About Joshua

Joshua records the conquest and division of the Promised Land, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham.

Author: JoshuaWritten: c. 1400-1370 BCReading time: ~6 minVerses: 51
ConquestFaithfulnessObedienceInheritanceLeadershipCovenant

King James Version

Joshua 19

51 verses with commentary

Territories of Six Tribes

And the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.</strong><br><br>The <em>goral</em> (גּוֹרָל, "lot") was cast to determine Simeon's inheritance, demonstrating Israel's dependence on divine providence rather than human manipulation. That the "second lo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**XIX. INHERITANCE OF SIMEON** (Joshua 19:1-9). (1) **Their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.**—The southern part of the inheritance of Judah was given up to Simeon. (See Judges 1:3; Judges 1:17.) In this fact a prophecy was fulfilled; for the effect of the allotment was to separate Simeon from the tribes with whom he had been united in the journey through the wilder...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 11 Jos 11:1-9. Divers Kings Overcome at the Waters of Merom. **1-9. And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things--**The scene of the sacred narrative is here shifted to the north of Canaan, where a still more extensive confederacy was formed among the ruling powers to oppose the further progress of the Israelites. Jabin ("the Intelligent"), which seems to have been...
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And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they had in their inheritance Beer-sheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,</strong><br><br>The city list begins with <em>Be'er Sheva</em> (בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע, "well of the oath" or "well of seven"), one of the most ancient and sacred sites in Israelite history. Here Abraham made a covenant with Abimelech (Genesis 21:31-33) and called upon "the LORD, the everlasting God" (<em>Yahweh El Olam</em>, יְהו...
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And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Hazar-shual, and Balah, and Azem.</strong> This verse continues the enumeration of cities within Simeon's inheritance, which was taken from Judah's portion (Joshua 19:1). The three cities—Hazar-shual, Balah, and Azem—represent the fulfillment of Jacob's prophetic word concerning Simeon: "I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel" (Genesis 49:7). Rather than receiving a co...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11. he burnt Hazor with fire--**calmly and deliberately, doubtless, according to divine direction.

And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,</strong><br><br>Eltolad (אֶלְתּוֹלַד) appears also as Eltolad in Judah's allotment (15:30) and as Tolad in 1 Chronicles 4:29, demonstrating the textual variations common with minor settlements. The name's uncertain etymology may derive from <em>tolad</em> (תּוֹלָד, "generations" or "descendants"), though the prefixed <em>El</em> (אֵל, "God") suggests a ...
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And Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Ziklag, and Beth-marcaboth, and Hazar-susah,</strong><br><br><em>Tsiqlag</em> (צִקְלַג, "Ziklag") became one of the most significant cities in Simeon's inheritance, though its early history remains obscure. The name is non-Semitic, possibly Philistine in origin, suggesting foreign settlement before Israelite conquest. Ziklag's true importance emerged when the Philistine king Achish of ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. as for the cities that stood still in their strength--**literally, "on their heaps." It was a Phoenician custom to build cities on heights, natural or artificial [Hengstenberg].

And Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities and their villages:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities and their villages:</strong><br><br><em>Beth-lebaoth</em> (בֵּית לְבָאוֹת, "house of lionesses") takes its name from the Hebrew <em>levi'ah</em> (לְבִיאָה, "lioness"), suggesting either a place where lions dwelt or a sanctuary featuring lion imagery. Lions inhabited the Jordan valley and forests of ancient Israel (Judges 14:5; 1 Samuel 17:34-...
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Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities and their villages:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities and their villages:</strong><br><br>This second list adds four more cities, creating interpretive questions about the relationship to the "thirteen cities" of verse 6. The total would be seventeen, suggesting either distinct categories (fortified cities vs. settlements) or textual variants combining different source traditions. <em>Ain</em> (ע...
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And all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalath-beer, Ramath of the south. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.</strong><br><br>The phrase <strong>all the villages that were round about these cities</strong> (<em>kol-hachatserim asher sevivot</em>, כָּל־הַחֲצֵרִים אֲשֶׁר סְבִיבוֹת) emphasizes the comprehensive nature...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16. So Joshua took all that land--**Here follows a general view of the conquest. The division of the country there into five parts; namely, the hills, the land of Goshen, that is, a pastoral land near Gibeon (Jos 10:41); the valley, the plains and the mountains of Israel, i. e., Carmel, rests upon a diversity of geographical positions, which is characteristic of the region.

Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them.</strong><br><br>This verse provides explicit theological explanation for Simeon's unusual arrangement. The phrase <strong>the part of the children of Jud...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17. from the mount Halak--**Hebrew, "the smooth mountain." **that goeth up to Seir--**an irregular line of white naked hills, about eighty feet high, and seven or eight geographical miles in length that cross the whole Ghor, eight miles south of the Dead Sea, probably "the ascent of Akrabbim" [Robinson]. **unto Baal-gad in the valley of Lebanon--**the city or temple of the god of destiny, in...
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And the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families: and the border of their inheritance was unto Sarid:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families: and the border of their inheritance was unto Sarid.</strong><br><br>Zebulun's selection as <strong>the third lot</strong> (<em>ha-goral ha-shelishi</em>, הַגּוֹרָל הַשְּׁלִישִׁי) demonstrates God's sovereignty in the seemingly random process of lot-casting. The Hebrew <em>goral</em> (גּוֹרָל, "lot") refers t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

THE BORDER OF ZEBULUN. (10) **The third lot . . . for the children of Zebulun . . .** Sarid (Syriac, Asdod; LXX., Seddouk) should be apparently spelt with consonants s, D, D. It is identified as *Tell Shadûd *(sheet 8). From this point a line is drawn westward (past *M’alûl, *sheet 5) to Jokneam (*Tell Keimûn, *same sheet), a place at the south-east end of the Carmel ridge. This is the south bound...
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And their border went up toward the sea, and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And their border went up toward the sea, and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam.</strong><br><br>The detailed boundary description—<strong>went up toward the sea</strong> (<em>ve-alah gevulam la-yamah</em>, וְעָלָה גְבוּלָם לַיָּמָּה)—traces Zebulun's western border climbing from the interior toward the Mediterranean. The verb <em>alah</em> ...
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And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up to Japhia,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chisloth-tabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up to Japhia.</strong><br><br>The boundary description pivots at <strong>Sarid</strong>, turning <strong>eastward toward the sunrising</strong> (<em>mizrachah mizrach ha-shemesh</em>, מִזְרָחָה מִזְרַח הַשָּׁמֶשׁ). This beautiful Hebrew phrase literally means "to...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **And goeth up to Japhia.**—Better, *and had gone up to Japhia, *which lies west of the two places previously named. Daberath is the south-east boundary. El-Mesh-hed lies north of this.

And from thence passeth on along on the east to Gittahhepher, to Ittahkazin, and goeth out to Remmonmethoar to Neah; methoar: or, which is drawn

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And from thence passeth on along on the east to Gittah-hepher, to Ittah-kazin, and goeth out to Remmon-methoar to Neah.</strong><br><br>The boundary continues eastward, passing through <strong>Gittah-hepher</strong> (גִּתָּה־חֵפֶר), which means "winepress of digging" or "winepress of the well." This city gained lasting significance as the hometown of the prophet Jonah (2 Kings 14:25). The ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **Remmon-methoar to Neah.**—Better, *Remmon that stretcheth to Neah. *Remmon is identified as *Rummâneh, *due north of Gittah-hepher (sheet 6).

And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon: and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the border compasseth it on the north side to Hannathon: and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthah-el.</strong><br><br>The boundary <strong>compasseth</strong> (<em>nasav</em>, נָסַב)—literally "turns around" or "surrounds"—describing how territorial borders often followed natural features like ridgelines or valleys. The northern boundary extends to <strong>Hannathon</str...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Hannathon** (*Kefr-’Andn, *sheet 9) is the northeast corner of the boundary. The valley (ravine) of Jiphthah-el (God’s opening) seems to be the gorge running south-west from the north of Hannathon towards the plain.

And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Beth-lehem: twelve cities with their villages.</strong><br><br>This verse lists five specific cities within Zebulun's inheritance, then summarizes the total as <strong>twelve cities with their villages</strong> (<em>arim sheteim-esreh ve-chatzereyhen</em>, עָרִים שְׁתֵּים־עֶשְׂרֵה וְחַצְרֵיהֶן). The number twelve resonates throughout ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **Nahallal.**—(‘*Ain* *Mahil, *sheet 6). **Shimron.**—(*Simûmieh, *west of Nazareth, sheet 5). **Idalah.**—(*El Huwârah, *a ruin just south of Bethlehem, sheet 5). **Beth-lehem.**—(*Beit-Lahm, *sheet v.). It seems right to refer Ibzan of Bethlehem (Judges 12:8; Judges 12:10) to this town. The other Bethlehem is called in Judges and Ruth, Bethlehem-Judah; and in Micah, Bethlehem-Ephratah (Judg...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23. Joshua took the whole land--**The battle of the take of Merom was to the north what the battle of Beth-horon was to the south; more briefly told and less complete in its consequences; but still the decisive conflict by which the whole northern region of Canaan fell into the hands of Israel [Stanley].

This is the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their families, these cities with their villages.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>This is the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their families, these cities with their villages.</strong><br><br>This concluding formula—<strong>this is the inheritance</strong> (<em>zot nachalat</em>, זֹאת נַחֲלַת)—solemnly affirms the legal transfer of land from God to Zebulun. The Hebrew <em>nachalah</em> (נַחֲלָה, "inheritance") implies permanent family possession pass...
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And the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families.</strong> This verse marks the allocation of tribal territory to Issachar, Jacob's ninth son by Leah (Genesis 30:17-18). The Hebrew name <em>Yissākhār</em> (יִשָּׂשכָר) derives from <em>sākhār</em> (שָׂכָר, "wages" or "hire"), reflecting Leah's declaration: "God hath given me my hire" (Genesis...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **The fourth lot . . . to Issachar.**—These two tribes were located next to the house of Joseph on the north. It should be remembered that Issachar and Zebulun had been associated with Judah to form the same camp and division of the army in the wilderness. This association, lasting forty years, must have created many ties between these two tribes and their leader Judah. It was no ordinary wis...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 12 Jos 12:1-6. The Two Kings Whose Countries Moses Took and Disposed of. **1. Now these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan--**This chapter contains a recapitulation of the conquests made in the promised land, with the additional mention of some places not formerly noted in the sacred history. The river Arnon on ...
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And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem.</strong> This verse begins detailing Issachar's territorial boundaries, starting with three significant cities. <em>Yizrĕ'ē'l</em> (יִזְרְעֶאל) means "God sows" or "God will sow," a name rich with agricultural and prophetic significance. The valley bearing this name was ancient Palestine's breadbasket, but also became synonym...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) *Zerin *(sheet 8), *Iksal *(sheet 6), *Sûlem *(sheet 9).

And Hapharaim, and Shion, and Anaharath,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Haphraim, and Shion, and Anaharath.</strong> The boundary description continues with three cities whose precise locations remain debated, illustrating the historical distance between ancient records and modern archaeology. <em>Ḥāphrāyim</em> (חֲפָרַיִם) appears to be a dual form meaning "two pits" or "double digging," possibly referring to wells or excavations. <em>Shî'ôn</em> (שִׁיאוֹ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) *El Farrîyeh *(sheet 6)*,En-N’aûrah *(sheet 9, near Endor).

And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez.</strong> Three additional boundary cities appear here. <em>Rabbîth</em> (רַבִּית) likely means "multitude" or "greatness," possibly indicating a large settlement. <em>Qishyôn</em> (קִשְׁיוֹן) was later designated a Levitical city (Joshua 21:28), demonstrating how tribal territories included portions allocated to Levites for their ministerial service. <em...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) *Râba *(sheet 12), *El Beida *(sheet 5).

And Remeth, and Engannim, and Enhaddah, and Bethpazzez;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Remeth, and En-gannim, and En-haddah, and Beth-pazzez.</strong> Four cities appear in this verse, several featuring compound names with <em>'ên</em> (עֵין, "spring" or "fountain"). <em>Remeth</em> (רֶמֶת) means "height," later identified with Ramoth or Jarmuth (Joshua 21:29). <em>'Ên-gannîm</em> (עֵין־גַּנִּים, "spring of gardens") emphasizes the area's water resources and agricultural...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) *Er-Rameh *(sheet 11), *Jenin *(sheet 8), *Kefr- adán *(sheet 8).

And the coast reacheth to Tabor, and Shahazimah, and Bethshemesh; and the outgoings of their border were at Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the coast reacheth to Tabor, and Shahazimah, and Beth-shemesh; and the outgoings of their border were at Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages.</strong> This verse completes Issachar's boundary description, culminating at three final landmarks. <em>Tābôr</em> (תָּבוֹר) is the famous mountain rising dramatically 1,843 feet above the Jezreel Valley, visible for miles. Mount Tabor be...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) Tabor (? *Deburieh, *sheet 6). Beth-shemesh (‘*Ain Esh-shemsiyeh, *near Beth-shean). The rest are not identified. Of these places, *Shunem *and *Jezreel *are famous in later history: Shunem especially in the story of Elisha (2 Kings 4).

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities and their villages.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities and their villages.</strong> This concluding summary formula appears for each tribal allotment, emphasizing several key theological themes. The word <em>naḥălāh</em> (נַחֲלָה, "inheritance") carries covenantal weight—it's not merely property ownership but participation in God's promised...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Jos 12:7-24. The One and Thirty Kings on the West Side of Jordan, Which Joshua Smote. **7. Baal-gad ... even unto ... Halak--**(See on Jos 11:17). A list of thirty-one chief towns is here given; and, as the whole land contained a superficial extent of only fifteen miles in length by fifty in breadth, it is evident that these capital cities belonged to petty and insignificant kingdoms. With a few ...
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And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.</strong> The narrative now transitions from Issachar's inheritance to Asher's allotment, Jacob's eighth son born to Zilpah, Leah's maidservant (Genesis 30:12-13). The name <em>'Āshēr</em> (אָשֵׁר) means "happy" or "blessed," reflecting Leah's exclamation: "Happy am I, for the daughters will call ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **The fifth lot . . . for . . . Asher . . . (and Joshua 19:32) the sixth . . . for . . . Naphtali.**—Asher and Naphtali had been associated with Dan in the exodus, and with him had encamped on the north side of the tabernacle, and had brought up the rear. These two, each dissociated from his *own *brother (viz., Asher from Gad and Naphtali from Dan), are paired together in their inheritance i...
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And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph</strong>—Asher's territory (גְּבוּל <em>gevul</em>, boundary) begins with cities previously mentioned in conquest lists. <strong>Achshaph</strong> appears in Joshua 11:1 as a Canaanite royal city defeated by Joshua, demonstrating how conquered territories became Israelite inheritance. The tribal boundaries (גְּבוּלֹת <em>gevul...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **Their border.**—The border of Asher on the west is the Mediterranean. On the east of Asher lies the tribe of Naphtali, but most of the towns named in these verses lie well within the territory of Asher. The northern end of the territory of this tribe lies beyond the limits of the Ordnance Survey, for it reaches “unto great Zidon” (Joshua 19:28). The southern boundary is said to be Carmel (J...
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And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reacheth to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reacheth to Carmel westward</strong>—The boundary extends to Mount <strong>Carmel</strong> (כַּרְמֶל <em>Karmel</em>, "garden land" or "fruitful field"), the mountain range jutting into the Mediterranean where Elijah would later confront Baal's prophets (1 Kings 18). The inclusion of Carmel in Asher's territory connects tribal inheritance to proph...
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And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And turneth toward the sunrising to Beth-dagon</strong>—The boundary turns eastward (literally "toward the rising of the sun," מִזְרַח שֶׁמֶשׁ <em>mizrach shemesh</em>) to <strong>Beth-dagon</strong>, meaning "house of Dagon." This Philistine fish-god's presence in Asher's territory names reveals the incomplete conquest warned against in Judges. The mention of <strong>Zebulun</strong> and ...
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And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon</strong>—The northern boundary reaches to <strong>great Zidon</strong> (צִידוֹן רַבָּה <em>Tzidon rabbah</em>), the major Phoenician city that symbolized maritime commerce and pagan culture. This <strong>Hebron</strong> differs from the southern city given to Caleb; multiple cities shared names throughout Israel. <strong>K...
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And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib: Tyre: Heb. Tzor

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre</strong>—The boundary reaches <strong>Tyre</strong> (צֹר <em>Tzor</em>, "rock"), the fortified (מִבְצָר <em>mivtzar</em>, fortified, strong) Phoenician capital that rivaled Zidon in wealth and influence. Tyre's later king Hiram would partner with Solomon in temple construction (1 Kings 5), while Ezekiel 26-28 pronounces devas...
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Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty and two cities with their villages.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty and two cities with their villages</strong>—The summary lists <strong>twenty and two cities</strong> (עֶשְׂרִים וּשְׁתַּיִם עִיר <em>esrim u'shtayim ir</em>) with their <strong>villages</strong> (חַצְרֵיהֶן <em>chatzreihen</em>, unwalled settlements, daughter villages). <strong>Aphek</strong> means "fortress" or "stronghold," a common city name acro...
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This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families</strong>—The formula <strong>the inheritance</strong> (נַחֲלַת <em>nachalat</em>) <strong>according to their families</strong> (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם <em>l'mishpechotam</em>) appears throughout Joshua 13-19, emphasizing that land distribution followed family structure, not individual preference. Each <em>mi...
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The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.</strong> This verse marks Naphtali's turn in the sacred lottery that distributed the Promised Land. The phrase "sixth lot" (<em>ha-goral ha-shishi</em>, הַגּוֹרָל הַשִּׁשִּׁי) emphasizes the ordered, divinely governed process—nothing random or chaotic about God's allocation of...
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And their coast was from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakum; and the outgoings thereof were at Jordan:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And their coast was from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakum; and the outgoings thereof were at Jordan.</strong> This verse traces Naphtali's southern boundary with precision, listing specific towns and geographical markers that defined tribal borders. The Hebrew word <em>gevul</em> (גְּבוּל, "coast" or "border") appears throughout Joshua 13-21, empha...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33) **And their coast was . . .**—This verse is thus translated by Conder, “Their coast was from Heleph and the Plain of Bitzanannim and Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel,unto Lakum,and the outgoings were at Jordan.” The east border of the tribe is Jordan, including the waters of Merom and the Sea of Galilee. The tribe of Issachar on the south, and the tribes of Zebulun and Asher on the west, are conterm...
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And then the coast turneth westward to Aznothtabor, and goeth out from thence to Hukkok, and reacheth to Zebulun on the south side, and reacheth to Asher on the west side, and to Judah upon Jordan toward the sunrising .

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And then the coast turneth westward to Aznoth-tabor, and goeth out from thence to Hukkok, and reacheth to Zebulun on the south side, and reacheth to Asher on the west side, and to Judah upon Jordan toward the sunrising.</strong> This verse maps Naphtali's western and southern boundaries, showing how tribal territories interlocked like a divine mosaic. The verb "turneth" (<em>shav</em>, שָׁ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34) **Hukkok **(*Yakûk, *sheet 6), in the same region as the above, but a little further north, near the northeast boundary of Zebulun. Of Judah upon Jordan we can say nothing with certainty.

And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth.</strong> This verse begins listing Naphtali's fortified cities (<em>arei ha-mivtsar</em>, עָרֵי הַמִּבְצָר), crucial for tribal defense and administration. The term <em>mivtsar</em> (מִבְצָר) indicates cities with substantial walls, gates, and defensive structures—not merely villages but military strongholds capab...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(35) **The fenced cities.**—Observe the protection of the northern border by fortresses. Ziddim (*Hattin*)*, *Hammath (*Hammâm Tabarîya*)*, *Rakkath (*Tiberias*)*, *and Chinnereth (not identified, but giving a name to the Sea of Galilee, and therefore evidently close by), are all in sheet 6, near the lake. (36,37) **Adamah** (*Ed-Dâmeh,?Daimah, *sheet 6), Ramah (*Râmeh*)*, *Hazor (*Hadîreh*)*, *Ke...
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And Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor,</strong> This verse appears in the midst of Naphtali's tribal inheritance description, listing three fortified cities within their territory. The Hebrew names carry significance: <em>Adamah</em> (אֲדָמָה) means "earth" or "ground," possibly referring to the area's red soil or connection to <em>adam</em> (humanity). <em>Ramah</em> (רָמָה) means "height" or ...
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And Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Kedesh, and Edrei, and En-hazor</strong>—Naphtali's city list concludes with northern settlements. Kedesh (not the Kedesh of refuge) means 'holy place.' Edrei ('strong') suggests a fortified town. En-hazor ('spring of Hazor') connected to the great Canaanite city Hazor, destroyed by Joshua (Joshua 11:10-11).<br><br>These northern cities faced constant pressure from Canaanite and later ...
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And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Iron, and Migdal-el, Horem, and Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages</strong>—The final Naphtali cities include Migdal-el ('tower of God') and two 'Beth' compounds: Beth-anath ('house of [goddess] Anath') and Beth-shemesh ('house of the sun'). The pagan names reflect Canaanite origins, yet they became Israelite possessions.<br><br>God redeems pagan names an...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(38) **Migdal-el** and **Horem** are identified as *Kh.-Mujeidil *and *Hârah *on sheet 2, further north again; and Beth-anath as *‘Ainatha *(sheet 4).

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages</strong>—Naphtali's allotment concludes. The formula <strong>according to their families</strong> (<em>mishpachotam</em>) ensures each clan received their portion. Jacob prophesied Naphtali would be 'a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words' (Genesis 49:21).<br><br>Ea...
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And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families</strong>—Dan receives the final tribal allotment. Being seventh may seem anticlimactic, yet it completes the sacred number. Dan, son of Jacob by Rachel's maid Bilhah, struggled throughout Israel's history, eventually embracing idolatry (Judges 18).<br><br>God gives inheritance even to those who wi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(40) **The seventh lot . . . of the children of Dan.**—Dan was the most numerous tribe, next to Judah, in each census taken during the exodus. (See Numbers 1, 26) This tribe had also had a post of honour in being commander of the rear-guard during the march. A similar post is here assigned to Dan in Palestine, viz., next to Judah, on the side of the Philistine territory. The Philistines were the m...
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And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Irshemesh,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Ir-shemesh</strong>—Dan's territory begins with Zorah and Eshtaol, famous as Samson's home region (Judges 13:2, 25). Samson judged Israel from Dan, embodying both the tribe's potential and its tragic flaws—great strength compromised by moral weakness.<br><br>Ir-shemesh ('city of the sun') again shows Canaanite sun-worship herit...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(41) **And the coast . . .**—Zorah and Eshtaol, in the tribe of Dan, had been originally assigned to Judah (Joshua 15:33); so also Ekron. But it is not clear whether they are mentioned here as marking the border of Dan and Judah, or actually in the territory of the former. However, Dan is wedged in, as it were, between the powerful tribes of Judah and Ephraim, the unconquered Philistines, and the ...
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And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah</strong>—Shaalabbin appears elsewhere as Shaalbim, where Amorites resisted Dan (Judges 1:35). Ajalon is famous for Joshua's command: 'Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon' (Joshua 10:12). Jethlah is otherwise unknown.<br><br>Ajalon connects Dan's inheritance to cosmic miracle. The same territory where Joshua stop...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 13 Jos 13:1-33. Bounds of the Land Not Yet Conquered. **1. Now Joshua was old and stricken in years--**He was probably above a hundred years old; for the conquest and survey of the land occupied about seven years, the partition one; and he died at the age of one hundred ten years (Jos 24:29). The distribution, as well as the conquest of the land, was included in the mission of Joshua; and...
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And Elon, and Thimnathah, and Ekron,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Elon, and Thimnathah, and Ekron</strong>—Elon means 'oak/terebinth.' Timnah (Thimnathah) appears in Samson's story as a Philistine town where he sought a wife (Judges 14:1). Ekron was one of the five principal Philistine cities, suggesting Dan's territory overlapped Philistine domains—a recipe for conflict and cultural compromise.<br><br>Assigned territory included unconquered Philisti...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2-6. This is the land that yet remaineth--**that is, to be acquired. This section forms a parenthesis, in which the historian briefly notices the districts yet unsubdued; namely, first, the whole country of the Philistines--a narrow tract stretching about sixty miles along the Mediterranean coast, and that of the Geshurites to the south of it (1Sa 27:8). Both included that portion of the country...
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And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath</strong>—More cities, including Baalath ('place of Baal'), showing Canaanite religious presence. Gibbethon appears during the divided kingdom as a Philistine city under siege by Israel (1 Kings 15:27, 16:15). These cities' subsequent history shows Dan never fully possessed their inheritance.<br><br>Failure to drive out inhabitants plagued Israel (Jud...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2-6. This is the land that yet remaineth--**that is, to be acquired. This section forms a parenthesis, in which the historian briefly notices the districts yet unsubdued; namely, first, the whole country of the Philistines--a narrow tract stretching about sixty miles along the Mediterranean coast, and that of the Geshurites to the south of it (1Sa 27:8). Both included that portion of the country...
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And Jehud, and Beneberak, and Gathrimmon,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Jehud, and Bene-berak, and Gath-rimmon</strong>—Jehud means 'praised.' Bene-berak ('sons of lightning') suggests ancient pagan associations. Gath-rimmon ('winepress of the pomegranate') later became a Levitical city (Joshua 21:24). These cities represented valuable coastal territory Dan failed to hold.<br><br>Squandered inheritance marks Dan's tragedy. Given prime land, they forfeited ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2-6. This is the land that yet remaineth--**that is, to be acquired. This section forms a parenthesis, in which the historian briefly notices the districts yet unsubdued; namely, first, the whole country of the Philistines--a narrow tract stretching about sixty miles along the Mediterranean coast, and that of the Geshurites to the south of it (1Sa 27:8). Both included that portion of the country...
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And Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho. before: or, over against Japho: or, Joppa

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Me-jarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho</strong>—Me-jarkon ('waters of Jarkon') references the Yarkon River north of modern Tel Aviv. Japho (Joppa, later Jaffa) was the port where Jonah fled from God (Jonah 1:3) and where Peter received the vision about Gentile inclusion (Acts 10:9-16).<br><br>That Joppa marked Dan's border proves prophetically significant. Jonah's flight f...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2-6. This is the land that yet remaineth--**that is, to be acquired. This section forms a parenthesis, in which the historian briefly notices the districts yet unsubdued; namely, first, the whole country of the Philistines--a narrow tract stretching about sixty miles along the Mediterranean coast, and that of the Geshurites to the south of it (1Sa 27:8). Both included that portion of the country...
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And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them: therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them</strong>—The tragedy: Dan found their inheritance insufficient. Rather than trust God and fight, <strong>the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it</strong>. They conquered Leshem (also called Laish), <strong>dwelt therein, and called Leshem, Da...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(47) **And the coast of the children of Dan went out too little for them.**—The words “too little” are not in the original; and it seems better to translate literally: *And the coast of the children of Dan went out from them*—*i.e., *their territory was partly re-conquered by the Philistines. Something similar seems to have occurred in several districts of the country. The Israelites not taking ad...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2-6. This is the land that yet remaineth--**that is, to be acquired. This section forms a parenthesis, in which the historian briefly notices the districts yet unsubdued; namely, first, the whole country of the Philistines--a narrow tract stretching about sixty miles along the Mediterranean coast, and that of the Geshurites to the south of it (1Sa 27:8). Both included that portion of the country...
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This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages</strong>—The formula conclusion, yet Dan's actual inheritance differed from God's plan. The historical books record their apostasy (Judges 18), eventual exclusion from some tribal lists (Revelation 7 omits Dan), yet hope remains—Ezekiel's millennial vision includes Dan ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2-6. This is the land that yet remaineth--**that is, to be acquired. This section forms a parenthesis, in which the historian briefly notices the districts yet unsubdued; namely, first, the whole country of the Philistines--a narrow tract stretching about sixty miles along the Mediterranean coast, and that of the Geshurites to the south of it (1Sa 27:8). Both included that portion of the country...
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Joshua's Inheritance

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:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts</strong>—The monumental task concludes: all tribal territories allocated. <strong>The children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them</strong>—Israel honors their faithful leader. Joshua receives his portion last, after ensuring every tribe received theirs. His servant-leadership prior...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(49, 50) **When they had made an end . . . gave an inheritance to Joshua . . . according to the word of the Lord they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim **(*Kefr Hâris, *sheet 14).—*Historically *and *typically *the fact is noticeable. (a) Historically. Joshua waited for his own inheritance until the last. He sought not his own interest, but that of the people. H...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. With whom--**Hebrew, "him." The antecedent is evidently to Manasseh, not, however, the half-tribe just mentioned, but the other half; for the historian, led, as it were, by the sound of the word, breaks off to describe the possessions beyond Jordan already assigned to Reuben, Gad, and the half of Manasseh (see on Nu 32:1; Nu 32:33; also see De 3:8-17). It may be proper to remark that it was w...
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According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein</strong>—Joshua's request honors God's word (<strong>according to the word of the LORD</strong>). Timnath-serah means 'extra portion' or 'remaining portion.' <strong>He built the city</strong>—even in old age, Joshua labors to develop his in...
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These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and 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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and 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</strong>—The formal conclusion names the leadership: Eleazar (high priest), Joshua (military/civil leader), and tribal heads (repr...
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