King James Version

What Does Joshua 19:42 Mean?

Joshua 19:42 in the King James Version says “And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah, — study this verse from Joshua chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah,

Joshua 19:42 · KJV


Context

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,

43

And Elon, and Thimnathah, and Ekron,

44

And Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah—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.

Ajalon connects Dan's inheritance to cosmic miracle. The same territory where Joshua stopped the sun to complete victory became Dan's—a reminder that God controls creation for His purposes. Their inheritance testified to supernatural power, yet Dan later rebelled. Witnessing miracles doesn't guarantee faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The valley of Ajalon was a crucial pass controlling movement between the coastal plain and the hill country. David later assigned Ajalon to the Levites (1 Chronicles 6:69). Its strategic importance made it frequently contested throughout biblical history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can experiencing or witnessing miracles still coexist with spiritual unfaithfulness?
  2. What role does ongoing obedience play beyond initial encounters with God's power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 3 words
וְשַֽׁעֲלַבִּ֥ין1 of 3

And Shaalabbin

H8169

shaalbim or shaalabbin, a place in palestine

וְאַיָּל֖וֹן2 of 3

and Ajalon

H357

ajalon, the name of five places in palestine

וְיִתְלָֽה׃3 of 3

and Jethlah

H3494

jithlah, 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 19:42 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 19:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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