Joshua 19:7

⁶Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen—thirteen cities, along with their villages.⁷Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan—four cities, along with their villages, ⁸and 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.

Summary

In Joshua 19:7, the tribe of Simeon receives their inheritance within the territory of Judah. This distribution of land fulfills the promise made to the patriarchs and demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. The specific allocation of land to each tribe reflects God's sovereignty and provision for His people. It also signifies the importance of unity and cooperation among the tribes to possess the land given to them by God. Overall, Joshua 19:7 highlights the orderly and purposeful nature of God's plan for His chosen nation.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And all the villages that were round about these cities,.... Not only the suburbs adjoining to those cities which are mentioned before, but the several small distinct towns and villages, scattered up and down in the country: to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south: this is the same with Baal in Ch1 4:33; and with Ramath of the south, or south Ramoth, as it is called Sa1 30:27; all these are the names of one and the same city: this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon, according to their families; that is, the above named cities fell to the lot of the inheritance of the Simeonites, and were divided among them according to the number of their respective families; at least, these were the chief and principal of them; for all that they possessed are not mentioned, particularly one called Tochen, Ch1 4:32; and another, the name of which is Etam there, unless that is thought to be the same with Ether here in Jos 19:7. Josephus says (f), this tribe took by lot that part of Idumea which lay near to Egypt and Arabia. (f) Antiqu. l. 5. c. 1. sect. 22.