 | The chapter concludes with the allocation of the city of Timnath-serah to Joshua, emphasizing God's faithfulness and sovereignty. |
| 19:51 | The chapter summarizes the division of the land among the tribes, highlighting God's sovereignty and the importance of following His instructions. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the division of the land among the tribes?
The division of the land among the tribes is significant because it demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over the lives of His people, as seen in Joshua 19:1-9. It also highlights the importance of trust and obedience in God's plan, as seen in Joshua 19:49-51.
How does the chapter emphasize the importance of obedience?
The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience through the example of Joshua, who is given the city of Timnath-serah in Joshua 19:49-51. It also highlights the need for trust and obedience in God's plan, as seen in the allocation of the land among the tribes.
What does the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad reveal about God's character?
The inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad reveals God's care for the vulnerable and marginalized, as seen in Joshua 19:32-39. It also highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and the importance of trust and obedience.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 19:1 → Genesis 49:5-7 | The allocation of land to the tribe of Simeon is consistent with the blessing given by Jacob in Genesis 49:5-7, highlighting God's sovereignty and control over the division of the land. |
| 2 | Joshua 19:10 → 1 Chronicles 12:33 | The allocation of land to the tribe of Zebulun is consistent with the description of the tribe in 1 Chronicles 12:33, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises and the importance of trust and obedience. |
| 3 | Joshua 19:17 → Genesis 30:18 | The allocation of land to the tribe of Issachar is consistent with the blessing given by Leah in Genesis 30:18, highlighting God's sovereignty and control over the division of the land. |
| 4 | Joshua 19:32 → Numbers 27:1-11 | The inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad is consistent with the instruction given by God in Numbers 27:1-11, emphasizing God's care for the vulnerable and marginalized. |
| 5 | Joshua 19:39 → Deuteronomy 3:12-17 | The allocation of land to the tribe of Dan is consistent with the description of the tribe in Deuteronomy 3:12-17, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises and the importance of trust and obedience. |
| 6 | Joshua 19:49 → Joshua 14:6-15 | The allocation of the city of Timnath-serah to Joshua is consistent with the description of Joshua's faithfulness in Joshua 14:6-15, emphasizing God's sovereignty and control over the division of the land. |
| 7 | Joshua 19:51 → Psalm 16:5-6 | The summary of the division of the land among the tribes is consistent with the description of God's sovereignty and control over the lives of His people in Psalm 16:5-6, highlighting the importance of trust and obedience in God's plan. |
| 8 | Joshua 19:1 → Hebrews 11:8 | The division of the land among the tribes is a testament to God's faithfulness and sovereignty, as seen in the example of Abraham's faith in Hebrews 11:8, emphasizing the importance of trust and obedience in God's plan. |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 19
Matthew Henry's commentary on Joshua 19 emphasizes the importance of trust and obedience in God's plan, as seen in the division of the land among the tribes. Henry notes that the chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over the lives of His people, highlighting the need for believers to follow His instructions and trust in His sovereignty. The commentary also emphasizes God's care for the vulnerable and marginalized, as seen in the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad. Henry concludes that the chapter teaches believers to trust in God's faithfulness and sovereignty, recognizing that He has a plan for their lives and that they must follow His instructions. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Pattern of Division
The chapter follows a pattern of division, with each tribe receiving its inheritance in a specific order, demonstrating God's sovereignty and attention to detail. This pattern is seen in Joshua 19:1-9, where the tribe of Simeon is described, and in Joshua 19:10-16, where the tribe of Zebulun is described.
Importance of Obedience
The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience, as seen in Joshua 19:49-51, where Joshua is given the city of Timnath-serah. This highlights the need for trust and obedience in God's plan, as demonstrated by the tribes' reception of their inheritances.
God's Care for the Vulnerable
The chapter mentions the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad, highlighting God's care for the vulnerable and marginalized, as seen in Joshua 19:32-39. This demonstrates God's character and commitment to justice and compassion.