King James Version

What Does Joshua 19:24 Mean?

Joshua 19:24 in the King James Version says “And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.”

Joshua 19:24 · KJV

Context

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,

26

And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reacheth to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families. 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 'Āshēr (אָשֵׁר) means "happy" or "blessed," reflecting Leah's exclamation: "Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed." This etymology proved prophetic—Asher's tribal territory along the Mediterranean coast and western Galilee included some of Canaan's most fertile and prosperous land.

Jacob's blessing pronounced: "Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties" (Genesis 49:20), while Moses blessed: "let him dip his foot in oil" (Deuteronomy 33:24), both emphasizing extraordinary agricultural richness. The phrase "the fifth lot" reminds us that tribal order followed divine providence through lot-casting, not birth order, military prowess, or tribal size. This randomization method removed human manipulation while revealing God's sovereign hand directing outcomes—"The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD" (Proverbs 16:33).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Asher's territory extended along the Mediterranean coast from Mount Carmel northward to Phoenician Sidon, including the fertile western Galilee highlands. This region featured exceptional agricultural productivity—olive groves, grain fields, and vineyards flourished in its favorable climate and soil. The olive oil production referenced in Moses' blessing became legendary; Asher supplied olive oil throughout Israel and exported to neighboring nations. However, Asher's coastal location also meant close proximity to Phoenician city-states (Tyre, Sidon, Acco), resulting in significant cultural and religious pressure. Judges 1:31-32 records that Asher failed to drive out Canaanite inhabitants, instead dwelling among them—a compromise that led to syncretism and covenant unfaithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the lot-casting system for inheritance demonstrate God's sovereignty over circumstances that appear random or arbitrary to human observation?
  2. What warnings does Asher's history offer about the spiritual dangers of prosperity and comfortable assimilation with surrounding culture?
  3. How can believers enjoy material blessings ('royal dainties,' abundant oil) without the complacency and compromise that plagued prosperous tribes like Asher?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיֵּצֵא֙1 of 7

“came out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הַגּוֹרָ֣ל2 of 7

“lot”

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

הַֽחֲמִישִׁ֔י3 of 7

“And the fifth”

H2549

fifth; also a fifth

לְמַטֵּ֥ה4 of 7

“for the tribe”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

בְנֵֽי5 of 7

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָשֵׁ֖ר6 of 7

“of Asher”

H836

asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine

לְמִשְׁפְּחוֹתָֽם׃7 of 7

“according to their families”

H4940

a 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

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 19:24 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 19:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 2:26-38

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