See how Joshua 19 records the tribal inheritances and shows God's faithfulness in fulfilling every promise down to the smallest detail.
The division of the Promised Land continued with the remaining seven tribes. The tribe of Benjamin had received its inheritance. The tabernacle was established at Shiloh. The work of distributing the land was progressing in an orderly manner. Six more tribes waited for their portions to be assigned by lot.
The second lot came out for the tribe of Simeon. Their inheritance was within the territory of Judah because Judah's portion was too large for them. The third lot fell to Zebulun, followed by the fourth for Issachar. The fifth lot went to Asher, the sixth to Naphtali, and the seventh to Dan. Each tribe received a specific territory with clearly defined boundaries and cities. The process demonstrated God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants.
The account of Joshua 19 records the completion of the land distribution. The final act was the giving of an inheritance to Joshua himself. He received Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim as the Lord had commanded. The leaders finished dividing the land at Shiloh before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle. The lesson from Joshua 19 reminds believers that God keeps His promises down to the smallest detail and provides for every tribe and individual. The chapter demonstrates that God's faithful provision extends to all His people.
The Inheritance of Simeon
The Second Lot
The second lot came forth to Simeon, for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families (Joshua 19:1). The tribe of Simeon received its inheritance after Judah, Joseph, and Benjamin. The order of the lots reflected the arrangements made by divine providence. The tribe of Simeon was descended from the second son of Jacob and Leah.
The inheritance of Simeon was within the inheritance of the children of Judah. Joshua 19:9 explains that the portion of the children of Judah was too much for them. Therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them. The surplus of Judah's territory was redistributed to Simeon.
The Cities of Simeon
The cities of Simeon are listed in detail. Joshua 19:2-8 records their cities according to their families. The list begins with Beersheba or Sheba and Moladah. It includes Hazar-shual, Balah, Azem, Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah, Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susah, Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen. These were thirteen cities with their villages.
The second group included Ain, Remmon, Ether, and Ashan. These were four cities with their villages. The list also included all the villages around these cities to Baalath-beer, Ramath of the south. The detailed list demonstrated God's provision for the tribe of Simeon.
The Significance of Simeon's Location
The location of Simeon within Judah fulfilled Jacob's prophecy. Genesis 49:5-7 had declared that Simeon would be scattered in Israel. The location of Simeon within Judah was a fulfillment of this prophecy. The tribe of Simeon was surrounded by Judah, except on the side toward the sea.
The location brought Simeon into a confederacy with Judah (Judges 1:3). The association with Judah later led to the adherence of many of this tribe to the house of David (2 Chronicles 15:9). The tribe of Simeon produced no person of note as a judge or prophet. Yet the tribe was included in God's provision for His people.
The Inheritance of Zebulun
The Third Lot
The third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families (Joshua 19:10). Zebulun was born of Leah after Issachar. Yet Zebulun was blessed by Jacob and Moses before Issachar. Therefore it was ordered that his lot was drawn before that of Issachar.
The border of their inheritance was unto Sarid. The boundary went up toward the sea, to Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth and to the river that is before Jokneam. The border turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising to the border of Chisloth-tabor and went out to Daberath and up to Japhia. The detailed boundary confirmed the inheritance of Zebulun.
The Significance of Zebulun's Location
The lot of Zebulun was washed by the Great Sea on the west and by the Sea of Tiberias on the east. This answered Jacob's prophecy in Genesis 49:13: Zebulun shall be a haven of ships. The location provided access to trading ships on the Great Sea and fishing ships on the Sea of Galilee.
The territory included places of significance. Mount Carmel was within the lot of Zebulun. The famous trial between God and Baal in Elijah's time took place there. Nazareth, where Jesus spent much of His time, was within this tribe. Mount Tabor, on which Jesus was transfigured, was also located in the territory of Zebulun. The inheritance of Zebulun was blessed with spiritual significance.
The Cities of Zebulun
The cities of Zebulun are listed in Joshua 19:11-15. The cities included Kattath, Nahallal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem. These were twelve cities with their villages. The Bethlehem in Zebulun was distinct from the Bethlehem in Judah. The detailed list confirmed the completeness of the inheritance.
The Inheritance of Issachar
The Fourth Lot
The fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families (Joshua 19:17). The lot of Issachar ran from the Jordan in the east to the Great Sea in the west. Manasseh was on the south, and Zebulun was on the north. The tribe of Issachar was numerous (Numbers 26:25).
The border of Issachar included the valley of Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem, Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath, Rabbith, Kishion, Ebez, Remeth, En-gannim, En-haddah, and Beth-pazzez. The border reached to Tabor, Shahazumah, and Beth-shemesh, and ended at the Jordan. The total was sixteen cities with their villages.
The Significance of Issachar's Location
The territory of Issachar included places of historical significance. Jezreel was the location of Ahab's palace and near it Naboth's vineyard. Shunem was the home of the Shunammite woman who entertained Elisha. The river Kishon was where Sisera was defeated by Deborah and Barak. The mountains of Gilboa were where Saul and Jonathan were slain. The inheritance of Issachar was rich in biblical history.
The Boundary Description
The boundary description in Joshua 19:22 is significant. The text records: "And the coast reacheth to Tabor, and Shahazimah, and Beth-shemesh; and the outgoings of their border were at Jordan." Mount Tabor dominated Lower Galilee and commanded trade routes. Beth-shemesh means "House of the Sun" and marked a significant boundary point. The Jordan River served as the natural frontier of the eastern Promised Land. The specific boundary markers prevented inter-tribal disputes and preserved hereditary land.
The Inheritance of Asher
The Fifth Lot
The fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families (Joshua 19:24). The lot of Asher lay upon the coast of the Great Sea. The territory extended from the Mediterranean coast inland to the hill country. The tribe of Asher was blessed with fertile land and access to maritime trade.
The border of Asher included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph, Alammelech, Amad, and Misheal. The border reached to Carmel westward and to Shihor-libnath. The border turned toward the sunrising to Beth-dagon and reached to Zebulun and to the valley of Jiphtha-el. The border went out to Cabul on the left hand and to Hebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, even unto Great Sidon. The border turned to Ramah and to the strong city Tyre. The total was twenty-two cities with their villages.
The Significance of Asher's Location
The territory of Asher was located near the significant port cities of Tyre and Sidon. Tyre is called the strong city (Joshua 19:29). The proximity to these cities provided Asher with access to trade and commerce. The tribe of Asher produced Anna the prophetess, who was present at the dedication of Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:36). The inheritance of Asher was blessed with spiritual significance.
The Inheritance of Naphtali
The Sixth Lot
The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families (Joshua 19:32). Naphtali lay furthest north of all the tribes, bordering on Mount Lebanon. The city of Leshem lay on the utmost edge of it to the north. The length of Canaan from north to south was later reckoned from Dan to Beersheba.
The border of Naphtali extended from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakum. The outgoings thereof were at Jordan. The border turned westward to Aznoth-tabor and went out to Hukkok. It reached to Zebulun on the south side and to Asher on the west side. The total was nineteen cities with their villages.
The Significance of Naphtali's Location
The territory of Naphtali held significant biblical events. In the lot of Naphtali, near the waters of Merom, Joshua fought and routed Jabin (Joshua 11:1). The territory included Capernaum and Bethsaida on the north end of the Sea of Tiberias. Christ did many mighty works in these cities. The mountain on which Christ preached the Sermon on the Mount was also in this region. The inheritance of Naphtali was blessed with the presence of Jesus.
The Inheritance of Dan
The Seventh Lot
The seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families (Joshua 19:40). Dan, though commander of one of the four squadrons of the camp of Israel, was last provided for in Canaan. The lot of Dan fell in the southern part of Canaan, between Judah on the east and the land of the Philistines on the west.
The coast of their inheritance included Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh, Shaalabbin, Ajalon, Jethlah, Elon, Thimnathah, Ekron, Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath, Jehud, Bene-berak, Gath-rimmon, Me-jarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho. The territory was defined with specific boundaries and cities.
The Expansion to Leshem
The coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them. Therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem. They took it and smote it with the edge of the sword. They possessed it and dwelt therein. They called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father (Joshua 19:47). The capture of Leshem expanded the territory of Dan to the north.
The inability to occupy their original territory may have been due to the pressure of the Philistines. The Danites moved north and took Leshem, renaming it Dan. The expansion demonstrated the initiative and courage of the tribe of Dan. The city of Dan later became a center of idolatry in the northern kingdom.
The Inheritance of Joshua
The Final Act of Distribution
When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them (Joshua 19:49). Joshua was last served, though he was the eldest and greatest man of all Israel. He had commanded in the conquest of Canaan and might have demanded the first settlement.
Joshua demonstrated humility by being content to be unfixed until he saw them all settled. He preferred the common welfare before his particular satisfaction. The example of Joshua is a lesson to all in public places to prefer the common good before their own interest.
The City Requested
According to the word of the Lord, they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah in Mount Ephraim (Joshua 19:50). Joshua chose his inheritance in Mount Ephraim, which belonged to his own tribe. He did not choose a portion in another tribe by prerogative but put himself in common with his people.
The inheritance was given by the word of the Lord. Joshua had a promise from God concerning his inheritance, similar to Caleb. The promise made his portion doubly pleasant because it was received not by common providence but by special promise. Joshua built up the city and dwelt therein.
The Completion of the Division
These are 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 for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the Lord, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they made an end of dividing the country (Joshua 19:51). The division was accomplished with the full participation of the leaders.
The process was conducted before the Lord. The casting of lots acknowledged God's sovereignty over the distribution. The completion of the division marked a significant milestone in Israel's history. The people could now settle in the land that God had promised to their fathers.
Lessons from Joshua 19
God's Faithful Provision
The inheritance of the tribes demonstrates God's faithful provision for His people. Each tribe received a specific territory with clearly defined boundaries and cities. The provision was sufficient for the needs of each tribe. The distribution demonstrated that God keeps His promises down to the smallest detail.
The specific listing of every city and boundary demonstrates the exactness of God's covenant fulfillment. The precision of the record shows that God does not make generic promises but fulfills them in specific and tangible ways. The detailed lists are living proof that faith rests on facts, not wishful thinking.
The Orderliness of God's Work
The division of the land was conducted in an orderly manner. The lots were cast before the Lord. The leaders participated in the process. The boundaries were clearly defined. The cities were listed in detail. The process prevented disputes and ensured that each tribe received its proper inheritance.
The orderliness of the process reflects the character of God. God is a God of order, not confusion. The division of the land was conducted with care and precision. The lesson applies to the lives of believers. God's work should be conducted with order and integrity.
The Humility of Joshua
The inheritance of Joshua demonstrates the humility of a godly leader. Joshua was last served, though he was the greatest man of all Israel. He did not claim a special portion for himself. He waited until all the tribes were settled before claiming his inheritance. His humility was rewarded with a special promise.
The example of Joshua is a lesson for all believers. Humility is a virtue that God honors. The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 2:3: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." Joshua's example encourages believers to prefer the good of others before their own interest.
The Completion of the Promise
The division of the land completed the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham. God had promised to give the land to Abraham's descendants. The inheritance of the tribes demonstrated that God keeps His promises. The completion of the division was a testimony to God's faithfulness.
The fulfillment of the promise took centuries. Abraham had waited for the promise. The people of Israel had waited in Egypt and the wilderness. Yet God was faithful to His word. The lesson from Joshua 19 is that God's timing is perfect and His promises are sure. Believers are called to trust in God's faithfulness.
Connections to Scripture
The Promise to Abraham
The inheritance of the tribes is connected to the promise to Abraham. Genesis 15:18-21 had specified the boundaries of the land that God would give to Abraham's descendants. The distribution of the land among the tribes was a fulfillment of this promise. The detailed record of the boundaries demonstrates that God keeps His covenant promises.
Joshua 21:43-45 summarizes the fulfillment: "And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. And the LORD gave them rest round about... There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass." The inheritance of the tribes was a demonstration of God's covenant faithfulness.
The Typology of the Land
The land of Canaan serves as a type of the believer's spiritual inheritance. The physical land that Israel possessed foreshadows the spiritual blessings that believers have in Christ. The division of the land among the tribes represents the distribution of spiritual gifts and blessings to believers.
The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 1:11: "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will." The inheritance of the land points forward to the greater inheritance that believers have in Christ.
The Priesthood of Believers
The tribe of Levi did not receive a land inheritance because the Lord was their inheritance. This principle foreshadows the priesthood of believers in the New Testament. 1 Peter 2:9 declares: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light."
Believers have a spiritual inheritance that is greater than any earthly possession. The Lord is their portion. The example of the Levites encourages believers to find their sufficiency in God and to serve Him with their whole hearts.
The Rest in Christ
The division of the land and the rest from war foreshadow the rest that believers have in Christ. The physical rest that Israel experienced in Canaan points to the spiritual rest that believers have in Christ. The Apostle Paul writes in Hebrews 4:9-10: "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his."
The completion of the division of the land was a time of rest for Israel. The people could now settle in their inheritance and enjoy the fruit of the land. The rest in Canaan points forward to the rest that believers have in Christ. The believer's rest is a present reality and a future hope.
Conclusion
The distribution of the land among the seven remaining tribes marked the completion of a significant phase in Israel's history. Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan each received their inheritance by lot. Joshua received his inheritance at the conclusion of the process. The division was completed at Shiloh before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle.
The lesson from Joshua 19 is that God keeps His promises down to the smallest detail. The specific listing of every city and boundary demonstrates the exactness of God's covenant fulfillment. The inheritance of the tribes was not a generic promise but a specific and tangible provision. The lesson applies to believers today. God's promises are sure and His provision is sufficient.
The humility of Joshua is a model for believers. Joshua was last served, though he was the greatest man of all Israel. He waited until all the tribes were settled before claiming his inheritance. His humility was rewarded with a special promise. The example of Joshua encourages believers to prefer the good of others before their own interest. The account of Joshua 19 calls believers to trust in God's faithfulness, to act with humility, and to rest in the inheritance that God has provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Simeon receive its inheritance within the territory of Judah?
Simeon received its inheritance within Judah because Judah's portion was too large for them. The surplus of Judah's territory was redistributed to Simeon. The location of Simeon within Judah fulfilled Jacob's prophecy that Simeon would be scattered in Israel (Genesis 49:5-7). The association with Judah later brought Simeon into a confederacy with Judah.
2. What was the significance of Zebulun's location?
Zebulun's location was significant because it was washed by the Great Sea on the west and by the Sea of Tiberias on the east. This answered Jacob's prophecy that Zebulun shall be a haven of ships (Genesis 49:13). The territory included Mount Carmel and Nazareth. The inheritance of Zebulun was blessed with access to maritime trade and spiritual significance.
3. Why did the Danites attack Leshem?
The Danites attacked Leshem because their original territory was too small for them. The pressure of the Philistines may have contributed to their inability to occupy their original territory. They moved north and captured Leshem, renaming it Dan. The expansion demonstrated the initiative and courage of the tribe of Dan. The city of Dan later became a center of idolatry.
4. Why did Joshua receive his inheritance last?
Joshua received his inheritance last because he demonstrated humility. He was content to be unfixed until he saw all the tribes settled. He preferred the common welfare before his particular satisfaction. Joshua chose his inheritance in Mount Ephraim, which belonged to his own tribe. His humility was rewarded with a special promise from God.
5. What does Joshua 19 teach about God's faithfulness?
Joshua 19 teaches that God keeps His promises down to the smallest detail. The specific listing of every city and boundary demonstrates the exactness of God's covenant fulfillment. The inheritance of the tribes was not a generic promise but a specific and tangible provision. Joshua 21:43-45 later confirms that not one of God's good promises failed. The lesson applies to believers today. God's promises are sure and His provision is sufficient.
COMMENTS