King James Version
What Does Joshua 19:23 Mean?
“This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities and their villages.”
Joshua 19:23 · KJV
Context
21
And Remeth, and Engannim, and Enhaddah, and Bethpazzez;
22
And the coast reacheth to Tabor, and Shahazimah, and Bethshemesh; and the outgoings of their border were at Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages.
23
This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities and their villages.
24
And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.
25
And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph,
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThis is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities and their villages. This concluding summary formula appears for each tribal allotment, emphasizing several key theological themes. The word naḥălāh (נַחֲלָה, "inheritance") carries covenantal weight—it's not merely property ownership but participation in God's promised gift to Abraham's descendants. Inheritance implies both gift (unearned) and responsibility (stewardship), combining grace and obligation.
The repeated phrase "according to their families" (l'mishpĕḥōthām, לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם) emphasizes tribal and clan identity. Biblical covenant operated through family structures, not individualistic religion. One's identity as an Issacharite wasn't primarily personal achievement but genealogical belonging. This corporate emphasis challenges modern Western individualism while warning against ethnic tribalism—the true Israel is defined by faith in Abraham's God, ultimately fulfilled in Christ who makes believing Gentiles Abraham's seed (Galatians 3:29).
The distinction between "cities and their villages" acknowledges both fortified administrative centers and surrounding agricultural settlements, reflecting ancient Near Eastern urban-rural integration. This comprehensive land grant fulfilled God's promise that Abraham's descendants would possess Canaan (Genesis 15:18-21, 17:8). Every plot of soil, every well, every city wall testified to covenant faithfulness—God keeps His promises across generations.
The repeated phrase "according to their families" (l'mishpĕḥōthām, לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם) emphasizes tribal and clan identity. Biblical covenant operated through family structures, not individualistic religion. One's identity as an Issacharite wasn't primarily personal achievement but genealogical belonging. This corporate emphasis challenges modern Western individualism while warning against ethnic tribalism—the true Israel is defined by faith in Abraham's God, ultimately fulfilled in Christ who makes believing Gentiles Abraham's seed (Galatians 3:29).
The distinction between "cities and their villages" acknowledges both fortified administrative centers and surrounding agricultural settlements, reflecting ancient Near Eastern urban-rural integration. This comprehensive land grant fulfilled God's promise that Abraham's descendants would possess Canaan (Genesis 15:18-21, 17:8). Every plot of soil, every well, every city wall testified to covenant faithfulness—God keeps His promises across generations.
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Historical & Cultural Context
The division of Canaan among Israelite tribes occurred approximately 1400-1390 BC following Joshua's conquest campaigns (Joshua 11:23, 14:1-5). The allotment process combined divine guidance (casting lots) with practical survey work (Joshua 18:4-9), demonstrating cooperation between God's sovereignty and human responsibility. These territorial boundaries remained legally recognized throughout Israelite history, though actual possession fluctuated with military fortunes. Land ownership laws in Torah prohibited permanent alienation of tribal inheritances (Leviticus 25:23-28, Numbers 36:7-9), protecting tribal integrity across generations. This system provided economic stability, social identity, and theological rootedness—one's land connected them to ancestral heritage and divine promise.
Reflection Questions
- How does understanding inheritance as both gift and responsibility shape your approach to whatever portion of ministry, influence, or resources God has entrusted to you?
- What aspects of biblical corporate identity (family, tribe, covenant community) can enrich modern individualistic Christianity without falling into ethnic or cultural tribalism?
- How does the fulfillment of God's land promises to Israel strengthen your confidence in His promises to the church, despite delays or obstacles?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsנַֽחֲלַ֛ת2 of 8
“This is the inheritance”
H5159properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
מַטֵּ֥ה3 of 8
“of the tribe”
H4294a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
בְנֵֽי4 of 8
“of the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם6 of 8
“according to their families”
H4940a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הֶֽעָרִ֖ים7 of 8
“the cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְחַצְרֵיהֶֽן׃8 of 8
“and their villages”
H2691a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
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 19:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.