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Journey Through the Bible

Joshua 19 The Capture of Jericho

1 Allotment for Simeon
The second lot came out for the tribe of Simeon, clan by clan. Their inheritance lay within the territory of Judah.

2 It 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 towns and their villages;

7 Ain, Rimmon, Ether and Ashan—four towns and their villages—

8 and all the villages around these towns as far as Baalath Beer (Ramah in the Negev).
This was the inheritance of the tribe of the Simeonites, clan by clan.

9 The inheritance of the Simeonites was taken from the share of Judah, because Judah’s portion was more than they needed. So the Simeonites received their inheritance within the territory of Judah.

10 Allotment for Zebulun
The third lot came up for Zebulun, clan by clan:
The boundary of their inheritance went as far as Sarid.

11 Going west it ran to Maralah, touched Dabbesheth, and extended to the ravine near Jokneam.

12 It turned east from Sarid toward the sunrise to the territory of Kisloth Tabor and went on to Daberath and up to Japhia.

13 Then it continued eastward to Gath Hepher and Eth Kazin; it came out at Rimmon and turned toward Neah.

14 There the boundary went around on the north to Hannathon and ended at the Valley of Iphtah El.

15 Included were Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah and Bethlehem. There were twelve towns and their villages.

16 These towns and their villages were the inheritance of Zebulun, clan by clan.

17 Allotment for Issachar
The fourth lot came out for Issachar, clan by clan.

18 Their territory included:
Jezreel, Kesulloth, Shunem,

19 Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath,

20 Rabbith, Kishion, Ebez,

21 Remeth, En Gannim, En Haddah and Beth Pazzez.

22 The boundary touched Tabor, Shahazumah and Beth Shemesh, and ended at the Jordan. There were sixteen towns and their villages.

23 These towns and their villages were the inheritance of the tribe of Issachar, clan by clan.

24 Allotment for Asher
The fifth lot came out for the tribe of Asher, clan by clan.

25 Their territory included:
Helkath, Hali, Beten, Acshaph,

26 Allammelech, Amad and Mishal. On the west the boundary touched Carmel and Shihor Libnath.

27 It then turned east 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 to Abdon, Rehob, Hammon and Kanah, as far as Greater Sidon.

29 The boundary then turned back toward Ramah and went to the fortified city of Tyre, turned toward Hosah and came out at the sea in the region of Aczib,

30 Ummah, Aphek and Rehob. There were twenty-two towns and their villages.

31 These towns and their villages were the inheritance of the tribe of Asher, clan by clan.

32 Allotment for Naphtali
The sixth lot came out for Naphtali, clan by clan:

33 Their boundary went from Heleph and the large tree in Zaanannim, passing Adami Nekeb and Jabneel to Lakkum and ending at the Jordan.

34 The boundary ran west through Aznoth Tabor and came out at Hukkok. It touched Zebulun on the south, Asher on the west and the Jordan on the east.

35 The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Kinnereth,

36 Adamah, Ramah, Hazor,

37 Kedesh, Edrei, En Hazor,

38 Iron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth Anath and Beth Shemesh. There were nineteen towns and their villages.

39 These towns and their villages were the inheritance of the tribe of Naphtali, clan by clan.

40 Allotment for Dan
The seventh lot came out for the tribe of Dan, clan by clan.

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, with the area facing Joppa.

47 (But the Danites had difficulty taking possession of their territory, so they went up and attacked Leshem, took it, put it to the sword and occupied it. They settled in Leshem and named it Dan after their forefather.)

48 These towns and their villages were the inheritance of the tribe of Dan, clan by clan.

49 Allotment for Joshua
When they had finished dividing the land into its allotted portions, the Israelites gave Joshua son of Nun an inheritance among them,

50 as the Lord had commanded. They gave him the town he asked for—Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he built up the town and settled there.

51 These are the territories that Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun and the heads of the tribal clans of Israel assigned by lot at Shiloh in the presence of the Lord at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. And so they finished dividing the land.

Analysis of Joshua Chapter 19

The Book of Joshua covers the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. Chapter 19 specifically details the distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. This chapter is pivotal as it marks the transition from conquest to settlement, highlighting the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people.

The Distribution of the Land

Joshua 19 can be viewed as a meticulous record of God’s land distribution plan. Through the practice of casting lots, the Israelites demonstrate their submission to God’s will in allocating the land. Each tribe receives its inheritance, and the boundaries are described with geographical precision. Beyond a mere historical record, this chapter has deep theological implications:

  1. God’s Sovereignty and Faithfulness: The division of land signifies God’s faithfulness to the covenant established with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It reiterates His sovereign control over the people’s destiny.
  2. Unity and Order: The methodical distribution underscores the importance of order and unity. Despite their individual inheritances, the tribes remain parts of a single, unified nation under God.

The Inheritance of the Tribes

The chapter catalogues the territories of seven tribes: Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, Dan, and an additional portion for Joshua himself. Here’s a detailed look at each allocation and its implications:

  1. Simeon: Verses 1-9 describe the inheritance of Simeon. Interesting to note is that Simeon’s territory lies within the inheritance of Judah. This intermingling signifies a close relationship between the tribes and ensures mutual support. The allocation also reflects the prophecy in Genesis 49:7, where Jacob said Simeon would be dispersed in Israel.
  2. Zebulun: Verses 10-16 detail the inheritance of Zebulun. Its territory stretches towards the Mediterranean, illustrating the tribe’s future prosperity and engagement in commerce. This also aligns with Moses’ blessing in Deuteronomy 33:18-19.
  3. Issachar: Verses 17-23 describe Issachar’s inheritance. Located in a fertile area, this territory signifies the tribe’s potential for agricultural wealth. The reference to Mount Tabor situates Issachar in a strategic location, which would later play a role in Israel’s military history.
  4. Asher: In verses 24-31, Asher’s land is detailed. This coastal region hints at Asher’s future role in trade and seafaring activities, aligning with Jacob’s blessing in Genesis 49:20 and Moses’ in Deuteronomy 33:24.
  5. Naphtali: Verses 32-39 depict Naphtali’s territory. Located in northern Canaan, this area includes fertile lands and significant water resources. The strategic location near Israel’s northern border underscores its importance for security and prosperity.
  6. Dan: Verses 40-48 describe Dan’s initial allocation, which was too small for them, leading to their movement northward and capturing additional territory. This reflects their ambitious nature and God’s provision, fulfilling His promise despite initial scarcity.
  7. Inheritance for Joshua: Verses 49-50 highlight the special inheritance given to Joshua himself. His portion, Timnath-Serah in Ephraim’s hill country, recognizes his faithfulness and leadership. This serves as a reward for his obedience and exemplary service, solidifying his legacy.

Spiritual and Practical Implications

The detailed distribution of land in Joshua 19 is not just an allocation exercise but carries profound spiritual and practical significance:

“Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers.” – Joshua 21:43-44 (ESV)

Implications for Modern Readers

While modern readers may find the geographical specifics and boundary descriptions challenging, several lessons can be gleaned:

  1. Faith in God’s Promises: The meticulous record of land distribution underscores God’s faithfulness to His promises. Believers can trust that God fulfills His promises, sometimes in detailed and unexpected ways.
  2. Order and Structure in Life: The organized allocation highlights the importance of order and structure, both in communal living and in personal spiritual journeys. Pursuing a life aligned with God’s order brings peace and fulfillment.
  3. Community and Interdependence: The intertwined territories, like Simeon within Judah, emphasize the significance of community and interdependence. In the body of Christ, believers support each other, reflecting the unity of the tribes.

Concluding Reflections

Joshua Chapter 19 not only serves as a historical account of Israel’s settlement in Canaan but also as a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness and the importance of order and community among His people. It challenges modern readers to reflect on God’s promises, the structure in their lives, and the interdependence within their spiritual communities.

Moreover, this chapter enhances our appreciation of the intricate plan God had for the Israelites and, by extension, His intricate plans for all who follow Him. Through faith and obedience, believers can navigate their own ‘promised lands’ with the assurance that God’s promises are ever true and enduring.

Understanding the Key Messages in Joshua 19: Insights and Explanation

Chapter 19 of the book of Joshua recounts the miraculous capture of the fortified city of Jericho by the Israelites. Led by Joshua, the people of Israel followed the Lord's instructions and marched around the city for seven days. On the seventh day, the walls of Jericho fell, and the Israelites took possession of the city. This chapter highlights the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to His people.

Notes

This chapter showcases the power of God and the importance of obedience to His commands.