Josué 19

Josué 19

Utley - “east … north” The ancient Hebrews denoted compass directions by facing “east” (the rising sun). The tabernacle faced east. It became a symbol of help and hope. The Messiah will come from the east. As a person faces east, the right hand points south and the left hand points north. North came to be a symbol of invasion and bad news because the Mesopotamian powers always invaded from the coastal plain through Phoenicia (because of the desert to the east of Palestine). (Commentary) Beth-Dagon - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “house of Dagon.” Apparently the name indicates a worship place of Philistine god Dagon ("little fish") TWO TOWNS - 1. Town in tribal territory of Judah (Joshua 15:41). It is probably modern khirbet Dajun on the road connecting Ramalleh and Joppa. 2. Town in Asher (Joshua 19:27 ) without certain present location. Iphtahel - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “God opens.” Valley separating tribal territories of Zebulun and Asher (Joshua 19:14 ,Joshua 19:14,19:27 ). It is modern wadi el-Melek. Beth-Emek - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “house of the valley.” A border town in the tribal territory of Asher (Joshua 19:27 ). Located at modern tel Mimas, six and a half miles northeast of Acco. Cabul - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “fettered” or “braided.” 1. Town on northeast border of Asher (Joshua 19:27 ). May be located at modern Kabul nine miles southeast of Acco. Joshua 19:28 and Ebron and Rehob and Hammon and Kanah, as far as Great Sidon. Rehob: Jos 19:30 Kanah: This seems a different Cana from that in Lower Galilee; and to be that which is placed in some maps east of Tyre, between Libanus and Antilibanus, and south of the river Cassimer, or Leitani. Joh 2:1,11 4:46, Cana great: Jos 11:8 Jdg 1:31 Isa 23:2,4,12 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Ebron and Rehob and Hammon and Kanah, as far as Great Sidon - See map Ebron - Holman Bible Dictionary City in territory of Asher (Joshua 19:28 ), spelled Hebron in KJV. Several manuscripts in Joshua 19:28 plus the lists in Joshua 21:30; 1 Chronicles 6:39 have Abdon Rehob - Holman Bible Dictionary Town in the territory of Asher (Joshua 19:28 ,Joshua 19:28,19:30 ). Asher was not able to drive out the Canaanite inhabitants (Judges 1:31 ). Elsewhere, Rehob in Asher is assigned to the Levites (Joshua 21:31; 1 Chronicles 6:75 ). The site is perhaps tell el-Gharbi about seven miles east-southeast of Acco. Hammon - Jewish Encyclopedia A place in the territory of Asher, mentioned in Joshua 19:28, between Rehob and Kanah. It is believed that the ruins now called "Ummel-'Amud" (or "'Awamid") occupy its site. A city allotted to the Levites out of the tribe of Naphtali, and assigned with its suburbs to the descendants of Gershom (1 Chronicles 6:61 [A. V. 76]). B. P. Kanah - Easton's Bible Dictionary A town in the north of Asher (Joshua 19:28 ). It has been identified with 'Ain-Kana, a village on the brow of a valley some 7 miles south-east of Tyre. About a mile north of this place are many colossal ruins strown about. And in the side of a neighbouring ravine are figures of men, women, and children cut in the face of the rock. These are supposed to be of Phoenician origin. Sidon - Hasting's Dictionary Sidon, called ‘Great Zidon’ (Joshua 11:8), was one of the maritime cities of Phcenicia, about 25 miles N. of Tyre, its ‘rival in magnitude, fame, and antiquity’ (Strabo, xvi. ii. 22). After the coming of Alexander the Great, whom Sidon rapturously welcomed and Tyre frantically opposed, the two cities shared the same political fortunes, being for two centuries bones of contention between the Greek kings of Syria in the north and Egypt in the south. So long, however, as their civic autonomy was secure, their factories busy, their overseas traffic prosperous, the quarrels of their alternate overlords did not greatly trouble them. And, while their wealth was apparently almost as great as ever, they added a new interest to life by learning the language and assimilating the culture of Greece. They were not now a mere race of merchant princes or pedlars, wholly absorbed in getting and spending. Strabo says that in his time-the beginning of our era-the Sidonians not only ‘cultivate science and study astronomy and arithmetic, to which they are led by the application of numbers and night sailing, each of which concerns the merchant and seaman,’ but there are ‘distinguished philosophers, natives of Sidon, as Bcethus, with whom I studied the philosophy of Aristotle, and Diodotus his brother’ (xvi. ii. 24). The two sister cities now consistently advocated a policy of peace with all their neighbours. Not possessing a fraction of the army and navy with which they once defied empires, they could no longer assert themselves even when they were in the right. When Herod Agrippa was ‘highly displeased with the Tyrians and Sidonians’ (Acts 12:20), they indulged in no useless heroies. Raising no question as to whether the king’s displeasure was just or not, and facing the plain fact that ‘their country was fed from the king’s country,’ they looked about for a friend at Court and humbly asked for peace. If there was any thought of peace with honour, it was suppressed. Dependents could not afford to be angry, and the king could do no wrong. To this had great Sidon and proud Tyre now come. No details are given of our Lord’s visit to Sidon, though it is definitely stated that He came through it, or at least its surrounding territory (reading διά not καί in Mark 7:31, with the best Manuscripts ), on His way to Decapolis, which He probably reached by the highway over the Lebanon to Damascus (see H. J. Holtzmann, Die Synoptiker3, 1901 [Handkommentar zum NT], and A. B. Bruce, Expositor’s Greek Testament , ‘Mark,’ 1897, in loc). Nothing is known of the actual introduction of Christianity into Sidon. One of its bishops attended the Council of Nicaea in a.d. 325. ‘Sidonian’ was originally an ethnic name like ‘Hittite,’ Sidon and Heth being named together as sons of Canaan in Genesis 10:15. In Homer ‘Sidonia’ is equivalent to Phcenicia and ‘Sidonian’ to Phcenician. In the Latin poets, too, when the adjective qualifies such words as ‘Dido’ (Virg. aen. xi. 74), ‘nautae,’ ‘rates,’ ‘murex,’ ‘vestis,’ ‘chlamys,’ it means Phcenician. The modern town, called by the Arabs Saida, has about 15,000 inhabitants. Some very remarkable sarcophagi have been found in the necropolis to the S.E. of the town. Joshua 19:29 The border turned to Ramah and to the fortified city of Tyre; then the border turned to Hosah, and it ended at the sea by the region of Achzib. Ramah: Probably the Rama mentioned by Theodoret as a city of Syria; and placed in some maps between Sarepta and Sidon, eastward, near Lebanon. Tyre: Heb. Tzor, 2Sa 5:11 Isa 23:1-18 Eze 26:1-28:26 Achzib: Ge 38:5 Jdg 1:31 Mic 1:14 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries The border turned to Ramah and to the fortified city of Tyre; then the border turned to Hosah, and it ended at the sea by the region of Achzib. - See map Ramah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “high,” applied to several cities located on heights, especially military strongholds. A city of the Negev, the arid desert south of Judea, in the tribal inheritance of Simeon (Joshua 19:8 ). David once gave presents to this town following his successful battle with the Amalekites (1 Samuel 30:27 ). Tyre - Smith's Bible Dictionary (a rock). A celebrated commercial city of Phoenicia, on the coast of the Mediterranean. Its Hebrew name, Tzor, signifies a rock; which well agrees with the site of Sur, the modern town, on a rocky peninsula, formerly an island. There is no doubt that, previous to the siege of the city by Alexander the Great, Tyre was situated on an island; but, according to the tradition of the inhabitants, there was a city on the mainland, before there was a city on the island; and the tradition receives some color from the name of Palaetyrus, or Old Tyre, which was borne in Greek times, by a city on the continent, thirty stadia to the south. Hosah - Holman Bible Dictionary Personal and place name perhaps meaning, “seeker of refuge.” 1. Coastal city in tribal territory of Asher (Joshua 19:29 ), probably modern tell Rashidiyeh near Tyre and known in ancient Egyptian and Assyrian texts as Usu. Other biblical geographers would see the fortified city of Tyre as tell Rashidiyeh (Usu) and locate Hosah further from Tyre and the coast. Achzib - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “deceitful.” 1. Town in southern Judah, perhaps modern Tel el-Beida near Lachish (Joshua 15:44 ). Micah 1:14 makes a wordplay using Achzib, literally the houses of deceitfulness will be deceitful. 2. A border town of Asher ( Joshua 19:29 ) which the Israelite tribe could not conquer (Judges 1:31 ). It may be modern Tel Akhziv, near Acco. Joshua 19:30 Included also were Ummah, and Aphek and Rehob; twenty-two cities with their villages. Aphek: Jos 12:18 13:4 1Sa 4:1 1Ki 20:30 Rehob: Jos 19:28 21:31 Nu 13:11 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Included also were Ummah, and Aphek and Rehob; twenty-two cities with their villages - Only a few of these 22 cities are actually recorded in this section. - See map Ummah - McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia - a town of the tribe of Asher, mentioned between Achzib and Aphek (Joshua 19:30). Its site was evidently unknown to Eusebius and Jerome Aphek - Holman Bible Dictionary City assigned to Asher (Joshua 19:30 ) but not conquered (Judges 1:31 ). This may be modern Tell Kerdanah three miles from Haifa and six miles southeast of Acco. 4. City east of Jordan near the Sea of Galilee where Benhadad led Syria against Israel about 860 but met defeat as a prophet predicted for Israel (1 Kings 20:26-30 ). A wall of Aphek fell on 27,000 Syrians (1 Kings 20:30 ). Also Elisha promised Joash victory over the Syrians in Aphek (2 Kings 13:17 ). Rehob - Holman Bible Dictionary Town in the territory of Asher (Joshua 19:28 ,Joshua 19:28,19:30 ). Asher was not able to drive out the Canaanite inhabitants (Judges 1:31 ). Elsewhere, Rehob in Asher is assigned to the Levites (Joshua 21:31; 1 Chronicles 6:75 ). The site is perhaps tell el-Gharbi about seven miles east-southeast of Acco. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 19 Twenty and two cities. The above enumeration gives us nearly thirty cities instead of twenty-two, but probably several are mentioned which were only frontier towns, sometimes reckoned as belonging to one tribe, and sometimes to another, or perhaps some of the appendant villages are named, as well as the towns. Joshua 19:31 This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages. Ge 49:20 De 33:24,25 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SUMMARY OF INHERITANCE OF ASHER This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages. Joshua 19:32 The sixth lot fell to the sons of Naphtali; to the sons of Naphtali according to their families. Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Map to help visualize descriptions of boundaries Zondervan Atlas of the Bible: C. Rasmussen (recommended resource - do not reproduce) SIXTH LOT TO NAPHTALI The sixth lot (goral) fell to the sons of Naphtali; to the sons of Naphtali according to their families - See the map above which shows that Naphtali was bounded on the southwest by Zebulun, on the south by Issachar and on the west by Asher. The Scripture does not record the extent of its northern boundary. From the map, the eastern boundary of Naphtali was the Jordan River and the Sea of Kinnereth (Galilee). Campbell comments that "While not highly significant as a region in the Old Testament period, Naphtali occupied lands that were important in New Testament history because the Galilean ministry of Jesus Christ was centered there. Isaiah the prophet contrasted Naphtali’s early gloom (due to Assyrian invasion) with its glory when Christ would be there (cf. Isa. 9:1–2; Matt. 4:13–17). (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) Isaiah 9:1-2+ But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. 2 The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. Matthew 4:13-17+ and leaving Nazareth, He came and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: 15 “THE LAND OF ZEBULUN AND THE LAND OF NAPHTALI, BY THE WAY OF THE SEA, BEYOND THE JORDAN, GALILEE OF THE GENTILES– 16“THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SITTING IN DARKNESS SAW A GREAT LIGHT, AND THOSE WHO WERE SITTING IN THE LAND AND SHADOW OF DEATH, UPON THEM A LIGHT DAWNED.” 17 From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The book of Judges records the sad commentary that Naphtali did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-Shemesh, or the inhabitants of Beth-Anath, but lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land; and the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and Beth-anath became forced labor for them. (Jdg 1:33+) Comment - Beth-Anath (Wikipedia) meant "house of Anath” and was apparently a worship center for the Canaanite goddess Anath. Clearly they either forgot, disregarded or willfully disobeyed God's clear directive in Exodus 23:32-33+ "You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods. They shall not live in your land, because they will make you sin against Me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” (cf Ex 34:12-16) QUESTION - What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? ANSWER - Israel’s tribes were named for Jacob’s children. Naphtali, being the sixth son of Jacob, is one of Israel’s twelve tribes. In the time of Moses, Naphtali was divided into four clans: the Jahzeelites, the Gunites, the Jezerites, and the Shillemites, named after Naphtali’s sons (Numbers 26:48–49). Naphtali was borne by Rachel’s maidservant, Bilhah. He was her second and last child with Jacob. When Naphtali was born, Rachel said, “I have had a great struggle with my sister, and I have won” (Genesis 30:8). Naphtali means “my struggle.” Naphtali was one of six tribes chosen to stand on Mount Ebal and pronounce curses (Deuteronomy 27:13). By means of these curses, the people promised God they would refrain from certain behaviors. For example, one curse says, “Cursed is the man who moves his neighbor’s boundary stone” (Deuteronomy 27:17). Another states, “Cursed is the man who withholds justice from the alien or fatherless or the widow” (Deuteronomy 27:19). Still another: “Cursed is the man who kills his neighbor secretly” (Deuteronomy 27:24). In all, Naphtali helped deliver twelve such admonishments (Deuteronomy 27:15–26). When Jacob blessed his twelve sons, he said, “Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns” (Genesis 49:21). The image presented is of one who springs forth with great speed and provides good news. Later, Moses blessed the tribe: “Naphtali is abounding with the favor of the Lord and is full of his blessing; he will inherit southward to the lake” (Deuteronomy 33:23). In Joshua 19:32–39, we learn that Napthali’s land was in northern Israel, bordering Asher’s territory, and the Sea of Kinnereth (or Galilee) touched the southern portion of its territory. Despite all their blessings, the tribe of Naphtali failed to obey God’s command to drive out all the Canaanites living in their territory. Therefore, “the Naphtalites too lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land, and those living in Beth Shemesh or Beth Anath became forced labor for them” (Judges 1:33). In Judges 4:6–9, we learn that Barak was a Naphtalite. He had been chosen by God to lead a military force of 10,000 of his tribe against their Canaanite oppressors. However, when the time came for action, Barak responded in fear and cowardice, agreeing to fight against King Jabin’s army only if Deborah the judge would accompany him. Deborah consents, but she prophesies that the honor for the victory would go to a woman and not to Barak. The prophecy was fulfilled in Judges 4:17–22. “The Song of Deborah and Barak” (Judges 5) relates that the tribe of Naphtali risked their lives “on the heights of the field” (verse 18) and so was honored in the victory over the Canaanites. Later, Naphtali responded to Gideon’s call to repel the Midianites, Amalekites, and others from the East from their encampment in the Jezreel Valley (Judges 6:35). Along with the tribes of Asher and Manasseh, Naphtali followed Gideon into battle and chased the Midianites to Zererah and Abel Meholah (Judges 7:23). When the time came for David to assume the throne, the tribe of Naphtali provided “1,000 officers, together with 37,000 men carrying shields and spears,” along with a caravan of food, to help him (1 Chronicles 12:34, 40). When King Solomon was building the temple, he hired Huram, a man whose mother was a Naphtalite, to do the bronze work (1 Kings 7:13–47). In the time of Christ, the land of Naphtali was part of the area of Galilee, and it was viewed by the Jews in Judea as a place of dishonor, full of Gentile pagans (see John 1:46; 7:52). But Isaiah had prophesied that Naphtali would be honored: “In the past he humbled . . . the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan” (Isaiah 9:1). This honor came with the coming of Jesus Christ. All Jesus’ disciples but Judas, who betrayed Him, hailed from Galilee, and much of Jesus’ ministry took place there. Thus, “on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). The tribe of Naphtali had its ups and downs. Its history includes incomplete obedience and shades of cowardice, but it also includes bravery under Gideon and a godly support of King David. Probably the greatest lesson we can take from Naphtali is that God exalts the humble. Naphtali (as part of Galilee) was despised, and Nazareth was the lowest of the low. Yet Nazareth was Jesus’ hometown, and Galilee was exactly where Jesus chose to begin His ministry. For our sakes, He became “despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3). The King of kings had the most unpretentious start. He is truly “humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29).GotQuestions.org Related Resource: Who was Naphtali in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Joshua 19:33 Their border was from Heleph, from the oak in Zaanannim and Adami-nekeb and Jabneel, as far as Lakkum, and it ended at the Jordan. Zaanannim: Jdg 4:11, Zaanaim Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NAPHTALI'S TERRITORY FIRST SKETCHED WITH BOUNDARIES Joshua 19:33-34 give the boundary outline of their territory, followed by specific cities in Josh 19:35-38. Their border was from Heleph - See the map above From here the boundary proceeds eastward. from the oak in Zaanannim and Adami-nekeb and Jabneel, as far as Lakkum, and it ended at the Jordan (River).See the map above Utley on “from the oak” Trees often were associated with holy sites (cf. Gen. 13:18; 14:13; 18:1; 21:33; 35:4; Jdgs. 4:5, 11; 6:11, 19; 9:6, 37; 1 Sam. 10:3), possibly because of the presence of underground water which was so valuable to desert and semi-desert peoples. (Commentary) Rasmussen points out that "Naphtali controlled the Jabneel Valley, while Issachar was situated on the heights to the south of it." Heleph - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “replacement settlement” or “settlement of reeds.” Border city of the tribal allotment of Naphtali (Joshua 19:33 ). It is often identified with khirbet Arbathah just northeast of Mount Tabor, but some Bible students think this location is too far south. Others think Heleph represents the southern border of Naphtali. Zaanannim - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name of uncertain meaning. Town on northeastern corner of tribal allotment of Naphtali near Kadesh (Joshua 19:33; Judges 4:11 ). The “plain of Zaanaim” (Judges 4:11 KJV) is literally translated, “great tree in Zaanannim” (NIV) or “oak in Zaanannim” (NAS; note transliterations of REB, NRSV). This probably indicates a “sacred tree” associated with a worship center. See Elon; Terebinth . Adami-Nekeb - ISB Encyclopedia "the ground of the piercing," that is of the pass, or defile): A place mentioned in indicating the border of Naphtali (Joshua 19:33 ). In the King James Version, Adami and Nekeb are given as separate names, and it is an open question which view of the matter is correct. Most of the Greek texts give the names as two. The Vulgate has "Adami quae est Neceb." The Jerusalem Talmud gives two names, though instead of Hannekeb or Nekeb it has Ṣı̄yadāthāh (Meg 1 1, or Neubauer's Geog du Talmud , 225). In the list of places conquered by Thothmes III of Egypt occurs the name NḲBU (Tomkins, Rec of Past, new series, V, 47), which seems to be the same with Neḳeb . The list of names for the border of Naphtali (Joshua 19:33 , Joshua 19:34 ) has no name in common with the list of cities (Joshua 19:35-38 ) unless Adami and Adamah are the same. The PE S urvey maps locate Adamah at Damieh, about seven miles northwest of the exit of the Jordan from the Lake of Galilee, and Adami at Khurbet Adamah, five or six miles south of the exit. Conder, Tomkins and others place Adami at Damieh, and identify Nekeb by its Talmudic name in the neighboring ruin Ṣeiyâdeh . Conder says (art. "Nekeb," HDB ) that the "pass" implied in the name Nekeb "is probably one leading from the eastern precipices near Tiberias." Jabneel - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “God builds.”1. Town marking northwestern boundary of tribal territory of Judah in land of Philistines (Joshua 15:11 ); modern Yibna. Uzziah took the town, called by the shortened Hebrew form Jabneh, from the Philistines (2 Chronicles 26:6 ). Later the city was called Jamnia and became a center of scribal activity for the Jews. See Joshua 19:33 ); modern tell en-Naam or khirbet Yemma, west-southwest of the Sea of Galilee and northeast of Mount Tabor. Lakkum - Holman Bible Dictionary Transliteration of modern translations for Lakum. See Lakum . Place name perhaps meaning “rising” or “fortification.” Border town in tribal allotment of Naphtali (Joshua 19:33 ). It may be modern khirbet el-Mansurah near the southern end of the Sea of Galilee. Joshua 19:34 Then the border turned westward to Aznoth-tabor and proceeded from there to Hukkok; and it reached to Zebulun on the south and touched Asher on the west, and to Judah at the Jordan toward the east. the border turned westward : De 33:23 Aznoth-tabor: Apparently the same as Azanoth, which Eusebius places in the plain not far from Diocesarea or Sephoris. Jos 19:12,22 Judah: As it is certain that the tribe of Naphtali did not border upon that of Judah, there being several tribes between, we should probably omit Judah, with the Septuagint; though it may have been a town so called. Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NAPHTALI'S INHERITANCE Then the border turned westward to Aznoth-tabor and proceeded from there to Hukkok - See the map above The border proceeded westward from Heleph to the Mount Tabor area and then northward along its common line with Asher. Rasmussen points out that is notable that "Mount Tabor served as the meeting point for the boundaries of three tribes—Issachar, Naphtali, and Zebulun." And it reached to Zebulun on the south and touched Asher on the west, and to Judah at the Jordan toward the east - See map above. NET Note on Judah - The Masoretic Text reads "Judah, the Jordan"; the LXX omits "Judah." Perhaps there was a town named Judah, distinct from the tribe of Judah, located near the northern end of the Jordan. Aznoth-Tabor - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “ears of Tabor.” A border town of the tribe of Naphtali (Joshua 19:34 ). It may be modern Umm Jebeil near Mount Tabor. Hukkok - Smith's Bible Dictionary ncised). A place on the boundary of Naphtali. Joshua 19:34. It has been recovered in Yakuk, a village in the mountains of Naphtali, west of the upper end of the Sea of Galilee. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 19 To Judah upon Jordan. How this is to be understood is not clear. It is certain that the tribe of Naphtali did not border on the east nor in any other direction, upon Judah, for there were several tribes that lay between them. Both tribes, however, were bounded by the Jordan on the east, and they might be considered as in some sort conjoined by the easy communication with each other by means of that river. This we deem the only plausible interpretation of the passage, and thus understood it goes strikingly to illustrate the obscure prediction of Moses, Deut. 33:23, that Naphtali should ‘possess the west and the south,’ i. e. that although his settlement should be in the west or northwest, yet by means of the navigation of the Jordan, he should avail himself of the advantages of traffic with all the southern section of the land. Joshua 19:35 The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer and Hammath, Rakkath and Chinnereth, Hammath: Ge 10:18 Nu 13:21 34:8 34:8 1Ki 8:65, Hamath Chinnereth: Jos 11:2, Chinneroth, Jos 13:27 Mk 6:53, Gennesaret Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NAPHTALI'S INHERITANCE The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer and Hammath, Rakkath and Chinnereth See the map above Ziddim - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “sides.” Fortified town in Naphtali (Joshua 19:35 ), perhaps identifical with Hattin el-Qadim about eight miles west northwest of Tiberias. Some commentators see it as copyist's repetition of “fenced cities.” Zer - Smith's Bible Dictionary (flint). A fortified town in the allotment of Naphtali, Joshua 19:35 only, probably in the neighborhood of the southwest side of the Lake of Gennesareth. Hammath - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “hot spot,” probably due to hot spring, and personal name meaning, “hot one.” 1. Fortified city in the tribal territory of Naphtali (Joshua 19:35 ); probably the same as the levitical town of Hammoth-dor (Joshua 21:32 ). It may be located at tell Raqqat, just north of Tiberias. Others have tried to locate it at the famous hot springs of Hammam Tabiriyeh, south of Tiberias, but archaeologists have found no evidence of Iron Age occupation there. 1 Chronicles 6:76 reads “Hammon,” apparently the same place, in listing the Levitical towns. 2. Original ancestor of Kenites and Rechabites ( 1 Chronicles 2:55; KJV reads, “Hamath”; TEV, REB see a verbal construction meaning, “intermarried” or “connected by marriage.”). The context and grammatical construction of the verse makes certain understanding impossible. Hammath could be the founder of the city Hammath. Rakkath - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “spit,” “narrow,” or “swamp.” Fortified town in the territory of Naphtali (Joshua 19:35 ), either at Tiberias or else at tell Eqlatiyeh about one and one half miles northwest of Tiberias. Artifacts spanning the Bronze Age have been recovered from the latter site. Chinnereth - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “harp-shaped.” 1. The sea or lake otherwise called the Sea of Galilee, Lake of Gennesaret, or Sea of Tiberias. It formed the eastern border of Canaan, the Promised Land (Numbers 34:11 ), marking the western boundary of the tribe of Gad (Joshua 13:27 ). 2 . A city on the western edge of the Sea of Chinnereth, also called Chinneroth (Joshua 11:2 ), though this could be a reference to the Sea. The city belonged to the tribe of Naphtali (Joshua 19:35 ). The city apparently gave its name to the Sea and to the surrounding region with its several bays, thus explaining the plural form in 1 Kings 15:20 , which tells of Ben-hadad of Syria defeating the area in answer to the request of King Asa of Judah. Thothmes III of Egypt also claimed to have conquered the city about 1475 B.C. The city is the modern tell al-Oreimeh. Joshua 19:36 and Adamah and Ramah and Hazor, Hazor: Jos 11:1,20 12:19 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NAPHTALI'S INHERITANCE and Adamah and Ramah and Hazor, See the map above Adamah - Holman Bible Dictionary lace name and common noun meaning, “soil, farmland.” 1. The earth or cultivated ground from whose dust God formed mankind, forming the wordplay Adam from dust of adamah . (Genesis 2:7 ). Compare Genesis 2:19 . Pottery was also made from the soil (Isaiah 45:9 ), as were altars (Exodus 20:24 ). The dead return to the earth (Psalm 146:4 ), but the soil also produces harvests (Deuteronomy 7:13; Deuteronomy 11:7 ). 2 . A city in Naphtali's territory (Joshua 19:36 ) near where the Jordan River joins the sea of Tiberias, perhaps modern Hagar ed-Damm. Ramah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “high,” applied to several cities located on heights, especially military strongholds. 1. Border town in tribal territory of Asher (Joshua 19:29 ). The precise location of the city is unknown, although most scholars would place it in the vicinity of Tyre. 2. Fortified city of tribal territory of Naphtali (Joshua 19:36 ), this town is probably to be identified with present-day er-Rameh. Ramah of Asher and Ramah of Naphtali could have been the same community since the boundaries of Asher and Naphtali join .Hazor - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “enclosed settlement.” 1. Hazor was located in upper Galilee on the site now known as tell el-Qedah, ten miles north of the Sea of Galilee and five miles southwest of Lake Huleh. The site of Hazor is composed of a 30-acre upper tell or mound rising 40 meters above the surrounding plain and a 175-acre lower enclosure which was well fortified. These dimensions make Hazor the largest city in ancient Canaan. Estimates set the population at its height at over 40,000. The upper tell had twenty-one separate levels of occupation beginning between 2750,2500 B.C. and continuing down to the second century B.C. Canaanites occupied Hazor until Joshua destroyed it. The Israelites controlled it until 732 B.C. when the Assyrians captured the city. Hazor then served as a fortress for the various occupying powers until the time of the Maccabees. The lower enclosure had five levels of occupation beginning about 1750 B.C. and continuing until Joshua destroyed it. It was never rebuilt. Hazor's location was strategic both economically and militarily. It overlooked the Via Maris, the major overland trade route from Egypt to the north and east, and thus became a major trading center. It is mentioned extensively in both Egyptian and Mesopotamian records in conjunction with the other major trading cities of the day. Hazor also overlooked the Huleh Valley, a critical defense point against armies invading from the north. Joshua 11:1-15; Joshua 12:19 relate how Jabin, king of Hazor, rallied the forces of the northern cities of Canaan against Joshua. Hazor was “the head of all those kingdoms” ( Joshua 11:10 ), that is, it was the dominant city-state of the Canaanite kingdoms. Joshua defeated the Canaanite forces, slew the leaders, including Jabin, and burned the city of Hazor. Modern archaeology lends support to this biblical account. The size and location of the city of Hazor, as well as references to it in other ancient literature, would indicate that Hazor probably controlled a vast portion of Canaan. Yadin's excavation of Hazor indicated that the city was destroyed by fire in the second third of the thirteenth century B.C. The next mention of Hazor in the Old Testament is troublesome. In Judges 4:1 we again find a Jabin as king of Canaan ruling from Hazor. His troops led by Sisera of Harosheth-hagoyim were routed by Deborah and Barak. Some Bible students see a discrepancy between this story and the story in Joshua, saying Jabin was killed generations earlier and Hazor destroyed and taken into Israelite control. The traditional solution to this discrepancy stresses that Jabin is referred to in the past tense—”who reigned in Hazor.” Jabin was not alive at the time of the battle with Deborah, but Sisera had previously been commander of Jabin's forces. Hazor need not exist at this time as Sisera lived at Harosheth-ha-goiim (location unknown.) A different solution on the basis of archaeological excavations claims the story concerning Jabin in Joshua is accurate. The city was destroyed by Joshua and was not rebuilt as a city until the time of Solomon. The most ancient account of the defeat of Sisera by Deborah and Barak appears in the poetic account of Judges 5:1 , which mentions neither Jabin nor Hazor (compare 1 Samuel 12:9 ). This approach sees Judges 4:1 as a later account influenced by the story in Joshua. The straight biblical narrative seems to assume Joshua destroyed but did not occupy it, though it was allotted to Naphtali: ( Joshua 19:36 ). The Canaanite dynasty of Jabin maintained or regained control with one or more kings named Jabin. 1 Kings 9:15 mentions that Solomon rebuilt the walls of Hazor, Megiddo and Gezer. Excavations have discovered conclusive evidence to support this short portion of Scripture. Two layers of Israelite occupation of Hazor between the destruction of the Canaanite city by Joshua and the rebuilding of the city by Solomon show merely semi-nomadic Israelite encampments, evidenced by tent or hut foundation rings, cooking pits, and storage pits. Apparently, no formal city or fortifications existed during the time of the Judges. The city was clearly rebuilt at the time of Solomon, evidenced by the characteristiclly Solomonic gate structures, that is, casehymate walls and a six-chamber gatehouse (three on each side) with two square towers. Comparing the gates at Hazor with those at Gezer and Megiddo, Yadin found them to be identical in both design and dimension. The Solomonic city was much smaller than the Canaanite city. It only covered half of the upper tell. 2 Kings 15:29 records that Tiglath-pileser III, king of Assyria, captured Hazor and carried its people captive to Assyria. The evidence of this destruction is very great. No less than three feet of ashes and rubble cover the ruins left by this destruction. Prior to the Assyrian invasion, Hazor had been greatly enlarged and strengthened by King Ahab of Israel in anticipation of the attack. The city had grown to fill the entire upper tell. Its fortifications had been strengthened and enlarged, and a special water shaft and tunnel 40 meters deep was dug down to the water table to bring the water supply inside the city. 2. Town in tribal inheritance of Judah (Joshua 15:23 ), probably to be read with earliest Greek translation as Hazor-Ithnan. This may be modern el-Jebariyeh. 3. Town in southern part of tribal inheritance of Judah, probably to be read as Hazor-Hadattah (Joshua 15:25 ) with most modern translations. This may be modern el-Hudeira near the Dead Sea's southern end. 4. Town identified with Hezron (Joshua 15:25 ). See Hezron . 5. Town where part of tribe of Benjamin lived in time of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 11:33 ). This may be modern khirbet Hazzur four miles north northwest of Jerusalem. 6. Name of “kingdoms” that Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon threatened (Jeremiah 49:28-33 ). Apparently, small nomadic settlements of Arab tribes are meant. Such settlements would still have rich treasures the Babylonian king coveted. Joshua 19:37 and Kedesh and Edrei and En-hazor, Kedesh: Jos 12:22 20:7 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NAPHTALI'S INHERITANCE and Kedesh and Edrei and En-hazor, See the map above Kedesh - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “sacred place” or “sanctuary.” 1. A city in the southern part of Judah (Joshua 15:23 ). Probably the same as Kadesh-Barnea. See Kadesh-Barnea . 2. A Canaanite town in eastern Galilee defeated by Joshua (Joshua 12:22 ). The town was allotted to Naphtali (Joshua 19:32 ,Joshua 19:32,19:37 ) and was called Kedesh in Naphtali (Judges 4:6 ). It was also called Kedesh in Galilee and given to the Gershonite Levites as one of their cities (Joshua 20:7; Joshua 21:32 ). See Judges 4:6 ) and the place where Deborah and Barak gathered their forces for battle (Judges 4:1-10 ). Heber the Kenite pitched his tent in the vicinity where Sisera met his death at the hands of Jael, Heber's wife (Judges 4:21; Judges 5:24-27 ). Kedesh in Naphtali was captured by Tiglath-pileser III during the reign of Pekah of Israel. The inhabitants were exiled to Assyria (2 Kings 15:29 ). Usually identified with modern khirbet Qedish, about two miles south of Tiberias. 3. A city in Issachar allotted to the Gershomite Levites (1 Chronicles 6:72 ). The town is also called Kishon (Joshua 21:28 KJV; Kishion in other versions). It has been suggested that “Kedesh in Issachar” may have arisen from a misreading of “Kishon” for “Kedesh.” The site is uncertain. Perhaps modern tell Abu Qudeis, about two miles southeast of Megiddo. Edrei - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name of unknown meaning. 1. Royal city of Og, king of Bashan (Joshua 12:4 ). Invading Israel defeated Og there (Numbers 21:33-35 ). It is also known from Egyptian records. Its location is modern Dera halfway between Damascus and Amman. The clan of Machir in the tribe of Manasseh laid claim to the city (Joshua 13:31 ). 2 . A fortified city in the tribal territory of Naphtali (Joshua 19:37 ). En-Hazor - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “spring of the enclosed village.” A fortified city in the tribal territory of Naphtali (Joshua 19:37 ). It may be located at khirbet Hazireh, west of Kadesh. Others would locate it southwest of Kedesh on the border joining Naphtali and Asher. Joshua 19:38 and Yiron and Migdal-el, Horem and Beth-anath and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages. Bethanath: Eusebius mentions a town of the name of [Batanaian,] fifteen miles from Cesarea. (Diocesarea or Sephoris probably.) Bethshemesh: Jos 19:22 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NAPHTALI'S INHERITANCE and Yiron and Migdal-el, Horem and Beth-anath and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages See the map above Yiron - Holman Bible Dictionary NAS spelling of Iron (Joshua 19:38 ). See Iron . Migdal-el - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “fortress of God.” Fortified town in Naphtali (Joshua 19:38 ). Migdal-el was located in northern Galilee in the vicinity of Iron (Yiron). Horem - Smith's Bible Dictionary (sacred). One of the fortified places, in the territory of Naphtali; named with Iron and Migdalel. Joshua 19:38. Van Deuteronomy Velde suggests Hurah, as the site of Horem. Beth-Anath - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “house of Anath.” A fortified city in the territory of the tribe of Naphtali (Joshua 19:38 ). The tribe could not drive out the Canaanites from the city (Judges 1:33 ). Beth-anath was apparently a worship center for the Canaanite goddess Anath. It may have been located at modern Safed el-Battik, fifteen miles east of Tyre. Beth-Shemesh - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “house of the sun.” Beth-shemesh is a name applied to four different cities in the Old Testament. The name probably derives from a place where the Semitic god Shemesh (Shamash) was worshiped. 1. Beth-shemesh of Issachar was situated on the tribal border with Naphtali between Mt. Tabor and the Jordan River (Joshua 19:22 ). Present scholarship identifies the city with either el-Abeidiyeh, two miles south of Galilee, or khirbet Shemsin, east of Tabor. 2. Beth-shemesh of Naphtali was probably located in central upper Galilee because of its association with Beth-anath (Joshua 19:38; Judges 1:33 ). This Canaanite town remained independent and unconquered until the time of David. The site khirbet er-Ruweisi has been suggested as a possible location. 3. Beth-shemesh of Egypt is to be identified with Heliopolis (five miles northeast of Cairo) according to the Septuagint or early Greek translation (Jeremiah 43:13 ). Jeremiah told of the Lord's judgment upon the gods of Egypt by depicting the destruction of the worship centers. 4. Beth-shemesh of Dan is located on the south tribal border with Judah (Joshua 15:10; Joshua 19:41 ) overlooking the Sorek Valley about 24 miles west of Jerusalem. The ancient name was preserved in the Arab village of Ain Shems, and the “tell” is identified with tell er-Rumeilah. Beth-shemesh guarded the lush farmlands of the Sorek Valley at the point at which the Shephelah (foothills) borders the Judean hill country. It was also situated in the strategic “buffer zone” between the Philistines and the Israelites during the judges period. The Danite tribe was unable to control the lands of its inheritance because of the Amorites (Judges 1:34-35 ) and/or the Philistines. Some were forced into the hills near Zorah and Eshtaol (as was Samson's family, Judges 13:1-2 ). Beth-shemesh was apparently controlled by Israel (ca. 1050 B.C.) when the ark of the covenant passed through the city upon returning from the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:13 ). Around 795 B.C., the city was the scene of a battle in which Jehoash of Israel was victorious over Amaziah of Judah, resulting in the pillaging of the Temple (2 Kings 14:11-14; 2 Chronicles 25:21-24 ). Beth-shemesh is last mentioned in Scripture during the decadent reign of Ahaz. The Philistines captured Beth-shemesh from Judah (ca. 734), seen as judgment from God (2 Chronicles 28:18-19 ). Beth-shemesh was excavated by D. Mackenzie in 1911-1912 and Haverford College in 1928-31,1933. The city was first settled about 2200 B.C. by a relatively small group. The city achieved importance after being conquered and rebuilt by the Hyksos about 1720 B.C. A huge city wall, three defensive towers, and several tombs were uncovered. The Hyksos city was captured by the Egyptians of the Eighteenth Dynasty about 1550 B.C. Beth-shemesh flourished in the Late Bronze Age under Egyptian and Canaanite rule, evidenced by imported wares from Mycenae and Egypt, as well as quality Canaanite finds, including inscriptions. Iron Age I (Judges) finds show that Beth-shemesh was heavily influenced by the Philistines, but the city was in general decline. After David defeated the Philistines, the city was rebuilt. Excavations indicate the Israelite city had olive oil, wine, copper, fabric dyeing, and wheat production industries. After Beth-shemesh was destroyed by the Babylonians (588-587 B.C.) under Nebuchadrezzar, the city was largely unoccupied, except for remnants of the Roman/Byzantine city at Ain Shems (monastery on the corner of the tell). Joshua 19:39 This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Naphtali according to their families, the cities with their villages. Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SUMMARY OF INHERITANCE OF NAPHTALI This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Naphtali according to their families, the cities with their villages Joshua 19:40 The seventh lot fell to the tribe of the sons of Dan according to their families. Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Map to help you visualize the descriptions of boundaries (Click here for another excellent map of the Tribal Allotments) Here is another excellent map of the Tribal Allotments SEVENTH LOT TO DAN The seventh lot (goral) fell to the tribe of the sons of Dan according to their families Dan's territory was west of Benjamin, with its eastern boundary, on the western slopes of the mountains overlooking the coastal plain which, coincided with the western boundary of Benjamin. Dan's southern border was identical to Judah’s northern border and followed the Sorek Valley to the Mediterranean Sea (Josh 15:10–11) Dan’s northern boundary is not outlined Gangel points out that "To further strengthen the union of Israel, God separated Dan from Naphtali and his wilderness campmate Asher. Dan was placed between Benjamin and the Mediterranean Sea, but part of that territory was lost to the Amorites in the Philistine Plain. Only once in these two chapters do we have a negative mention of a tribe unable to secure the boundaries that were allotted to it. (Holman Old Testament Commentary - Joshua) The book of Judges records the sad record that the Danites were forced to run for the hills... Then the Amorites forced the sons of Dan into the hill country, for they did not allow them to come down to the valley (Jdg 1:34+) Campbell comments "The least desirable portion fell to Dan. Surrounded by Ephraim and Benjamin on the north and east and by Judah on the south, her boundaries coincided with theirs so Dan’s borders are not described. Only towns are included, which numbered 17. Not only was their original location too small but after part of the territory of Dan was lost to the Amorites (Jdg 1:34) most of the tribe migrated to the far north, and attacked and settled in the city of Leshem (Laish) opposite the northern sector of Naphtali and named it Dan (cf. Jdg 18; Gen. 49:17)." (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) QUESTION - What can we learn from the tribe of Dan? ANSWER - The tribe of Dan was the group of people who descended from the fifth son of Jacob, Dan. Jacob had twelve sons who became the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. The history of the tribe of Dan is especially instructive to us in that it contains multiple examples of the tendency of people to follow man-made religion over biblical faith in God. This is totally contrary to the Scriptures that teach us “no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law” (Romans 3:20) and “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). As the Israelites came into the land of Canaan, by lot certain areas of territory were assigned to each tribe. The tribe of Dan was given a tract of land that was smaller than the other land grants but was fertile and also had a boundary along the Mediterranean Sea where there was fishing and commerce available to them. However, the tribe of Dan never fully conquered this area as a result of a lack of faith in God. This was true of the other tribes as well, as the early chapters of the book of Judges clearly teach, and led to a time during the period of Judges where it was said, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Judges 18:1–31 tells the story of the people of Dan falling into idolatry. They also did not like the territory that was theirs, so they sent out spies to find a better area. In the north, some representatives of Dan learned of an area where a peaceful group of people lived. The tribe of Dan took things into their own hands and wiped out the people of that land so they could then move the entire tribe up to a region close to the sources of the Jordan River, just south of present-day Lebanon. There they established their main city and called it Dan. Later in the history of the Hebrews, the kingdom was divided after the reign of Solomon. The kingdom split into Israel’s ten tribes in the north and Judah’s two in the south. The people of Dan were in the northern kingdom of Israel. We learn in 1 Kings 12:25–33 that King Jeroboam was afraid that those who lived in his kingdom in the north would still go down to the southern kingdom to worship at Jerusalem, since that was where the temple that God had authorized was located. So Jeroboam built two additional altars for the people of his nation to worship. He established worship in the south at Bethel and in the north at Dan. He built a golden calf at each location and instituted special days and feasts when people would meet. Sadly, this man-made worship at Dan has been one of its lasting legacies. Today, many people follow various man-made religions and are convinced that all ways lead to God. Unfortunately, these groups follow the ways of the tribe of Dan. Proverbs 16:25 tells us that “there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Jesus taught that the way to God was specific when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me” (John 14:6). John 3:36 teaches that “he who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” To learn from the mistakes of Dan would be to worship the God of the Bible alone and live for Him by faith.GotQuestions.org Related Resource: Who was Dan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Joshua 19:41 The territory of their inheritance was Zorah and Eshtaol and Ir-shemesh, Zorah: Situated on the frontiers of Dan and Judah, tens miles north from Eleutheropolis, towards Nicoplis, according to Eusebius, not far from Caphar Sorek. Jos 15:33, Zoreah, Jdg 13:2,25 16:31 18:2 1Ch 2:53 2Ch 11:10 Irshemesh: Supposed by some to be the same as Beth-shemesh in the tribe of Judah; but this latter city is evidently distinguished from it by being assigned by the tribe of Judah to the Levites. (ch. 21:16.) Ir-shemesh rendered [polis Sammaus] by the LXX., seems to be the same as Emmaus or Nicopolis, 22 miles south-east from Lydda, according to the Old Jerusalem Itinerary. Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Map to help visualize descriptions of boundaries Zondervan Atlas of the Bible: C. Rasmussen (recommended resource - do not reproduce) The territory of their inheritance was Zorah and Eshtaol and Ir-shemesh - See map above Zorah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “wasps” or “hornets.” City of Dan (Joshua 19:41 ) about thirteen miles west of Jerusalem on the border with Judah (Joshua 15:33; “Zoreah,” KJV). It was the home of Manoah, Samson's father (Judges 13:2 ). Rehoboam, king of Judah, strengthened Zorah in case of war (2 Chronicles 11:5-12 ). It is modern Sarah. Eshtaol - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “asking (for an oracle).” Town in lowlands of Shephelah of Judah allotted to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:33 ) but also to the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:41 ). Near there, God's Spirit stirred Samson of the tribe of Dan (Judges 13:25 ). Samson was buried near Eshtaol (Judges 16:31 ). The tribe of Dan sent men from Eshtaol to seek a new homeland (Judges 18:2-11 ). Its citizens were kin to the clan of Caleb and to residents of Kiriath-jearim (1 Chronicles 2:53 ). It may be located at modern Irtuf, a mile south of Ishwa. Irshemesh - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “city of the sun.” Town in tribal territory of Dan (Joshua 19:41 ) on the border of the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:10 , called Beth-shemesh or house of the sun). See Beth-shemesh . Joshua 19:42 and Shaalabbin and Aijalon and Ithlah, Shaalabbin: Eusebius calls it [Salaba,] and places it in Samaria: and Jerome calls it Salebi, (Eze 48,) and joins it to Ajalon and Emmaus. Jdg 1:35, Shaalbim Ajalon: This appears to be the Ajalon which Jerome places two miles from Nicopolis or Emmaus, in the road to Jerusalem. Jos 10:12 21:24 1Sa 14:31 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Shaalabbin and Aijalon and Ithlah - see map above Rasmussen notes that "Dan’s territory sat astride the Aijalon Valley, through which the major approach road into the Hill Country of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Judah ran. In addition, the main international north–south route ran through Dan’s western extension. Thus the great powers of antiquity were interested in controlling this territory, as were the powerful local Canaanite/Amorite chiefs, with the result that the Danites were not able to expand westward but were rather confined to the western slopes of the mountains in the Beth Shemesh, Zorah, Eshtaol, and Kiriath Jearim region (see Jdg 1:34–35; 13–16). Not until the days of David and Solomon did Israel take control of Danite territory, and then only for a brief period of time (see 1 Kings 4:9; 2 Chron 2:16). Due to Amorite pressures, some of the tribe of Dan moved northward to Laish/Leshem (Map - SEE BELOW - Josh 19:47), which they captured and renamed “Dan” (Jdg 17–18). They thought that they had moved from an area of insecurity to one of security and prosperity (Jdg 18:7, 27–28); yet later in biblical history this was the area that invaders from the north (the Arameans, Assyrians, and others) attacked first. (Zondervan Atlas of the Bible) Shaalabbin - Easton's Bible Dictionary a place of foxes, a town of the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:42; Judges 1:35 ). It was one of the chief towns from which Solomon drew his supplies (1 Kings 4:9 ). It is probably the modern village of Selbit, 3 miles north of Ajalon. Aijalon - Holman Bible Dictionary Also spelled Ajalon. Place name meaning, “place of the deer.” 1. Town and nearby valley where moon stood still at Joshua's command (Joshua 10:12 ). Near the Philistine border, south of Beth-horon, Aijalon belonged to Dan, according to tribal allotments (Joshua 19:42 ); but Dan did not conquer the territory and moved to the north (Judges 18:1 ). It was one city in Dan given the Levites (Joshua 21:24 ). Amorites gained temporary control, but the Joseph tribes subjected them to pay tribute (Judges 1:34-35 ). Saul and Jonathan won a battle between Michmash and Aijalon (1 Samuel 14:31 ). In post-exilic times, the Chronicler knew Aijalon as a city of the tribe of Benjamin which defeated Gath (1 Chronicles 8:13 ). Rehoboam, Solomon's son, had fortified Aijalon (2 Chronicles 11:10 ). King Ahaz (735-715 B.C.) asked for Assyrian help because the Philistines had taken Aijalon and other cities. Thus it was an important military location on Judah's western border. Aijalon is located at modern Yalo about fourteen miles from Jerusalem. 2. Elon, a judge of the tribe of Zebulon was buried in a northern Aijalon (Judges 12:12 ), whose location may be at Tell et-Butmeh. Ithlah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name perhaps meaning, “he hangs.” Town in tribal territory of Dan (Joshua 19:42 ). Its location is not known, but some students of Bible lands geography follow some Greek manuscripts identifying Ithlah with Shithlah or Shilta, about four miles northwest of Beth-horon. Joshua 19:43 and Elon and Timnah and Ekron, Thimnathah: Ge 38:12 Jdg 14:1,2, Timnath Ekron: Ekron is placed by Eusebius between Ashdod and Jamnia, eastward; and probably the ruined village of Tookrair, mentioned by Dr. Richarson, situated on the top of a hill, and which he says seems to have been a place of considerable consequence, occupies its site. Jos 15:45 1Sa 5:10 Am 1:8 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Elon and Timnah and Ekron - see map above Elon - Holman Bible Dictionary ersonal and place name meaning, “great tree” or “tree of god.” Compare Genesis 12:6; Judges 9:6 ,Judges 9:6,9:37 . See Genesis 46:14 ). A clan in Zebulun was thus named for him (Numbers 26:26 ). 2 . A judge from the tribe of Zebulun (Judges 12:11-12 ). City in tribal territory of Naphtali (Joshua 19:33 ), often transliterated into English as Allon. See Genesis 35:8 ). See 1 Samuel 10:3 ) or the “palm tree of Deborah” (Judges 4:5 ). See 1 Chronicles 4:37 ). A different Hebrew spelling underlies other examples of Elon in English translations. 1. The Hittite father of Esau's wife Bashemath (Genesis 26:34 ). 2 . The Hittite father of Adah, Esau's wife (Genesis 36:2 ), Bashemath being listed as Ishmael's daughter (Genesis 36:3 ). See Joshua 19:43 ). It may be located at khirbet wadi Alin. It is probably the same place as Elon-beth-hanan (1 Kings 4:9 ), though some read Ajalon and Bethhanan or “Elon, and Beth-hanan” (REB). Timnah - Smith's Bible Dictionary (portion).1. A place which formed, one of the landmarks on the north boundary, of the allotment of Judah. Joshua 15:10. It is probably identical with the Thimnathah of Joshua 19:43, and that again with the Timnath, or, more accurately, Timnathah, of Samson Judges 14:1-2; Judges 14:5, and the Thamnatha of the Maccabees. The modern representative of all these various forms of the same name is, probably, Tibneh, a village about two miles west of Ain Shems, (Beth-shemesh). In the later history of the Jews, Timnah must have been a conspicuous place. It was fortified by Bacchides as one of the most important military posts of Judea. 1 Maccabees 9:50. 2. A town in the mountain district of Judah. Joshua 15:57, A distinct place from that just examined. 3. Inaccurately, written as Timnath, in the Authorized Version, the scene of the adventure of Judah, with his daughter in-law, Tamar. Genesis 38:12-14. There is nothing here to indicate its position. It may be identified, either, with the Timnah in the mountains of Judah, or with the Timnathath of Samson. Ekron - Holman Bible Dictionary Ekron is the northernmost of the five major Philistine cities known as the pentapolis. The site of ancient Ekron has been much debated, but now is generally agreed to be modern tell Miqne, about 14 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea and 10 miles from Ashdod. The site is one of the largest in Palestine, covering some 50 acres. Ekron lies on the road leading from Ashdod into the Judean hill country and up to Jerusalem through the Sorek Valley. Ekron was assigned to both Judah (Joshua 15:11 ,Joshua 15:11,15:45-46 ) and Dan (Joshua 19:43 ) in the tribal allotments. It probably lay on the border between the tribes. Judges 1:18 reports that Judah captured Ekron along with other parts of the Philistine coast, but Ekron was certainly in Philistine hands at the time the ark was captured ( 1 Samuel 5:10 ). It was also the place to which the Philistines retreated after David slew Goliath (1 Samuel 17:52 ). Ahaziah, the son of King Ahab of Israel, called on the god of Ekron, Baal-zebub, when he was sick (2 Kings 1:2-16 ). That name (literally, “Lord of the flies”) may have been slightly changed by the Hebrew writer to express antipathy toward the Philistine deity. The name of the deity may have been Baal-zebul (“Baal is exalted”). Excavations at tell Miqne have discovered much pottery that is typically Philistine. From the last period before tell Miqne was destroyed by the Babylonians, the excavators found an important industrial complex near the city gate. A hoard of iron agricultural tools was found. Hundreds of whole pottery vessels were present. Perhaps most importantly, a well-preserved olive press was discovered. This press is the largest and best preserved known in Israel. A horned altar was also found during the excavations. Joshua 19:44 and Eltekeh and Gibbethon and Baalath, Gibbethon: Jos 21:23 1Ki 15:27 16:15 Baalath: 1Ki 9:18 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Eltekeh and Gibbethon and Baalath - see map above Elteke - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “place of meeting,” “place of hearing,” or “plea for rain.” A city in Dan (Joshua 19:44 ) assigned to the Levites (Joshua 21:23 ). Egyptian pharaohs claim to have conquered an Altaku, which may be the same. Sennacherib of Assyria met an Egyptian army there about 701 B.C. It has been variously located at khirbet el-Muqenna on the eastern edge of the coastal plain, at tell esh-Shalaf, and at tell el-Melat, northwest of Gezer. Gibbethon - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “arched,” “hill,” or “mound.” City in the tribal territory of Dan (Joshua 19:44 ) but assigned to the Levites (Joshua 21:23 ). During the monarchy the Philistines controlled Gibbethon. Nadab of Israel (909-908 B.C.) besieged it. During the siege Baasha murdered Nadab and assumed the kingship (1 Kings 15:25-28 ). The Israelite army was encamped against Philistine Gibbethon when Zimri assumed rule by assassinating Elah, the son of Baasha (1 Kings 16:15-17 ). Gibbethon has been variously identified as tell el-Melat north of Ekron, and with Agir, two and a half miles west of tell el-Melat. Baalath - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “feminine Baal.” City in original inheritance of tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:44 ). Same or different town which Solomon rebuilt (1 Kings 9:18 ). It may have been near Gezer on the road to Beth-horon and Jerusalem. Some would identify Solomon's town with Simeon's Balah, with Kirjath-jearim, or with Baalath-beer Joshua 19:45 and Jehud and Bene-berak and Gath-rimmon, Gathrimmon: Jos 21:24 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Jehud and Bene-berak and Gath-rimmon- see map above Jehud - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “praise.” Town in tribal territory of Dan (Joshua 19:45 ). It is located at modern Yehud about three miles south of Petah Tikvah and eight miles north of Joppa. Bene-Berak - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “sons of Barak” or “sons of lightning.” City of tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:45 ). It is located at modern Ibn Ibraq, four miles southeast of Joppa. Sennacherib, king of Assyria, in 701 B.C. claims he conquered Bene-berak. Gath-Rimmon - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “winepress on the pomegranate tree.” 1. Town in tribal territory of Dan (Joshua 19:45 ) and set aside for Levites (Joshua 21:24 ). It is usually located at tell Jerisheh on the Yarkon River in modern Tel Aviv, but some scholars locate it two miles to the northeast at tell Abu Zeitun. 1 Chronicles 6:69 lists Gath-rimmon in the tribe of Ephraim, but this is usually understood as a copyist's omission of a sentence at the beginning of 1 Chronicles 6:69 . Gath-rimmon also appears in the Hebrew text of Joshua 21:25 though not in the earliest Greek translation or in the parallel in 1 Chronicles 6:70 . Most scholars recognize that a copyist repeated Gath-rimmon from 1 Chronicles 6:24 , the original reading probably being Ibleam. See Ibleam . Joshua 19:46 and Me-jarkon and Rakkon, with the territory over against Joppa. before: or, over against Japho: or, Joppa, Jon 1:3 Ac 9:36,43 10:8 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Me-jarkon and Rakkon, with the territory over against Joppa- see map above Mejarkon - Holman Bible Dictionary Name meaning, “waters of Jarkon” or “pale-green waters.” Stream in the territory of Dan (Joshua 19:46 ), probably the Nahr el-Auja (“winding river”), which, fed by springs at Ras el-Ain about ten miles from the coast, flows year-round to the Mediterranean about four miles north of Joppa. Rakkon - Fausset's Bible Dictionary A town of Dan, not far from Joppa; Yerakon in Septuagint (Joshua 19:46). Joppa - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning “beautiful.” Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Joppa is located some thirty-five miles northwest of Jerusalem. Excavations have revealed that the city dates back at least to 1650 B.C. Originally Joppa was situated on a rocky hill just over 100 feet high, a hill that just slightly beyond the coastline to form a small cape. To the north stretches the Plain of Sharon, to the south the Plain of Philistia. The Old Testament name for Joppa was Japho (or Jaffe or Yafo), the name the Israeli nation has chosen as the modern designation for the city. The Phoenician form of the term comes from the name Jafe, the daughter of Aeolus, god of the winds. Joppa is the only natural harbor on the Mediterranean between ancient Ptolemais and Egypt, and its facilities in biblical days were far less than outstanding. Reefs forming a roughly semicircular breakwater approximately 300 feet off-shore made entrance from the south impossible. Entrance from the north was shallow and treacherous, but small vessels could navigate it. The earliest historical reference to Joppa is found in inscriptions on the walls of the Temple of Karnak at Thebes (Luxor). Thutmose III, who ruled Egypt from 1490 to 1436 B.C., boasted of his conquest of the cities of Palestine; Joppa is one of those named. The Amarna Letters mention Joppa twice, with observations about the beauty of her gardens and the skill of her workmen in leather, wood, and metal. When Canaan was conquered, the tribe of Dan received Joppa; but it never came firmly into Hebrew hands. The Philistines took the city, but David recaptured it. Solomon developed it into the major port serving Jerusalem. To Joppa rafts of cedar logs were floated to be transported to Jerusalem for Solomon's splendid Temple (2 Chronicles 2:16 ). Phoenicia gained control of Joppa by the time of Jonah. As the prophet fled from God's call, he caught a ship at Joppa for his well-remembered voyage toward Tarshish (Jonah 1:3 ). In 701 B.C. Sennacherib occupied the city; then, in turn, the Babylonians and the Persians. As it had been in Solomon's day, Joppa became the port that received cedar logs from Lebanon, now for the rebuilding of the Temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel. In 164 B.C. more than 200 Jewish citizens of Joppa were treacherously drowned by angry non-Jews. In retaliation Judas Maccabeus raided the city, burned the harbor installations, torching the anchored ships as well (2 Maccabees 12:3-9 ). Joppa's history is linked with several notable names during the years of Roman control. Pompey conquered it in 63 B.C., joining it to the province of Syria. Antony later gave the city to Cleopatra of Egypt. Augustus Caesar added it to the kingdom of Herod the Great. The New Testament records that Joppa was the home of Dorcas, a Christian woman known for her gracious and generous deeds. At her death the Christians of Joppa called for Simon Peter, who with the command “Tabitha, arise,” restored her to life (Acts 9:36-41 ). Simon Peter remained in Joppa at the home of Simon the Tanner. At noon, while Simon Peter waited for a meal to be prepared, he prayed on the flat roof of the tanner's house. In a trance Peter saw what seemed to be “a great sheet knit at the four corners” lowered before him and learned that the Gentile world was a fit audience for the gospel (Acts 10:9-16 ). Joppa is now annexed to the modern city of Tel Aviv, forming a part of the southern section of the largest city of Israel. Industrial, shipping, and residential complexes have been developed on this ancient site. Joshua 19:47 The territory of the sons of Dan proceeded beyond them; for the sons of Dan went up and fought with Leshem and captured it. Then they struck it with the edge of the sword and possessed it and settled in it; and they called Leshem Dan after the name of Dan their father. NLT Joshua 19:47 But the tribe of Dan had trouble taking possession of their land, so they attacked the town of Laish. They captured it, slaughtered its people, and settled there. They renamed the town Dan after their ancestor. ESV Joshua 19:47 When the territory of the people of Dan was lost to them, the people of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and after capturing it and striking it with the sword they took possession of it and settled in it, calling Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their ancestor. NIV Joshua 19:47 (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.) the territory of the sons of Dan proceeded beyond them; f Jdg 1:34,35 18:1-29 Leshem: Jdg 18:7,27,29, Laish Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Judges 1:34-35+ Then the Amorites forced the sons of Dan into the hill country, for they did not allow them to come down to the valley; 35yet the Amorites persisted in living in Mount Heres, in Aijalon and in Shaalbim; but when the power of the house of Joseph grew strong, they became forced labor. DAN'S FAILURE TO CONQUER CANAANITES The territory of the sons of Dan proceeded beyond them; for the sons of Dan went up and fought with Leshem and captured it - See the INSET in the map above. The NET has "The Danites failed to conquer their territory, so they went up and fought with Leshem and captured it." THOUGHT - Why did the Danites fail to conquer the Canaanites? What kept them from possessing their possessions? In a word, it was UNBELIEF. They failed to believe the many promises of God that He would give them the land and enable them to drive out the Canaanites! Disbelief and disobedience kept them from possessing their potential possessions. This can also be a problem for us as believers, if we fail to drive out the "Canaanites". We need to remember that God has given us the power to drive them out, Paul writing to the Romans that "if by the Spirit (HIS POWER) you are putting to death (OUR RESPONSIBILITY) the deeds of the body ("THE CANAANITES"), you will live." (Ro 8:13+) The tragic result is a "Danite Experience" that falls far short of the the ideal Jesus described in John 10:10 declaring "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." Utley adds "Dan’s original allocation was in the Philistine area. They chose to move instead of trusting YHWH to help them take their land." (Commentary) Gangel - the Danites engaged in geographical apostasy, migrating northward and settling where they were not placed. The town they captured and renamed lay in the northeastern territory of Naphtali southeast of Mount Hermon. Notice that Dan's borders are not described; we see only mention of the towns. This strange behavior by Dan may have been tipped off in the ancient prophecy by Jacob: "Dan will provide justice for his people as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan will be a serpent by the roadside, a viper along the path, that bites the horse's heels so that its rider tumbles backward" (Gen. 49:16-17). (Holman Old Testament Commentary - Joshua) Then they struck it with the edge of the sword and possessed it and settled in it; and they called Leshem Dan after the name of Dan their father The NET has "They put the sword to it, took possession of it, and lived in it. They renamed it Dan after their ancestor.)" Yohanan Aharoni - Some of the tribes are said to have failed in taking their prospective inheritances or parts thereof. The most striking example is the migration of the tribe of Dan from the northern Shephelah (Judg. 1:34–35) to the Canaanite city of Laish at the foot of Mt. Hermon. Laish was occupied by Sidonians (the biblical term for Phoenicians) whose function was doubtless cultivation of the agricultural hinterland for the Phoenician cities whose local manpower was employed in maritime or textile activities. When the Danites seized their city and its territory, they evidently took over the function of providing produce for the Sidonian markets; some of their young men seem to have become enamored with the seafaring way of life as well. Thus, the Danites were reluctant to join any action against the other Canaanite city-states, “Dan, why did he abide in ships?” (Judg. 5:17) (The Carta Bible Atlas) Leshem (called Laish) refers to the migration that occurred after Joshua died and therefore must be considered an editorial comment in Joshua in order to clarify a point. Arthur Lewis comments on the beauty of the area around the modern day tourist site of Tell Dan which includes a replica of pagan altar: "Travellers who have visited the Huleh Valley and the vicinity of Dan expound on the natural resources and the fertility of the area. Water comes from every rock and hill, pouring down from the nearby mountains of Lebanon. Like Scotland, this part of Galilee is green and overgrown with all forms of vegetation. The tribe of Dan had seized upon a veritable paradise on earth!" Leshem - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning “lion.” City tribe of Dan occupied (Joshua 19:47 ). An alternate Hebrew spelling of Laish. See Laish . Originally a Canaanite city in northern Palestine known for its carefree existence (Judges 18:7 ). It was spied out by the Danites as a place for their dwelling after the Philistines forced them from the coastal region. After finding it suitable, the Danites invaded Laish and renamed the city and area Dan. See Isaiah 10:30 ). Its location is not known. Modern translations read Laishah. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 19 The coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them. Heb. יצא מהם yëtzë mëhem, went out from them; i. e. out of their hands, out of their possession. A similar usage of the Heb. verb occurs Lev. 25:28–33, where the lands in the year of the jubilee are said to ‘go out;’ i. e. out of the hands of the present possessor, to the original owner. The meaning here undoubtedly is, that the Danites, being closely pressed upon by their powerful neighbors the Philistines, were forced in considerable numbers to abandon their allotted possessions. In consequence of having their original portion thus wrested out of their hands, they were induced to seek another in a distant quarter of the land, and made an inroad accordingly upon Leshem, lying at the foot of mount Lebanon and near the sources of the river Jordan. This event, which occurred some time after the death of Joshua, and is more fully recorded, Judg. 18:1–29, is touched upon here both to complete what is said of the inheritance of the Danites, and to intimate how it happened, that a part of the tribe were afterwards found inhabiting a district of the country so remote from their original possessions. This addition to the narrative was perhaps made by Phineas. Cities Not Conquered by the Israelites TRIBES JOSHUA JUDGES PEOPLE CITIES Israelites in General Judah Jebusites Jerusalem Benjamin Jebusites Jerusalem W. Manasseh Canaanites Beth Shan, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo, Endor,* Naphoth* Ephraim Canaanites Gezer Zebulun Canaanites Kitron, Nahalol Asher Canaanites Acco, Sidon, Ahlab, Aczib, Helbah, Aphek, Rehob Naphtali Canaanites Beth Shemesh, Beth Anath Dan Amorites Leshem Note - This is a list of the so-called “Conquest Lacunae,” consisting primarily of cities the Israelites did not conquer (see Kallai, Historical Geography, 102–11). It differs from the list of “Remaining Lands,” which are listed together in Josh 13:2–6 and consist of territories the Israelites did not conquer (in addition to Kallai, see Na’aman, Borders and Districts, 39–73). (Source: David Howard - Joshua: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture Volume 5 The New American Commentary) Joshua 19:48 This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages. Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SUMMARY OF INHERITANCE OF DAN This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages. Campbell - So God provided for the needs of each tribe, though in some cases parts of their inheritances were still in the hands of the enemy. The Israelites were to possess the land by faith, trusting God to enable them to defeat their foes....Israel was to claim her tribal inheritances by faith. Failure to do so would be to live in poverty and weakness, conditions which God did not desire for His people (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) Joshua 19:49 When they finished apportioning the land for inheritance by its borders, the sons of Israel gave an inheritance in their midst to Joshua the son of Nun. gave: Eze 45:7,8 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries LAST BUT NOT LEAST When they finished apportioning the land for inheritance by its borders, the sons of Israel gave an inheritance in their midst to Joshua the son of Nun - Joshua was Last but not least. This idiom is used to emphasize that someone or something is still significant, despite being mentioned last in a list of people or things. Campbell - Only after all the tribes had received their allotments did Joshua ask for his. What a selfless spirit he possessed, and how his behavior contrasts with many political leaders who use their positions and influence to enrich themselves and their families. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) Inheritance in the Septuagint is Inheritance (lot) (2819) kleros which in Greek was the object used in casting lots and then it came to refer to the allotted portion or inheritance , specifically one's possession or what is possessed (. As followers of Yeshua, we have been given an inheritance as described by kleros in the passages below... Acts 26:18+ (THE PROCLAIMED GOSPEL WAS) to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance [kleros] among those who have been sanctified (BORN AGAIN) by faith in Me.’ Acts 20:32+ “And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able (DON'T MISS THIS! THE WORD HAS INTRINSIC SUPERNATURAL POWER) to build you up and to give you the inheritance [kleros] among all those who are sanctified (BORN AGAIN). Colossians 1:12+ = "giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified us to share in the inheritance [kleros] of the saints in Light. Apportioning (05157)(nahal) means inherit, get possession of, take as a possession. TWOT says it "basically signifies giving or receiving property which is part of a permanent possession and as a result of succession. Sometimes the idea of succession is absent but the "possessing" carries with it a connotation of permanence (e.g. Ex 34:9; Pr 14:18)." Gilbrant - Speaking of land as a possession, the Bible specifies the land of Canaan (Exo. 32:13); Zion and Judah (Ps. 69:35); specific sections belonging to various tribes and individuals (Num. 35:8); and the land of Moab and Ammon (Zeph. 2:9). The Lord took Judah as his private possession (Zech. 2:12). The verb also denotes the act of dispossession, as it was through uprooting the Canaanites that the Israelites were able to possess the land (Exo. 23:30). In figurative passages, different items or characteristics are said to be received as a possession. These include testimonies (Ps. 119:111), glory (Prov. 3:35), wind (Prov. 11:29), simplicity (Prov. 14:18), good things (Prov. 28:10), and lies (Jer. 16:19). Other things to be possessed were slaves (Lev. 25:46) and blessings (Zech. 8:12). In most of the above examples, there is the idea that permanence accompanies the possession (Ex. 34:9). Thus, when the Lord took Israel as his, it was an act of perpetual security. . (Complete Biblical Library) Inheritance (gift, heritage) (05159) nachalah from nahal = signifies giving or receiving property which is part of a permanent possession and as a result of succession) means Inheritance, heritage, possession. A possession is any piece of property that passes by law to an heir on the death of the owner. It also speaks of God's promises to His people, such as the promise of the land to national (redeemed remnant) Israel. Gilbrant on nachalah - Land in Israelite society was understood as the possession of Yahweh, Who led the people into the land and conquered the territory for them. This land was then divided among the estates of the people of the day. This redistribution was understood to be permanent (Lev. 25:23). Thus, land could not permanently change hands (which explains the function of the Day of Jubilee, which insured that all land would return to those who had original access to the land). The point of this permanent division was to prevent the formation of large estates, which would necessarily create a subordinate landless peasantry. This same system reached the zenith early in the history of Babylon, its death witnessed by a genre of inscriptions known as kudurrus. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 19 The children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua. As it is said immediately afterwards, v. 50, that Joshua received his inheritance ‘according to the word of the Lord,’ it could be considered no otherwise the gift of the people, than as they cheerfully acquiesced in the assignment, and were glad of an opportunity of thus testifying, by their hearty concurrence, their affection for their veherable leader and their interest in his comfortable settlement in his old age. On his part, he evinced a striking moderation and disinterestedness, and proposed a noble example to all in public places, in making no provision for himself till he saw all the tribes fixed in their respective inheritances. This was acting in the true spirit of a public servant—to prefer the general welfare to his private convenience, ease, or emolument. So the servants of Christ, while they fully appreciate and ardently covet an inheritance in the Canaan above, will deem it soon enough to enter upon it when they have done all in their power towards bringing others to partake of the same glorious possession. Joshua 19:49 In the midst of them. (R.V.) Since Joshua prefigures the Lord Jesus, we are fed to think of his inheritance in the midst of his brethren. In the midst on the Cross. — “They crucified Him, and with Him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.” Forasmuch as we partook of flesh and blood, He shared the same; and since we were under the curse of a broken law, He also bowed beneath its weight, and was made a curse for us. He took the mid-current of pain; where the pressure was heaviest, there the Lamb of God bore the sin of the world. On Him God made to meet the iniquities of us all; alike of those who refuse, as did the one thief, and of those who accept, as did the other. In the midst, in the gatherings of his People. — “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” He is the center of unity. We come from different quarters with our peculiar prepossessions and preconceptions, with no special affinity to each other; but touching Him, we become one with all who touch Him also. See that, not the sermon, nor the supper, nor the form of worship, is the center of fellowship; but Christ always and in all. Then let Him be the center of thy home life and thy business life under all circumstances. In the midst in Heaven. — “In the midst of the throne, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing.” All the circles of the redeemed, of angels, and of all other beings, revolve around Jesus, as their common center. They thus become concentric. Jesus is the Heart of Heaven; the Sun of Paradise; the Essence of its bliss; the Center of its love; the innermost Soul of its life. Joshua 19:50 In accordance with the command of the LORD they gave him the city for which he asked, Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. So he built the city and settled in it. Timnath serah: Jos 24:30 Jdg 2:9, Timnath-heres, 1Ch 7:24 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Joshua 24:30 And they buried him in the territory of his inheritance in Timnath-serah, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, on the north of Mount Gaash. Judges 2:9 And they buried him in the territory of his inheritance in Timnath-heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. Numbers 32:11-12+ (NOTE THE STRIKING CONTRAST) None of the men who came up from Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob; for they did not follow Me fully, 12except Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua the son of Nun, for they have followed the LORD fully.’ GOD FULFILLS HIS PROMISE TO JOSHUA In accordance with the command of the LORD they gave him the city for which he asked, Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. So he built the city and settled in it - According to Wikipedia, the name Timnath-serah signifies in Hebrew an "extra portion" or "portion of abundance". Joshua lived to experience the faithfulness of Yahweh's promise and the fruit of a life that followed the LORD his God fully all the days of his 110 years of life. What a pattern he left for believers of all ages. As the writer of Hebrew exhorts the Hebrew audience in the first century... And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that (PURPOSE CLAUSE) you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience (LIKE CALEB, JOSHUA WAITED 45 YEARS TO RECEIVE HIS INHERITANCE FROM YAHWEH) inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:11-12+) Howard - The specific command of God mentioned here that granted Joshua this inheritance is not recorded anywhere in Scripture, but God's word to the rebellious Israelites in Num. 14:30 were a general promise to Caleb and Joshua, the two faithful spies: "Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun." Both spies not only entered the land, but they both also received special portions in it. (Joshua: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition) Gangel - Joshua found himself in Ephraim just eleven miles from Shiloh so he could worship comfortably at the tabernacle. This was Joshua's tribe (Num. 13:8), and he was buried in the city mentioned here (Josh. 24:30). (Holman Old Testament Commentary - Joshua) Henry