King James Version

What Does Joshua 19:2 Mean?

Joshua 19:2 in the King James Version says “And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,”

Joshua 19:2 · KJV

Context

1

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.

2

And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,

3

And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem,

4

And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,

Read Joshua 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they had in their inheritance Beer-sheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,

The city list begins with Be'er Sheva (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" (Yahweh El Olam, יְהוָה אֵל עוֹלָם). Isaac later confirmed the covenant at the same location (Genesis 26:33). The alternative name "Sheba" (שֶׁבַע) may reference this covenant oath (sheva, שְׁבֻעָה) or the seven wells dug there.

Beer-sheba's assignment to Simeon, though geographically within Judah's borders, preserved access to this patriarchal shrine for both tribes. The site marked the traditional southern boundary of Israel—the phrase "from Dan to Beer-sheba" (Judges 20:1; 1 Samuel 3:20) defined the nation's full extent. That Simeon held this location shows God's providence in maintaining continuity with patriarchal history even within the constraints of Jacob's judgment.

Moladah (מוֹלָדָה) appears in Judah's original allotment (15:26) and was later inhabited after the exile (Nehemiah 11:26), demonstrating the overlap between Judah's and Simeon's territories. The Hebrew root yalad (יָלַד, "to bear" or "bring forth") in the city's name may indicate a birthing place for livestock, appropriate for pastoral Simeon's economy in the Negev's semi-arid grasslands.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Beer-sheba's archaeological remains span from the Chalcolithic period (4th millennium BCE) through the Iron Age. Excavations reveal a fortified city from the 10th-8th centuries BCE with a massive gate complex, deep well (reaching the water table at 69 meters), and large storehouse. The site controlled trade routes between the coastal plain, the Negev, and the Arabah.

The patriarchal Beer-sheba was likely a smaller settlement or encampment centered on the wells, with the fortified city developing during the monarchy. Genesis records multiple well-digging episodes (Abraham in Genesis 21:30, Isaac in Genesis 26:25, 32-33), suggesting the name and covenant associations accumulated over time. Ancient wells were crucial assets in arid regions, often disputed and requiring treaties to secure access rights.

Beer-sheba later became a center of syncretistic worship denounced by Amos: "they that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, Thy god, O Dan, liveth; and, The manner of Beer-sheba liveth" (Amos 8:14). The sacred patriarchal site had been corrupted into idolatry. Excavations uncovered a dismantled horned altar from the 8th century BCE, possibly destroyed during Hezekiah's reforms (2 Kings 18:4, 22), confirming Beer-sheba's religious significance and the reality of cultic reform.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's preservation of Beer-sheba within Simeon's portion show His faithfulness to connect each generation with the faith of their ancestors?
  2. What warning does Beer-sheba's later corruption into idolatry provide about how sacred heritage can be distorted when not guarded carefully?
  3. In what ways might you be claiming a spiritual heritage without maintaining the living faith that made those places sacred to previous generations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיְהִ֥י1 of 7
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָהֶ֖ם2 of 7
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בְּנַֽחֲלָתָ֑ם3 of 7

“And they had in their inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

בְּאֵֽר4 of 7
H0
שֶׁ֥בַע5 of 7

“Beersheba”

H884

beer-sheba, a place in palestine

וְשֶׁ֖בַע6 of 7

“or Sheba”

H7652

sheba, the name of a place in palestine, and of two israelites

וּמֽוֹלָדָֽה׃7 of 7

“and Moladah”

H4137

moladah, a place in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 19:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 19:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 4:28-30Nehemiah 11:26-30Genesis 21:31Joshua 15:28

Places in This Verse

Beersheba 1Settlement · Modern: Tel Beer Sheva · 31.24°N, 34.84°E23 verses across 10 books
MoladahSettlement · Modern: Khirbet el Waten · 31.26°N, 34.92°E4 verses across 3 books
Sheba 2Settlement · Modern: Tel Beer Sheva · 31.24°N, 34.84°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Joshua 19 →

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