King James Version
What Does Joshua 19:40 Mean?
“And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.”
Context
38
And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.
39
This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages.
40
And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.
41
And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Irshemesh,
42
And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah,
Commentary
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 most powerful and warlike of the unconquered nations of Palestine. The wisdom of guarding Israel on their frontier by the two strongest of the tribes is manifest. It was Samson, a Danite, who began to deliver Israel from them, and David completed the work. Though there were Philistine wars in the time of the later kings, they never had dominion over Israel after David’s time.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 19:40 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.