Josué 19

Josué 19

Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission Paul J Bucknell - Biblical Foundations for Freedom LAND ALLOTMENTS (Joshua 13-21) Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission Click charts to enlarge Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission JOSHUA A BOOK ON SPIRITUAL WARFARE and REST HOW TO POSSESS YOUR POSSESSIONS CONQUEST OF THE PROMISED LAND DIVISION OF THE PROMISED LAND CLOSE OF JOSHUA'S LIFE ACTION ALLOCATION APPEAL Josh 1:1-5:15 Josh 6:1-12:24 Joshua 13:1-21:45 Josh 22:1-24:33 WARLORDS IN CANAAN LANDLORDS IN CANAAN ENTERING CANAAN CONQUERING CANAAN DIVIDING CANAAN SECURING THE LAND SETTLING THE LAND Preparation Conquest Possession Consecration ca. 1 Month ca 7 Years ca. 18 Years See also more detailed Chart by Charles R Swindoll Map to help you visualize the descriptions of boundaries SUMMARY OF LAND ALLOTMENTS Tribe (Number of male warriors) Location Significance of Location Description Resources Josh 18:11–28 BENJAMIN 45,600 -between Judah and Ephraim -location of holy Jerusalem -encouraged close association with Judah -mountains and ravines -rough terrain -not productive Josh 19:1–9 SIMEON 22,200 -part of Judah on the south -enemy exposed mostly flat and desert Josh 19:10–16 ZEBULUN 60,500 -included plain of Megiddo -had access to the coast -next to its wilderness encampment neighbor, Issachar -fertile plain -road to sea -very productive Josh 19:17–23 ISSACHAR 64,300 -east of Zebulun -south of Sea of Galilee -valley of Jezreel a noted battlefield of Palestine -beautiful location -in traffic of plain -very productive Josh 19:24–31 ASHER 53,400 -south of enemy Sidonians -coastal land from Carmel to Sidon -Asher’s strength protected Israel from northern coastal enemies -fertile coastal plains -famous for olives Josh 19:32–39 NAPHTALI 45,400 -east of Asher -west of Sea of Galilee and Merom -important lands in N.T. history -north-south ridge through the land -fertile, productive valleys Josh 19:40–48 DAN 64,400 -west of Benjamin -access to Great Sea -original location too small -exposed to Philistines on SW -productive section in Philistines’ hands -- Irving Jensen Joshua- Everyman's Bible Commentary: Rest-Land Won Joshua 19:1 Then the second lot fell to Simeon, to the tribe of the sons of Simeon according to their families, and their inheritance was in the midst of the inheritance of the sons of Judah. second lot: Jos 18:6-11 in the midst of the inheritance of the sons of Judah.Jos 19:9 Ge 49:5-7 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Map to help visualize descriptions of boundaries of Simeon Zondervan Atlas of the Bible: C. Rasmussen (recommended resource - do not reproduce) DISTRIBUTION BY LOT THE SECOND LOT: AN "ENCLAVE" TO SIMEON Joshua 19 covers the land allotments for Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. An outline of Joshua 19 SIMEON - Joshua 19:1-9 ZEBULUN - Joshua 19:10-16 ISSACHAR - Joshua 19:17-23 ASHER -Joshua 19:24-31 NAPHTALI - Joshua 19:32-39 DAN - Joshua 19:40-48 JOSHUA - Joshua 19:49-51 Enclave - A country or part of a country lying wholly within the boundaries of another. A distinctly bounded area enclosed within a larger unit Then the second lot (goral) fell to Simeon, to the tribe of the sons of Simeon according to their families, and their inheritance was in the midst of the inheritance of the sons of Judah - The map above shows Simeon surrounded by Judah, like an enclave. Simeon means "hearing" and is from shama, to hear. Recall Jacob's deathbed prophecy in Genesis 49:5-7 “Simeon and Levi are brothers; Their swords are implements of violence. 6 “Let my soul not enter into their council; Let not my glory be united with their assembly; Because in their anger they slew men, And in their self-will they lamed oxen. 7 “Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; And their wrath, for it is cruel. I will disperse them in Jacob, And scatter them in Israel. Comment - So even at the outset Simeon is surrounded by Judah and in subsequent mentions of Simeon we see their declining numbers and loss of identity, fulfilling Jacob's prophecy. However God does not forget them nor cast them off for the final book of the Bible we read of the inclusion in the listing of the 144,000 Jews, John writing "from the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand." (Rev 7:7+) Related Resources: Who are the 144,000? | GotQuestions.org Why is the tribe of Dan missing from the 144,000 in Revelation chapter 7? | GotQuestions.org What do the Jehovah’s Witnesses believe about the 144,000 and a heavenly/earthly hope? | GotQuestions.org Francis Schaeffer - In the second lot thrown at Shiloh, the remaining tribes received their land. Simeon did not receive a separate inheritance because, as you remember, Jacob said he was going to be scattered. He was given a place in the midst of Judah. So while in the fulfilling of the prophecy of Genesis 49:5–7 the Levites became the special servants of God scattered throughout the people, the Simeonites had no real share of the land. (The Complete Works) Campbell points out that " it was not long before Simeon was to lose her individuality as a tribe, for her territory was incorporated eventually into that of Judah and many of her citizens migrated north to Ephraim and Manasseh (cf. 2 Chron. 15:9; 34:6). This explains why after the division of the kingdom following Solomon there were 10 tribes in the north and only 2 in the south (Judah and Benjamin)." (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) Rasmussen - Although the allotment of land to the tribe of Simeon is described later in Joshua, the tribe received territory inside the allotment of Judah. Of the seventeen cities mentioned as being assigned to Simeon (Josh 19:2–7), fifteen were previously mentioned in the city list of Judah—most in the Negev district but a few in the Shephelah. Simeon’s primary location was in the western Negev, between Beer sheba and the Mediterranean Sea. It should be noted that Simeon did not lose its tribal identity by being absorbed into the tribe of Judah, for it was still a distinct and growing tribe during the days of the Judean king Hezekiah (715–686 BC; 1 Chron 4:41–43). Indeed, the Chronicler describes its expansion northwestward toward Gedor (LXX, “Gerar”) and eastward toward the Hill Country of Seir (1 Chron 4:39). Since Simeon’s territory received only 10 inches of rain each year, the tribe specialized in keeping flocks, although in most years some grain crops could be grown. (Zondervan Atlas of the Bible) Pulpit Commentary on in the midst of the inheritance - Literally, in the midst of. ἀνὰ μέσον, LXX.; in medio, Vulgate (cf. ver. 9). Simeon, at the last census (Numbers 26:14), was the smallest of the tribes of Israel, a fulfilment of the prophecy of Jacob, and possibly the result of the command given in Numbers 25:5, since the Simeonites were the chief offenders on that occasion (Numbers 25:14; see also 1 Chronicles 4:27). The distribution of territory was in accordance with this, and it is possible that the lot only determined the priority of choice among the tribes. The territory of Judah seems to have been recognised as too large, in spite of the importance of the tribe. They therefore willingly gave up a portion of their territory to the Simeonites. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - Verses 1-9. The men of Judah did not oppose taking away the cities within their border, when convinced that they had more than was right. If a true believer has obtained an unintended and improper advantage in any thing, he will give it up without murmuring. Love seeketh not her own, and doth not behave unseemly; it will induce those in whom it richly dwells, to part with their own to supply what is lacking to their brethren. Casting Lots in the Bible Lot (01486)(goral) refers to any kind of small object (e.g., stick, pebble, shard) used for making decisions by a "random" outcome (see Pr 16:33 on what controls "random") or for determining the will of God. Lot is often translated in the Septuagint with kleros which can also mean inheritance. Baker - A masculine noun indicating a portion or lot. A lot was cast, probably a stone or stones, to decide questions or appoint persons for various reasons; for apportioning land (Num. 26:55; 33:54; Josh. 18:6, 11); for assignments of various kinds, such as goats on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:8–10); priests, singers, musicians, etc. to their duties (1 Chr. 24:5, 31; 25:8; 26:13); for living in Jerusalem (Neh. 11:1), etc. (Judg. 20:9; Neh. 10:34[35]); for allotting slaves (Joel 3:3[4:3]). Lots were cast to distribute garments (Ps. 22:18[19]). The word also is used to refer to things allotted such as land (Josh. 15:1; 17:1; 21:40[38]) or even the boundary itself of an allotment (Josh. 18:11). It refers figuratively to one’s destiny or fortune (Prov. 1:14) but notes an allotted share or portion in the age to come (Dan. 12:13). Finally, it can designate a portion or allotment for someone in the sense of recompense or retribution (Isa. 17:14; Jer. 13:25). (Old Testament Word Study) Vine on Lot - Gôrâl (גֹּרָל, Strong's #1486), “lot.” This word is attested 77 times and in all periods of the language (if a traditional view of the formation of the canon is accepted). Gôrâl represents the “lot” which was cast to discover the will of God in a given situation: “And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat” (Lev. 16:8—the first occurrence). Exactly what casting the “lot” involved is not known. Since the land of Palestine was allocated among the tribes by the casting of the “lot,” these allotments came to be known as their lots: “This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom …” (Josh. 15:1). In an extended use the word gôrâl represents the idea “fate” or “destiny”: “And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not. This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us” (Isa. 17:14). Since God is viewed as controlling all things absolutely, the result of the casting of the “lot” is divinely controlled: “The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.” (Pr 16:33). Thus, providence (divine control of history) is frequently (ED: I WOULD SAY ALWAYS) figured as one’s “lot.” Goral - 77x in 67v all translated "lot" - Lev. 16:8; Lev. 16:9; Lev. 16:10; Num. 26:55; Num. 26:56; Num. 33:54; Num. 34:13; Num. 36:2; Num. 36:3; Jos. 14:2; Jos. 15:1; Jos. 16:1; Jos. 17:1; Jos. 17:14; Jos. 17:17; Jos. 18:6; Jos. 18:8; Jos. 18:10; Jos. 18:11; Jos. 19:1; Jos. 19:10; Jos. 19:17; Jos. 19:24; Jos. 19:32; Jos. 19:40; Jos. 19:51; Jos. 21:4; Jos. 21:5; Jos. 21:6; Jos. 21:8; Jos. 21:10; Jos. 21:20; Jos. 21:40; Jdg. 1:3; Jdg. 20:9; 1 Chr. 6:54; 1 Chr. 6:61; 1 Chr. 6:63; 1 Chr. 6:65; 1 Chr. 24:5; 1 Chr. 24:7; 1 Chr. 24:31; 1 Chr. 25:8; 1 Chr. 25:9; 1 Chr. 26:13; 1 Chr. 26:14; Neh. 10:34; Neh. 11:1; Est. 3:7; Est. 9:24; Ps. 16:5; Ps. 22:18; Ps. 125:3; Prov. 1:14; Prov. 16:33; Prov. 18:18; Isa. 17:14; Isa. 34:17; Isa. 57:6; Jer. 13:25; Ezek. 24:6; Dan. 12:13; Joel 3:3; Obad. 1:11; Jon. 1:7; Mic. 2:5; Nah. 3:10 Related Resources: Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament Lots The Jewish Encyclopedia Lots GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 19 1. The second lot came forth. Out of the urn. See on ch. 18:11. For the tribe of the children of Simeon. Exegetical of the preceding word ‘simeon,’ showing that the names of persons are employed, as we have often elsewhere remarked, in a collective sense for the political bodies, the tribes, kingdoms, or countries of which they are the founders. Their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah. It would seem that the first rude survey had led to an erroneous impression of the extent of the country. They had supposed it to be much larger than it really was. Under this impression they had assigned a large territory to Judah, taking it for granted that the lots of the other tribes would be in the same proportion. But upon closer examination it was found that at that rate of assignment the land would not hold out, and some of the tribes must be very much scanted or left wholly destitute of their just inheritance. The obvious expedient was to take a part of the territory of Judah and allot it to Simeon. The inheritance of this tribe therefore is said to have fallen within the inheritance of Judah, because it was included within the original limits of the latter tribe, and is elsewhere seldom or never spoken of as a distinct district. In this arrangement the providence of God is to be especially noted, as Jacob, in the spirit of prophecy, had foretold that Simeon and Levi should be ‘divided in Jacob, and scattered in Israel.’ Gen. 49:7. This was accordingly most literally fulfilled in the manner in which these tribes were now disposed of. Levi was ‘scattered’ throughout all the land, not having received any distinct inheritance, but only certain ‘cities to dwell in;’ and Simeon, as we here learn, was ‘divided,’ or dispersed over the territories of Judah instead of having one of their own. This arrangement brought them into confederacy with the tribe of Judah, Judg. 1:3, and afterwards was the occasion of the adherence of many of this tribe to the house of David at the time of the revolt of the ten tribes to Jeroboam. 2 Chron. 15:9, ‘Out of Simeon they fell to Asa in abundance.’ Joshua 19:2 So they had as their inheritance Beersheba or Sheba and Moladah, and Moladah: Jos 15:28 Ge 21:31 1Ch 4:28-30, Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, Bethuel, Ne 11:26-30 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries No boundaries are mentioned for Simeon, only cities. So they had as their inheritance Beersheba or Sheba and Moladah - See map above. Beersheba "means “well of oath”. It is one of the most southern cities. It was part of the idiomatic phrase, “from Dan to Beersheba” which described the Promised Land." (Utley) By the time of the monarchy Simeon being surrounded entirely by Judah had faded considerably so that in 1Ki 19:3 Beersheba in now said to belong to Judah. Moladah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “generation.” City near Beersheba in southern Judah assigned both to Judah (Joshua 15:26 ) and to Simeon (Joshua 19:2 ), perhaps reflecting the political realities of different times or the dependence of Simeon on Judah. The similarity to the name Molid suggests that Moladah was a Jerahmeelite settlement (1 Samuel 27:10; 1 Chronicles 2:29 ). The city was among those repopulated by Jews returning from Exile (Nehemiah 11:26 ). Moladah is perhaps identical to the Edomite village of Malathah which served as a retreat for Herod Agrippa I. Various sites have been proposed: khirbet Kuseifeh twelve miles east of Beersheba; tell el-Milh southeast of Beersheba; and khereibet el-Waten east of Beersheba. Beer-Sheba - Holman Bible Dictionary Beer-sheba and its surrounding area factors significantly in the Old Testament from the earliest sojourns of the patriarchs (Genesis 21:1; Genesis 22:1; Genesis 26:1 ) to the return of the Hebrew exiles with Nehemiah (Nehemiah 11:27 ,Nehemiah 11:27,11:30 ). Since it was an important crossroad to Egypt in the geographic center of the dry, semi-desert region known as the Negeb, Beersheba also served as the administrative center of the region. Settlement of the Beersheba area began before 3000 B.C. Abraham and a nearby king, Abimelech, swore to protect Abraham's right to the water of this region (Genesis 21:22-33 ). Abraham then named the place “Beer-sheba,” meaning “well of the oath” or preferably “well of the seven,” referring to seven lambs involved in the agreement. Here he called on the Lord (Genesis 21:33 ) and lived for some time (Genesis 22:19 ). The Lord confirmed His promises with Isaac at Beer-sheba (Genesis 26:23-25 ), where Isaac renamed his father's well “Shibah.” A well is found today outside the ruins of biblical Beer-sheba (Tell es-Sabaspgr), however, it cannot be the patriarchal well since it is dated much later, around the twelfth century. Isaac also lived in the area of Beer-sheba, and his son Jacob left there for Haran to seek a wife (Genesis 28:10 ). A crossroad to Egypt, Beer-sheba was a stopping place for Jacob many years later when he was encouraged by the Lord to continue on to Egypt where Joseph was awaiting him (Genesis 46:1-5 ). Because of these patriarchal events at Beer-sheba, it is thought that the city eventually and unfortunately became a pilgrimage destination for idolatry later during the monarchy (Amos 5:5; Amos 8:14 ). Joshua gave Beer-sheba to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:28 ), and then to the tribe of Simeon whose territory lay within Judah's boundaries (Joshua 19:1-2 ,Joshua 19:1-2,19:9 ). Samuel's sons Joel and Abiah were unfair judges in Beer-sheba right before the monarchy began with Saul (1 Samuel 8:1-3 ). Beer-sheba is mentioned idiomatically twelve times to indicate the northern and southern extremes of Israel, “Dan to Beersheba” (2 Samuel 24:2 , 1 Kings 4:25 ). This type of phrase served to speak of Israel in its entirety and its unity; for instance, in its resolve to punish the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 20:1 ) and its recognition of Samuel as a true prophet (1 Samuel 3:20 ). This idiom also served to show the extent of the reforms of three southern kings: Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 19:4 , “Beer-sheba to mount Ephraim”), Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 30:5 , “Beer-sheba even to Dan”), and Josiah (2 Kings 23:8 , “from Geba to Beer-sheba”). Archaeology has shown Beer-sheba to be the administrative center of the Negeb by uncovering its large commercial storerooms and fortifications which were superior to the lesser cities in the area. The fortifications were inadequate, however, against the Assyrians who sacked the city and left in ruins until the Persian period. After the punitive Exile of Judah, the people returned to Beer-sheba and its surrounding satellite towns with Nehemiah in the fifth century (Nehemiah 11:27 ,Nehemiah 11:27,11:30 ). As the “gateway to the desert,” Beer-sheba was in a precarious place climatically, which is the backdrop of two person's prayers concerning death. Hagar pleads at a distance not to see her son die (Genesis 21:14-16 ), and Elijah prays for death in the desert rather than at the order of Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 19:3-4 ). Daniel C. Fredericks GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 19 Beersheba Sheba. Heb. ‘Beersheba and (or even) Sheba.’ That one and the same city is designated by both these names, is clear from the fact that otherwise there would have been fourteen cities instead of thirteen. Besides, in 1 Chr 4:28, where Simeon’s cities are enumerated, the mention of Sheba is omitted as superfluous. As to the import of these names, see on Gen. 21:31, 32. In the description of the lots of Judah and Benjamin, an account is given both of the limits by which they were bounded and of the cities contained in them. In that of Ephraim and Manasseh the boundaries are given, but not the cities. In this chapter Simeon and Dan are described by their cities only, and not by their borders, because they were small, and the former lay within the limits of another tribe. The rest have both their borders described, and their cities named. Norman Geisler - When Critics Ask: A Popular Handbook on Bible Difficulties JOSHUA 19:2–7—Were these cities in the territory of Judah or of Simeon? PROBLEM: Here they are listed in the land of Simeon, but in Joshua 15:26–32 they are in Judah. SOLUTION: The inheritance of Simeon fell within the boundaries of Judah (Josh. 19:1, 9). So it was proper to speak of them as in either place. Joshua 19:3 and Hazar-shual and Balah and Ezem, Hazarshual: Jos 15:28-29 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Hazar-shual and Balah and Ezem See map above Hazar-Shual - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “encampment of the foxes.” Town near Beersheba in tribal territory of Judah (Joshua 15:28 ) but allotted to tribe of Simeon (Joshua 19:3; 1 Chronicles 4:28). Jews returning from Exile in Babylon lived there (Nehemiah 11:27). It may be modern khirbet el-Watan. Balah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “used, worn out.” City in tribal territory of Simeon (Joshua 19:3 ), apparently the same as Baalah (Joshua 15:29 ) and Bilhah (1 Chronicles 4:29 ). Location in southwest Judah is unknown. Ezem - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “mighty” or “bone.” Town in Judah's tribal territory but settled by tribe of Simeon (Joshua 15:29; Joshua 19:3; 1 Chronicles 4:29 ). KJV spells Azem in Joshua. Ezem is modern Umm el-Azam about fifteen miles south of Beersheba and southwest of Aroer. Archaeologists at tell esh-Sharia about thirteen miles northwest of Beersheba have found a broken piece of pottery with the name Ezem on it. Joshua 19:4 and Eltolad and Bethul and Hormah, Eltolad: Jos 15:30 Hormah: Jdg 1:17 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Eltolad and Bethul and Hormah See map above Eltolad - McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia meaning, “plea for a child.”-- a city in the south of Judah, mentioned between Azem and Chesil (Joshua 15:29), but afterwards assigned to Simeon, and mentioned between Azem and Bethul (Joshua 19:4). It remained in possession of the latter tribe in the time of David (1 Chronicles 4:29, where it is called simply TOLAD). Bethul - Smith's Bible Dictionary (dweller in God). A town of Simeon, in the south, named with Eltolad and Hormah, Joshua 19:4, called also Chesil, and Bethuel. Joshua 15:30; 1 Chronicles 4:30. Hormah - Fausset's Bible Dictionary Joshua (Joshua 12:14) struck its king. In ancient times, Zephath (Judges 1:17). Capital of a Canaanite tribe in S. Palestine. Taken by Judah and Simeon (Judges 1:17). Judah appropriated it (Joshua 15:30; 1 Samuel 26:30). But Simeon's territory was so blended with that of Judah that elsewhere it is enumerated among Simeon's towns (1 Chronicles 4:30). In Numbers 14:45 it is called Hormah by anticipation. After Israel's unbelief, consequent on the spies' report, and subsequent presumptuous advance toward Canaan, in defiance of the Lord who no longer would go with them since they had refused to go when He invited them, the Amalekites from the hill "smote them and discomfited them even unto Hormah" Then followed the wandering in the wilderness for 38 years. Then they came again to Hormah (Numbers 21:3), i.e. the place under the ban (Leviticus 27:28-29), devoted to destruction. "Zephath" is compared with es Safah on the S.E. frontier of Canaan, the pass by which Israel probably ascended from the Et Tih desert and the Arabah. Rowlands however identifies it with Sebatah where are extensive ruins, and near is a ruined fortress El Meshrifeh, the presumed site of the "watchtower." The site suggested in the Speaker's Commentary is some miles E. of Sebatah, namely, Rakhmah, an anagram of Hormah, the more permanent name. Israel marching N.N.W. from the Arabah, past Rakhmah or Hormah, would come to the wide plain, es Sir, the "Seir" of Deuteronomy 1:44. Twenty miles' further march would have brought them to Arad royal city (Numbers 21:1); but before they could reach it the king drove them back to Hormah Numbers 15-19 belong to the dreary period of the 38 years' wandering after a year spent at Sinai; Numbers 20 presents them at the same point they started from 38 years before, Kadesh, in the 40th year; Numbers 21 introduces Arad assailing Israel and taking prisoners, then defeated by Israel in answer to prayer, and Hormah utterly destroyed. Israel not wishing to remain there marched S.E. The Canaanites reoccupied the place and restored it under the old name Zephath. Not until northern Canaan was subdued did Israel reach it again in the extreme S., and Joshua conquered the king. Finally under the judges Judah and Simeon consummated the ban of Moses and his contemporaries on it, so that henceforth its name was permanently Hormah. This sets aside the objection to Numbers 14:45 and Numbers 21:3 as if these passages were post-Mosaic because of Judges 1:17. Joshua 19:5 and Ziklag and Beth-marcaboth and Hazar-susah, Ziklag: Jos 15:31 1Sa 27:6 30:1 Hazarsusah: 1Ch 4:31, Hazar-susim Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Ziklag and Beth-marcaboth and Hazar-susah - See map above Ziklag - Holman Bible Dictionary A village in the southern Judean plain; variously identified either as tell el-Khuweilifeh, 10 miles north northeast of Beersheba, tell esh-Shariah, 9 miles north northwest of Beersheba, or khirbet el-Mashash. City in tribal inheritance of Judah given to Simeon (Joshua 15:31; Joshua 19:5 ). Ziklag appears to have belonged to the Philistines, taken during a period of rapid expansion in the time of Israel's judges (1 Samuel 27:6 ). The town was given to David by Achish, king of Gath, during David's “outlaw” period. The gift may have been a means of shortening Philistia's over-extended borders. Ziklag appears never to have been a part of Philistia proper.David made the town his headquarters as he gathered his private army and made raids against the Amalekites. On returning to his base following Philistia's refusal to allow him to fight with them against Saul, David found the town had been raided and burned by the Amalekites and his family taken hostage. A daring night raid on the base of the enemy resulted in the rescue of his people and their return to Ziklag (1 Samuel 30:1 ). Jews returning from Babylonian Exile inhabited Ziklag (Nehemiah 11:28 ). Beth-Marcaboth - McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia house of chariots, in Chron.; Sept. Βαιθμαρχαβώθ v. r. Βαιθμαριμώθ; or with the art. in Josh., Beth- ham-markaboth', בֵּיתאּהמִּרְכָּבֹת, house of the chariots; Sept. Βηθαμερχαβώθ v. r. Βαιθμαχερέβ, and Βαιθαμμαρχασβώθ ), one of the towns of Simeon, situated to the extreme south of Judah, with Ziklag and Hormah (Joshua 19:5; 1 Chronicles 4:31). What "chariots" can have been in use in this rough and thinly-inhabited part of the country, at a time so early as that at which these lists of towns purport to have been made out, we know not. At a later period — that of Solomon — "chariot cities" are named, and a regular trade with Egypt in chariots was carried on (1 Kings 9:19; 2 Chronicles 8:6; 1 Kings 10:29; 2 Chronicles 1:17), which would naturally require depots or stopping-places on the road "up" to Palestine (Stanley, p. 160). In the parallel list, Joshua 15:30-31, MADMANNAH (See MADMANNAH) (q.v.) occurs in place of Beth- marcaboth; possibly the latter was substituted for the former after the town had become the resort of chariots. Hazar-Susah - McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia village of the horse, Joshua 19:5; Sept. Ἀσερσουσίμ,Vulg. Hasersusa), or HA'ZAR-SUSIM (Chatsar' Susim', חֲצִר סוּסַים, village of horses, 1 Chronicles 4:31; Sept. ἣμισυ Σωσίμ,Vulg. Hasersusim), a city of the tribe of Simeon, mentioned between Beth-marcaboth and Beth-lebaoth or Beth-birei; doubtless, as thought by Schwarz (Palest. p. 124), the same as SANSANNAH, in the south border of Judah (Joshua 15:31), one of Solomon's "chariot-cities" (2 Chronicles 1:14). Joshua 19:6 and Beth-lebaoth and Sharuhen; thirteen cities with their villages; Bethlebaoth: Jos 15:32 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Beth-lebaoth and Sharuhen; thirteen cities with their villages - See map above Beth-lebaoth - Smith's Bible Dictionary (house of lionesses). A town in the lot of Simeon, Joshua 19:6, in the extreme south of Judah. See Joshua 15:32. See Lebaoth. In 1 Chronicles 4:31, the name is given Beth-Birei. Sharuhen - Fausset's Bible Dictionary A town in Judah allotted to Simeon (Joshua 19:6). Called SHILHIM in Joshua 15:32, SHAARAIM in 1 Chronicles 4:31. The name may be preserved in Tell Sheriah, half way between Gaza and Beersheba, ten miles W. of the latter, Bir es Seba, at the head of wady Sheri'ah i.e. "the watering place Joshua 19:7 Ain, Rimmon and Ether and Ashan; four cities with their villages; Ain: Jos 15:32 Remmon: Nu 33:19,20 1Ch 4:32, Rimmon Ether: Jos 15:42 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Ain, Rimmon and Ether and Ashan; four cities with their villages; Ziese - This collection of 17 sites scattered throughout Judah (and in most cases, also assigned to Judah) raises questions of definition. How can tribal identity be maintained, organized, connected in such a setup? Most significantly, how can an “inheritance within an inheritance” be sustained over time? Simeon’s subordination to Judah is clear as the campaign conquest continues (Judg 1:3, 17) yet continues to find memory in the time of David’s reign (1 Chr 4:24–43, but consider 4:27). Such notices are scant, however, and by the time of the exile, Simeon disappears altogether. (Joshua College Press NIV Commentary) Ain - People's Bible Dictionary (eye, spring) A city of southern Palestine, first given to Judah, Joshua 15:32; afterward assigned to Simeon, Joshua 19:7; and then to the Levites, Joshua 21:16; 1 Chronicles 4:32. The same place as Ashan, 1 Chronicles 6:59; and possibly as En-rimmon, Nehemiah 11:29. Rimmon - Easton's Bible Dictionary One of the "uttermost cities" of Judah, afterwards given to Simeon (Joshua 15:21,32; 19:7; 1 Chronicles 4:32 ). In Joshua 15:32 Ain and Rimmon are mentioned separately, but in 19:7 and 1 Chronicles 4:32 (Compare Nehemiah 11:29 ) the two words are probably to be combined, as forming together the name of one place, Ain-Rimmon=the spring of the pomegranate. It has been identified with Um er-Rumamin, about 13 miles south-west of Hebron. Ether - Jewish Encyclopedia Place name meaning, “smoke of incense.” One of the cities in the lowland of Judah allotted to Simeon (Joshua 15:42, 19:7). Ashan - Fausset's Bible Dictionary (Joshua 15:42): a city of the low country of Judah. In 1 Chronicles 4:32 mentioned as of Simeon. In 1 Chronicles 6:59 a priests' city; holding the same place as the similar Ain in Joshua's list (Joshua 21:16). In 1 Samuel 30:30 Chor-ashan is in "the south." Joshua 19:8 and all the villages which were around these cities as far as Baalath-beer, Ramah of the Negev. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Simeon according to their families. Baalathbeer: 1Ch 4:33 Ramath: 1Sa 30:27, Ramoth Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and all the villages which were around these cities as far as Baalath-beer, Ramah of the Negev (south). This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Simeon according to their families. Baalath-Beer - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “the baal of the well” or the “lady of the well.” A city in the tribal allotment of Simeon (Joshua 19:8 ), identified with Ramath of the south (KJV) or Ramah of the Negev (NAS, NIV, NRSV). It may be identical with Baal (1 Chronicles 4:33 ) and/or with Bealoth (Joshua 15:24 ). Ramah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “high,” applied to several cities located on heights, especially military strongholds. A city of the Negev, the arid desert south of Judea, in the tribal inheritance of Simeon (Joshua 19:8 ). David once gave presents to this town following his successful battle with the Amalekites (1 Samuel 30:27 ). Joshua 19:9 The inheritance of the sons of Simeon was taken from the portion of the sons of Judah, for the share of the sons of Judah was too large for them; so the sons of Simeon received an inheritance in the midst of Judah's inheritance. too much: Ex 16:18 2Co 8:14,15 therefore: Jos 19:1 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SIMEON'S INHERITANCE FROM TRIBE OF JUDAH The inheritance of the sons of Simeon was taken from the portion of the sons of Judah, for the share of the sons of Judah was too large for them; so the sons of Simeon received an inheritance in the midst of Judah's inheritance. Pulpit Commentary - Of the later history of the children of Simeon we find a little recorded in 1 Chronicles 4:39-42, and some suppose that the event recorded there is a fulfilment of the prophecy in Obadiah 1:19. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 19 The part of the children of Judah was too much for them. Too large in proportion to the other tribes, and too large for their actual necessities; although, as being the most numerous of all the tribes, it might justly claim a more extensive territory than any of the rest. Yet when it was found that they could not insist upon the original allotment without manifest injustice to the other tribes, the men of Judah submitted without a murmur to relinquish a part of their possession. They will take no advantage of an unintentional error by withholding that which equity and kindness would require them to give up. The same generous principle will operate in like manner with every good man. If he has chanced, through the inadvertency or mistake of another, to gain an undue advantage in a contract, he will cheerfully waive his right and make all the concessions which, in similar circumstances, he would wish to have made to himself. He will, as the apostle enjoins, look upon the things of others, as well as upon his own. Joshua 19:10 Now the third lot came up for the sons of Zebulun according to their families. And the territory of their inheritance was as far as Sarid. third: Jos 18:6,11 Zebulun: Ge 49:13 De 33:18-19 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Genesis 49:13 “Zebulun will dwell at the seashore; And he shall be a haven for ships, And his flank shall be toward Sidon. Deuteronomy 33:18-19 Of Zebulun he said, “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going forth, And, Issachar, in your tents. 19“They will call peoples to the mountain; There they will offer righteous sacrifices; For they will draw out the abundance of the seas, And the hidden treasures of the sand.” Map to help visualize descriptions of boundaries Zondervan Atlas of the Bible: C. Rasmussen (recommended resource - do not reproduce) THIRD LOT TO ZEBULUN Now the third lot (goral) came up for the sons of Zebulun according to their families. And the territory of their inheritance was as far as Sarid - See map for Zebulun in lower Galilee which includes the town Nazareth. "Zebulun was allotted a landlocked area in lower Galilee that included Nazareth and was traversed by trade routes." (Ryrie) Rasmussen - Zebulun was situated near several major trade routes that ran through the Jezreel Valley (ED: SEEN AT SOUTHERN ASPECT OF ZEBULUN'S BOUNDARY ABOVE), the east–west route that ran through Hannathon to Acco, and the route that connected Megiddo with Acco via Shimron and Hannathon. Because of its proximity to these routes, the Zebulunites were open to considerable outside influences and probably maintained commercial relations with Mediterranean port cities (Deut 33:18–19).(Zondervan Atlas of the Bible) Gangel - Divine wisdom placed the Leah tribes, Zebulun and Issachar, to the north of the Rachel tribes in order to cement the union of all Israel. Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun had camped in the wilderness (Nu 2:3-7), and these ties persisted for centuries. Mary and Joseph, both of the tribe of Judah, lived in the old territory of Zebulun. The Zebulunites named one of their towns Bethlehem (Josh 19:15) after the town in Judah.And what did Jacob say about his son Zebulun? "Zebulun will live by the seashore and become a haven for ships; his border will extend toward Sidon" (Gen. 49:13). No commendation; no condemnation. Simply geographical boundaries placing Zebulun due west of the Sea of Galilee though not actually on the coast. The Kishon River connected Zebulun to the Mediterranean Sea, a destination reached by passing through the territory of Asher. (Holman Old Testament Commentary - Joshua) Sarid - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “survivor.” Border town of tribe of Zebulun (Joshua 19:10 ). Spelled Sedud by some early versions, Sarid is probably modern tell Shadud at the northern edge of the Jezreel Valley about six miles northeast of Megiddo and five miles southeast of Nazareth. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - Verses 10-16. In the division to each tribe of Israel, the prophetic blessings of Jacob were fulfilled. They chose for themselves, or it was divided to them by lot, in the manner and places that he foresaw. So sure a rule to go by is the word of prophecy: we see by it what to believe, and it proves beyond all dispute the things that are of God. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 19 The third lot came up for the children of Zebulun. Though Zebulun was younger than Issachar, yet both in the prophetic blessing of Jacob and of Moses he came before him, and in like manner he has the precedence here also in the allotment of his inheritance. Providence is wonderful in its correspondence with prophecy. The lot of this tribe was washed by the Mediterranean on the west, and by the sea of Galilee on the east, agreeably to Jacob’s prediction, Gen. 49:13, that Zebulun should be ‘a haven of ships.’ QUESTION - What can we learn from the tribe of Zebulun? ANSWER - Zebulun is one of Israel’s twelve tribes. In the time of Moses, Zebulun was divided into three clans: the Seredites, the Elonites, and the Jahleelites, named after Zebulun’s sons (Numbers 26:26). The tribes were named for Jacob’s children (or grandchildren, in the cases of Ephraim and Manasseh). Jacob’s tenth son, Zebulun, was the youngest of six sons borne by Leah. When Zebulun was born, Leah said, “God has presented me with a precious gift. This time my husband will treat me with honor, because I have borne him six sons” (Genesis 30:20). Zebulun means “dwelling” or “honor.” Zebulun was one of six tribes chosen to stand on Mount Ebal and pronounce curses (Deuteronomy 27:13). By means of these curses, the people promised God they would refrain from certain behaviors. For example, one curse says, “Cursed is the man who carves an image or casts an idol – a thing detestable to the Lord” (Deuteronomy 27:15). Another states, “Cursed is the man who withholds justice from the alien, the fatherless or the widow” (Deuteronomy 27:19). Still another: “Cursed is the man who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out” (Deuteronomy 27:26). In all, Zebulun helped deliver twelve admonishments of this sort (Deuteronomy 27:15-26). Upon entering the Promised Land, Zebulun failed to drive out the Canaanites living in Kitron and Nahalol, although Zebulun did subject them to forced labor (Judges 1:30). This was incomplete obedience to God’s clear command to drive out all the inhabitants of the land (Numbers 33:52). Not responding fully to God’s Word, as Zebulun demonstrated, is a trait to which we all can relate. How often do we choose to follow our own paths for various reasons, many of which may not be in concert with God’s wishes? Later, Zebulun returned to God and followed His commands. They participated in the battles led by Deborah and Barak, and they fought valiantly (Judges 4:6; 5:18). The judge Elon was a Zebulunite (Judges 12:11). During the kingdom years, Zebulun joined David at Hebron to transfer Saul’s kingdom to David (1 Chronicles 12:23, 33, 40). This, too, provides insight into our behavior. While at times we turn away from God, His love for us, and ours for Him, draws us back into communion with Him and compliance with His will. Zebulun’s territory was located in what later became known as Galilee, in Northern Israel. Moses’ blessing on the tribe was that they would prosper in their overseas dealings with Gentile nations (Deuteronomy 33:18-19). Isaiah prophesied, “In the past [God] humbled the land of Zebulun . . . but in the future he will honor Galilee” (Isaiah 9:1). Isaiah’s prediction is Messianic: Galilee (including Zebulun) would be honored as the first to hear Christ’s preaching, and this would more than compensate for their humiliation at the hands of the Assyrians centuries before. Numerous verses in the Bible, especially in the Psalms, extol God for His unfailing patience, love, and faithfulness. Indirectly, Zebulun’s history reminds us that God is always present when we return to Him. No matter how battered or bruised we may be or how ashamed we may feel about past transgressions, God can still use us.GotQuestions.org Related Resource: Who was Zebulun in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Joshua 19:11 Then their border went up to the west and to Maralah, it then touched Dabbesheth and reached to the brook that is before Jokneam. brook: The brook Kishon, which empties itself into the Mediterranean near mount Carmel, in the vicinity of which Jokneam was situated. Jokneam: Jos 12:22 1Ki 4:12 1Ch 6:68, Jokmeam Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Then their border went up to the west and to Maralah, it then touched Dabbesheth and reached to the brook that is before Jokneam - See map for these towns. For Jokneam see this map. Maralah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning “site on mountain ledge.” Border town in Zebulun (Joshua 19:11 ). The site is perhaps tell Ghalta in the Jezreel Valley north of Megiddo or tell Thorah. Dabbesheth - ISB Encyclopedia A town on the western boundary of Zebulun (Joshua 19:11 ). It is probably identical with the modern Dabsheh , a ruined site to the East of Acre. Jokneam - ISB Encyclopedia see this map. A royal city of the Canaanites taken by Joshua and described as "in Carmel" ( Joshua 12:22 ), in the territory of Zebulun, and allotted to the Merarite Levites (Joshua 21:34 ). The border of Zebulun "reached to the brook that is before Jokneam" (Joshua 19:11 ). Joshua 19:12 Then it turned from Sarid to the east toward the sunrise as far as the border of Chisloth-tabor, and it proceeded to Daberath and up to Japhia. Chislothtabor: Called Chasalus by Eusebius and Jerome, and placed at the foot of mount Tabor, eight miles east of Diocesarea. Jos 19:22 Jdg 4:6,12 Ps 89:12 Daberath: Josephus, who calls this town Dabaritta, or Darabitta, places it in the plain of Jezreel, or Esdraelon, on the confines of Samaria and Galilee. It is probably the Dabira which Jerome place towards amount Tabor, in the district of Diocesarea; and the Debora or Daboura, mentioned by travellers as a village at the foot of mount Tabor. Jos 21:28, Dabareh, 1Ch 6:72 Japhia: Probably Japha, a city of Galilee, near Jotapata, mentioned by Josephus. Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Then it turned from Sarid to the east toward the sunrise as far as the border of Chisloth-tabor, and it proceeded to Daberath and up to Japhia See map Chisloth-Tabor - Holman Bible Dictionary See map Place name meaning, “on the hips.” A border town of the tribe of Issachar (Joshua 19:18 ), probably the same as the border town of Zebulon called Chisloth-tabor in Joshua 19:12 . It is the modern Iksal, four miles south of Nazareth. Daberath - Jewish Encyclopedia See map A town on the eastern boundary of Zebulun (Joshua 19:12), but belonging to the domain of Issachar, and assigned to the Levites (Joshua 21:28; 1 Chronicles 6:58). It is the modern Deburich, an important strategic position at the foot of Mount Tabor and overlooking the entrance into the great plain of Esdraelon. It was here, perhaps, that Barak mustered his troops Japhia - Holman Bible Dictionary (map) meaning, “place situated high above” or “may He bring shining light.” Border town of tribal territory of Zebulun (Joshua 19:3 ). In the Amarna Letters, the Egyptian pharaoh required the town to supply forced laborers after Labayu of Shechem destroyed Shunem. It is modern Yafa, southwest of Nazareth. Joshua 19:13 From there it continued eastward toward the sunrise to Gath-hepher, to Eth-kazin, and it proceeded to Rimmon which stretches to Neah. Gittah hepher: Placed by Jerome two miles from Sephoris, or Diocesarea, towards Tiberias. 2Ki 14:25, Gath-hepher, methoar, or, which is drawn Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries From there it continued eastward toward the sunrise to Gath-hepher, to Eth-kazin, and it proceeded to Rimmon which stretches to Neah - See map Gath-Hepher - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “winepress on the watering hole.” A city on the eastern border of Zebulun's tribal allotment (Joshua 19:13 ). The prophet Jonah came from Gath-hepher (2 Kings 14:25). It is located at modern el-Meshed or nearby khirbet ez-Zurra, three miles northeast of Nazareth. Ethkazin - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name perhaps meaning, “time of the chieftain.” Town in tribal territory of Zebulun (Joshua 19:13 ). Its location is not known. Neah - Smith's Bible Dictionary (shaking). A place, which was one of the landmarks, on the boundary of Zebulun. In Joshua 19:13 only. It has not yet been certainly identified. Joshua 19:14 The border circled around it on the north to Hannathon, and it ended at the valley of Iphtahel. Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NORTHERN BOUNDARY OF ZEBULUM The border circled around it on the north to Hannathon (See map) , and it ended at the valley of Iphtahel. Hannathon - Smith's Bible Dictionary (gracious). One of the cities of Zebulun. Joshua 19:14 Iphtahel - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “God opens.” Valley separating tribal territories of Zebulun and Asher (Joshua 19:14 ,Joshua 19:14,19:27 ). It is modern wadi el-Melek. Joshua 19:15 Included also were Kattah and Nahalal and Shimron and Idalah and Bethlehem; twelve cities with their villages. Kattath: etc. Jos 21:34,35 Jdg 1:30. Nahalol Shimron: Jos 11:1 12:20 Bethlehem: 2Sa 23:15 2Ch 11:6 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Included also were Kattah and Nahalal and Shimron and Idalah and Bethlehem; twelve cities with their villages - See map Not "Bethlehem-Ephratah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah" (Micah 5:2) but a place lying a great distance to the north of the Bethlehem in Judah where our Lord was born. Kattath - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “small.” A town in the tribal territory of Zebulun (Joshua 19:15 ). Probably the same as Kitron (Judges 1:30 ). See Kitron . Nahalal - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “pasture” with alternate forms: Nahallal (Joshua 19:15 ); Nahalol (Judges 1:30 ). Town Zebulun's territory allotted to the Levites (Joshua 19:15; Joshua 21:35 ). The Israelites were unable to drive out the Canaanite inhabitants of the city (Judges 1:30 ). The site is uncertain. Tell-en-Nahl north of the Kishon River at the southern end of the plain of Acco is possible as are modern Nahalal about six miles west of Nazareth and tell el-Beida. Shimron - McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia A town of Zebulon (Joshua 19:15, where it is named between Nahallal and Idalah),one of those which joined the northern confederacy under Jabin against Joshua. Joshua 11:5), and apparently the same elsewhere (12:20) more fully called Shimron-meron (q.v.) Idalah - Easton's Bible Dictionary Snares(?), a city near the west border of Zebulun (Joshua 19:15 ). It has been identified with the modern Jeida, in the valley of Kishon. Joshua 19:16 This was the inheritance of the sons of Zebulun according to their families, these cities with their villages. Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SUMMARY OF INHERITANCE OF ZEBULUN This was the inheritance of the sons of Zebulun according to their families, these cities with their villages. Joshua 19:17 The fourth lot fell to Issachar, to the sons of Issachar according to their families. Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Map to help visualize descriptions of boundaries Zondervan Atlas of the Bible: C. Rasmussen (recommended resource - do not reproduce) THE FOURTH LOT TO ISSACHAR The fourth lot (goral) fell to Issachar, to the sons of Issachar according to their families. Campbell on Issachar - Lying east of Zebulun and south of the Sea of Galilee Issachar was to occupy the fertile and beautiful valley of Jezreel, also a noted battlefield. Until the time of David, however, its people remained in the mountainous district at the eastern end of the valley. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) Gangel - The tribe of Issachar wandered for forty years in the desert, remembering Jacob's words about the good things their hard work would bring: "Issachar is a rawboned donkey lying down between two saddlebags. When he sees how good is his resting place and how pleasant is his land, he will bend his shoulder to the burden and submit to forced labor" (Gen. 49:14-15).Issachar's territory included the Valley of Jezreel and from Mount Tabor on the west to the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee. Indeed, Issachar played such a small role in the future of Israel that the tribe is not even mentioned in the blessings of the tribes offered by Moses in Deuteronomy 33 except as a side note with Zebulun. Most notable in this allocation is the great battlefield Jezreel and the significance of Mount Tabor. Ultimately, of course, all the territory of Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun became known as Samaria. (Holman Old Testament Commentary - Joshua) Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - Verses 17-51. Joshua waited till all the tribes were settled, before he asked any provision for himself. He was content to be unfixed, till he saw them all placed, and herein is an example to all in public places, to prefer the common welfare before private advantage. Those who labour most to do good to others, seek an inheritance in the Canaan above: but it will be soon enough to enter thereon, when they have done all the service to their brethren of which they are capable. Nor can any thing more effectually assure them of their title to it, than endeavouring to bring others to desire, to seek, and to obtain it. Our Lord Jesus came and dwelt on earth, not in pomp but poverty, providing rest for man, yet himself not having where to lay his head; for Christ pleased not himself. Nor would he enter upon his inheritance, till by his obedience to death he secured the eternal inheritance for all his people; nor will he account his own glory completed, till every ransomed sinner is put in possession of his heavenly rest. QUESTION - What can we learn from the tribe of Issachar? ANSWER - Each of the twelve sons of Israel / Jacob received a blessing from his father just before Jacob’s death. The twelve sons were the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel, and Jacob’s blessings contained prophetic information about each tribe. In the case of the tribe of Issachar, Jacob prophesied, “Issachar is a rawboned donkey, lying down between two burdens; He saw that rest was good, and that the land was pleasant; He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, and became a band of slaves” (Genesis 49:14-15). The first part of the prophecy about the tribe of Issachar, whose name means either “he will bring a reward” or “man of wages,” is somewhat obscure. The word translated “rawboned” in the NIV is translated “strong” in other versions. It can also mean “bony” as in “nothing but skin and bones.” Therefore, the prophecy could either mean that the descendants of Issachar would be strong and robust, able to bear burdens, or that they would be thin and weak and unable to do so. The image of a donkey lying down between its burdens can also be interpreted two ways. On one hand, it could portray a sturdy animal resting for the task ahead. On the other hand, donkeys also are known to stubbornly crouch between their burdens to keep from having to do the work! Again, the prophecy eludes a dogmatic interpretation. The subsequent history of Issachar in the Bible does not conclusively favor either construal. As for the second part of the prophecy, some commentators believe it is an indication that the descendants of Issachar would be farmers—the reference to “a band of slaves” means they would be servants of the land. Others see it as a prediction of forced labor, although nothing in Scripture indicates that the tribe of Issachar was ever forced into slavery of any kind. In fact, the Hebrew wording is so obscure that English translations vary widely. Consider the following: KJV: “Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens: And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.” ESV: "Issachar is a strong donkey, crouching between the sheepfolds. He saw that a resting place was good, and that the land was pleasant, so he bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant at forced labor.” NASB: “Issachar is a strong donkey, Lying down between the sheepfolds. When he saw that a resting place was good And that the land was pleasant, He bowed his shoulder to bear burdens, And became a slave at forced labor.” NIV: “Issachar is a rawboned donkey lying down between two saddlebags. When he sees how good is his resting place and how pleasant is his land, he will bend his shoulder to the burden and submit to forced labor.” There is another reference to the men of Issachar during the time of David’s struggle against Saul (1 Chronicles 12:32). The two hundred chiefs of Issachar who are faithful to David are described as those who “understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” Scholars are divided on the meaning of the phrase “understood the times.” Some portray the men of Issachar as politically astute, knowing how to use current events to their own advantage. Others interpret the phrase to mean they were known for their understanding of astronomy and physical science. Still others see them as men of prudence and wisdom who, because of their religious scholarship, knew that this was the proper time for David to become king. The truth is that we really don’t know for sure. As part of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the territory of Issachar was conquered by the Assyrians around 720 B.C. and the tribe exiled. After that, all explicit biblical references to the tribe cease. How are we to understand these references to Issachar and their different interpretations, and what do they mean to us as Christians? First, it’s important to understand that Jacob’s prophecies to his sons were just that—prophecies to his sons. We should be very careful when applying Old Testament passages to the Church Age or to Christians in general. We can, however, glean certain general principles regarding work and its rewards. The Bible makes it clear that work is a gift from God for the benefit of His people (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13; 5:18-20) and those who don’t work shouldn’t eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). The Bible contains numerous references to those who work as reaping rewards, both in the temporal and spiritual realms (2 Chronicles 15:7; 1 Corinthians 3:8,14; 2 John 1:8; Revelation 2:23; 22:12). There are some who would point to the different translations of Genesis 49:14-15 as evidence of the unreliability of the Bible. However, it must be remembered that such cases of obscurity are extremely rare, and none of the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith are ever in question. Whether the donkey was bony or robust does not affect the Bible’s teaching on sin, death, judgment, heaven, hell, the atonement of Christ, or a myriad other doctrines. Scripture contains ample information regarding these doctrines to make them clearly understood to all who have “ears to hear” (Mark 4:9, 23). GotQuestions.org Related Resource: Who was Issachar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Joshua 19:18 Their territory was to Jezreel and included Chesulloth and Shunem, Jezreel: 1Ki 21:1,15,16 2Ki 8:29 9:15,30 Ho 1:4,5 Chesulloth: Probably the same as Chisloth-tabor. Jos 19:12 Shunem: 1Sa 28:4 1Ki 1:3 2:17,21 2Ki 4:8,12 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Their territory was to Jezreel and included Chesulloth and Shunem See map Chesulloth - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “on the hips.” A border town of the tribe of Issachar (Joshua 19:18 ), probably the same as the border town of Zebulon called Chisloth-tabor in Joshua 19:12 . It is the modern Iksal, four miles south of Nazareth. Shunem - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name of uncertain meaning. Town in tribal territory of Issachar (Joshua 19:18 ). Place where Philistines camped against Saul, who, in fear, sought to talk to the dead Samuel through a medium (1 Samuel 28:4 ). Abishag from Shunem warmed David on his death bed (1 Kings 1:3 ). See 2 Kings 4:1 ). Shunem is modern Solem on the southern edge of the Nebi Dachi across from Mount Gilboa. It is three miles east of Affuleh and three and a half miles north of Jezreel. Joshua 19:19 and Hapharaim and Shion and Anaharath, Haphraim: A town called Aiphraim, in the time of Eusebius, six miles north of Legio. Shihon: A town called Seon by Eusebius, at the foot of mount Tabor. Jos 19:19 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Hapharaim and Shion and Anaharath, See map Hapharaim - Hasting's Bible Dictionary A town in Issachar ( Joshua 19:19 ). The Onomasticon places it 6 Roman miles N. of Legio. Anaharath - McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia a town on or within the border of Issachar, mentioned between Shihon and Rabbith (Joshua 19:19). Its site was apparently unknown in the time of Eusebius and Jerome (Onomast. s.v. Ἀνέρθ, Anerith). It was, perhaps, in the northern part of the tribe, possibly at Meskarah, where there are ruins (Van de Velde, Map). Joshua 19:20 and Rabbith and Kishion and Ebez, Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Rabbith and Kishion and Ebez, See map Rabbith - Holman Bible Dictionary Unidentified site in territory of Issachar (Joshua 19:20 ). Rabbith is possibly a corruption of Daberath, a site included in other lists of Issachar's territory (Joshua 21:28; 1 Chronicles 6:72 ) but missing in Joshua 19:1 . Kishion - Easton's Bible Dictionary Hardness, a city of Issachar assigned to the Gershonite Levites (Joshua 19:20 ), the same as Kishon (21:28). Ebez - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name with unknown meaning. Town allotted to Issachar (Joshua 19:20 ). Joshua 19:21 and Remeth and En-gannim and En-haddah and Beth-pazzez. Engannim: Jos 21:29 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Remeth and En-gannim and En-haddah and Beth-pazzez. See map Remeth - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “height.” Town in Issachar's territory (Joshua 19:21 ), likely identical with Ramoth (1 Chronicles 6:73 ) and Jarmuth (Joshua 21:29 ). En-gannim - Smith's Bible Dictionary A city on the border of Issachar, Joshua 19:21, allotted with its "suburbs," to the Gershonite Levites, Joshua 21:29, probably Jenin, the first village encountered on the ascent from the great plain of Esdraelon, into the hills of the central country. En-Haddah - Holman Bible Dictionary City in tribal lot of Issachar (Joshua 19:21 ). It is apparently el-Hadetheh about six miles east of Mount Tabor Beth-pazzez - Smith's Bible Dictionary (house of the dispersion). A town of Issachar, named with En-haddah, Joshua 19:21, and of which nothing is known. Joshua 19:22 The border reached to Tabor and Shahazumah and Beth-shemesh, and their border ended at the Jordan; sixteen cities with their villages. Tabor: Jos 19:12 Jdg 4:6 1Ch 6:77 Jer 46:18 Bethshemesh: Jos 19:38 21:16 1Sa 6:9-19 1Ki 4:9 2Ki 14:11-13 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries The border reached to Tabor and Shahazumah and Beth-shemesh, and their border ended at the Jordan; sixteen cities with their villages - See map This Beth-shemesh ("house of sun") is not the same as the city by the same name the one in Judah (Josh 15:10) or in Naphtali (Josh 19:38). Tabor - Smith's Bible Dictionary . Tabor is mentioned in the lists of 1 Chronicles 6, as a city of the Merarite Levites, in the tribe of Zebulun. 1 Chronicles 6:77. The list of the towns of Zebulun. Joshua 19, contains the name of Chisloth-tabor. Joshua 19:12. It is, therefore, possible, either that Chisloth-tabor is abbreviated into Tabor by the chronicler, or that, by the time these later lists were compiled, the Merarites had established themselves on the sacred mountain, and that Tabor is Mount Tabor. Shahazumah - Holman Bible Dictionary Modern translation spelling of Shahazimah following the written Hebrew text rather than the notes of the earliest Hebrew scribes. ISBE = A town in the territory of Issachar on the boundary which ran from Tabor to the Jordan ( Joshua 19:22). The site, which has not yet been recovered, must be sought, probably, to the Southeast of the mountain. Beth-Shemesh - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “house of the sun.” Beth-shemesh is a name applied to four different cities in the Old Testament. The name probably derives from a place where the Semitic god Shemesh (Shamash) was worshiped. Beth-shemesh of Issachar was situated on the tribal border with Naphtali between Mt. Tabor and the Jordan River (Joshua 19:22). Present scholarship identifies the city with either el-Abeidiyeh, two miles south of Galilee, or khirbet Shemsin, east of Tabor. Joshua 19:23 This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Issachar according to their families, the cities with their villages. Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SUMMARY OF INHERITANCE OF ISSACHAR This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Issachar according to their families, the cities with their villages Joshua 19:24 Now the fifth lot fell to the tribe of the sons of Asher according to their families. The lot Asher lay upon the coast of the great sea. We read of only one remarkable person of this tribe, and that was Anna, the prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, a widow of about four-score and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Map to help visualize descriptions of boundaries Zondervan Atlas of the Bible: C. Rasmussen (recommended resource - do not reproduce) FIFTH LOT TO ASHER Now the fifth lot (goral) fell to the tribe of the sons of Asher according to their families - From the map above, it is clear that Asher was received the Mediterranean coastal lands from Mount Carmel on the south to Sidon and Tyre toward the north. This tribe would guard the northern border from the coastal enemies like the Phoenicians. Gangel - Inscriptions from Seti I dated approximately 1310 b.c. and also of Rameses II contain references to a people called Asaru in a territory roughly corresponding to southern Phoenicia. This indicates that Asher had begun to settle by the end of the fourteenth century. Asher's blessing from Jacob was strictly culinary: "Asher's food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king" (Gen. 49:20). (Holman Old Testament Commentary - Joshua) Asher was also described in Deuteronomy Of Asher he said, “More blessed than sons is Asher; May he be favored by his brothers, And may he dip his foot in oil. 25 “Your locks will be iron and bronze, And according to your days, so will your leisurely walk be. 26“There is none like the God of Jeshurun, Who rides the heavens to your help, And through the skies in His majesty. 27 “The eternal God is a dwelling place, And underneath are the everlasting arms; And He drove out the enemy from before you, And said, ‘Destroy!’ Campbell notes that "By virtue of her (ASHER'S) vital position she was to protect Israel from northern coastal enemies such as the Phoenicians. By David’s time Asher had faded into insignificance though her tribal identity was not lost. Anna the prophetess, who along with Simeon gave thanks for the birth of Jesus, was from the tribe of Asher (cf. Luke 2:36–38)" (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) QUESTION - What can we learn from the tribe of Asher? ANSWER - Asher is one of Israel’s twelve tribes. In the time of Moses, Asher was divided into five clans: the Imnites; the Ishvites; and the Berites; and, through Beriah, the Berite patriarch, two more clans: the Heberites and the Malkielites. The first three clans were named after Asher’s sons; the fourth and fifth after Beriah’s sons (Numbers 26:44-45). Asher was Jacob’s eighth son. His mother was Leah’s maidservant, Zilpah, and he was her second and last child with Jacob. When Asher was born, Leah said, “How happy am I! The women will call me happy” (Genesis 30:13). Asher’s name means “happy.” Asher was one of six tribes chosen to stand on Mount Ebal and pronounce curses (Deuteronomy 27:13). Through these curses, the people promised God they would refrain from bad behavior. For example, one curse says, “Cursed is the man who dishonors his father or his mother” (Deuteronomy 27:16). Another states, “Cursed is the man who leads the blind astray on the road” (Deuteronomy 27:18). Still another: “Cursed is the man who sleeps with his mother-in-law” (Deuteronomy 27:23). In all, Asher delivered twelve admonishments (Deuteronomy 27:15-26). When Jacob blessed his sons, he said, “Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king” (Genesis 49:20). Later, Moses blessed the tribe, saying, "Most blessed of the sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him bathe his feet in oil. The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days” (Deuteronomy 33:24). Washing one’s feet in oil was a sign of prosperity, and Jacob’s reference to Asher’s food being “rich” indicated that Asher would possess fertile lands. In Joshua 19:24-31, we learn that Asher received land along the Mediterranean coast. Despite all its blessings, the tribe of Asher failed to drive out the Canaanites, and “because of this the people of Asher lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land” (Judges 1:31-32). In the time of Deborah and Barak, “Asher remained on the coast and stayed in its coves” rather than join the fight against Jabin, a Canaanite king (Judges 5:17). This failure to aid their fellow tribes could indicate a lack of reliance on God, a lack of effort, a fear of the enemy, or a reluctance to upset those with whom they did business. Thus, the example set here is a negative one: although Asher was richly blessed, they did not behave admirably; when the time for action came, they failed to trust in God and honor His plan. Later in Judges, Asher does respond to Gideon’s call to repel the Midianites, Amalekites, and others from the East (Judges 6:35). In another important gesture, Asher accepts Hezekiah’s invitation to the tribes from the Northern Kingdom to join the Passover celebration in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 30:11). This was considered an act of humility, proof of a contrite heart before God. In the end, we find that Asher received many great blessings from God. Having received a blessing, they were expected to obey the Lord’s commands. In this they sometimes succeeded and sometimes failed. We, too, have been blessed by God (Ephesians 1:3), and the Lord expects us to obey His commands (John 14:15). Just as Asher received a prophetic blessing from Jacob, God’s children have been told, “In his great mercy [God] has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3–5). Praise the Lord for His wonderful plans for us. What a comfort!GotQuestions.org Related Resource: Who was Asher in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Joshua 19:25 Their territory was Helkath and Hali and Beten and Achshaph, Helkath: 2Sa 2:16 Beten: Probably the same as Bebeten or Batnai, mentioned by Eusebius, eight miles east from Ptolemais; and perhaps the Ecbatana which Pliny places not far from Ptolemais. Achshaph: Jos 11:1 12:20 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Their territory was Helkath and Hali and Beten and Achshaph - See map Helkath - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “flat place.” Border town in the tribal allotment of Asher (Joshua 19:25 ) given to the Levites (Joshua 21:31 ). It is called Hukok in the parallel passage (1 Chronicles 6:75 ). It is either modern tell Qassis on the west bank of the Kishon River or tell tel-Harbaj just south of Acco. Hali - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “jewel.” Border town assigned to tribe of Asher (Joshua 19:25 ). It may be khirbet Ras Ali, north of Mount Carmel. Beten - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “womb.” Border town of tribe of Asher (Joshua 19:25 ). It may be located at khirbet Abtun eleven miles south of Acco. Achshaph - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “place of sorcery.” City state which joined Jabin, King of Hazor, in opposing Joshua as he invaded northern Israel (Joshua 11:1 ). Achshaph was a border city for Asher (Joshua 19:25 ). It was probably located near Acco, but its precise location is not GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 19 And their border. The word ‘border’ or ‘boundary’ both here and in what follows, is not to be understood simply of the boundary line, but also of all the towns and lands which it embraces. It might be rendered, ‘district’ or’ ‘territory.’ Joshua 19:26 and Allammelech and Amad and Mishal; and it reached to Carmel on the west and to Shihor-libnath. Misheal: Situated, according to Eusebius, near mount Carmel, on the sea coast. Jos 21:30 1Ch 6:74, Marshal Carmel: 1Sa 15:12 1Ki 18:20,42 Song 7:5 Isa 33:9 35:2 37:24 Jer 46:18 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Allammelech and Amad and Mishal; and it reached to Carmel on the west and to Shihor-libnath - See map Allammelech - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “king's oak,” or “royal holy tree.” Border town of Asher (Joshua 19:26 ) whose specific location is not known. Amad - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name of unknown meaning. City allotted to tribe of Asher (Joshua 19:26 ). Mishal - Easton's Bible Dictionary A city of the tribe of Asher (Joshua 21:30; 1 Chronicles 6:74 ). It is probably the modern Misalli, on the shore near Carmel. Shihor-Libnath - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name perhaps meaning, “swamp of Libnath.” Border of tribal territory of Asher (Joshua 19:26 ), variously identified as the Nahr ez-Zerqa on the southern border of Asher; the swampy territory between the rivers Nahr ed-Difleh and Nahr ez-Zerqa, and tell Abu Hawam at the mouth of the Kishon. Joshua 19:27 It turned toward the east to Beth-dagon and reached to Zebulun, and to the valley of Iphtahel northward to Beth-emek and Neiel; then it proceeded on north to Cabul, Beth dagon: 1Sa 5:2 valley: Jos 19:14 Cabul: Supposed to be the same town which Josephus calls [Choboulo,] and which he says was situated near the sea side, near Ptolemais. 1Ki 9:13 Joshua 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries It turned toward the east to Beth-dagon and reached to Zebulun, and to the valley of Iphtahel northward to Beth-emek and Neiel; then it proceeded on north to Cabul - See map