Joshua 19: Simeon’s Inheritance with Judah
1 The second lot came out for Simeon, for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families. And their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.
“In this appointment the providence of God may be especially remarked. For the iniquitous conduct of Simeon and Levi, in the massacre of the innocent Shechemites, (Genesis 34:25-31) Jacob, in the spirit of prophecy, foretold that they should be divided in Jacob, and scattered in Israel, Genesis 49:7. And this was most literally fulfilled in the manner in which God disposed of both these tribes afterwards. Levi was scattered through all Palestine, not having received any inheritance, only cities to dwell in, in different parts of the land; and Simeon was dispersed in Judah, with what could scarcely be said to be their own, or a peculiar lot. See the note on Genesis 49:7.” (Adam Clarke Commentary)
2 They had in their inheritance Beersheba (Sheba), Moladah, 3 Hazar Shual, Balah, Ezem, 4 Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah, 5 Ziklag, Beth Marcaboth, Hazar Susah, 6 Beth Lebaoth, and Sharuhen: thirteen cities and their villages; 7 Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan: four cities and their villages; 8 and all the villages that were all around these cities as far as Baalath Beer, Ramah of the South. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.
"These, though but bare names of places, should not be skipped over in our course of reading, as being a part of God’s Holy Word: but to speak particularly of their signification or site, would be a work of more difficulty than use: and besides, it is but curiosity to search into those things whereof we can neither have proof nor profit." (Trapp Commentary) This parcel was in the southernmost portion of Judah- who owned the southernmost portion of Canaan as an inheritance. If any enemies approached, they would confront Simeon first.
9 The inheritance of the children of Simeon was included in the share of the children of Judah, for the share of the children of Judah was too much for them. Therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of that people.
“Judges 1:3 points to a close bond between the tribes of Simeon and Judah--they march and fight together as brothers to establish themselves in Canaan.”(Tyndale Bible Dictionary) It seems that, for their sins, the Levites were made servants in religious things and their inheritance was scattered throughout Israel for that purpose. Simeon, in contrast, was scattered throughout Judah only. The sepulcher of rule would come from Judah, from whence Jesus- the Law Giver- would come. So maybe they were government servants.
This all came from the sins of Simeon and Judah against Shechem in the days of Israel their father. Indeed, “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) "Thus were Jacob’s (Israel's) words brought to pass, which he spoke on his death-bed regarding Simeon and Levi: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel… In Judges 1 we read that Judah invoked the assistance of Simeon to complete the conquest of his inheritance, and also assisted Simeon to conquer his.” (Ellicott's Commentary) After destroying the inhabitants of the land, they should work together in fighting off any enemies of Israel coming from the south. Meanwhile, the Levites would assist the priests at Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant resided in the land of Ephriam (in the north country), in ministering true religion in the land.
Joshua 19: The Land of Zebulun
10 The third lot came out for the children of Zebulun according to their families, and the border of their inheritance was as far as Sarid. 11 Their border went toward the west and to Maralah, went to Dabbasheth, and extended along the brook that is east of Jokneam. 12 Then from Sarid it went eastward toward the sunrise along the border of Chisloth Tabor, and went out toward Daberath, bypassing Japhia. 13 And from there it passed along on the east of Gath Hepher, toward Eth Kazin, and extended to Rimmon, which borders on Neah. 14 Then the border went around it on the north side of Hannathon, and it ended in the Valley of Jiphthah El. 15 Included were Kattath, Nahallal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages. 16 This was the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their families, these cities with their villages.
The third lot [of the seven] came out for the children of Zebulun, "the sixth and last son borne to Jacob by Leah, who named the boy Zebulun, meaning ‘abode, dwelling,’ for she said, ‘Now my husband will dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons’ (Gn 30:20, )..." (Tyndale) Leah longed for Jacob's love, but he loved Rachel more than Leah.
It is good for brethren to dwell together. The children of Zebulun abode with their kin folk. “During the journey from Egypt to Palestine, the tribe of Zebulun formed one of the first camps, with Judah and Issachar, also sons of Leah, marching under the standard of Judah." (Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges)
As far as priority of inheritance: ”Zebulun is here put before Issachar, his elder brother, as he is also Genesis 49:13,14 Deu 33:18. And their border went up toward the sea, and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam (Wesley says it is supposed to be Kishon); The sea, i.e. the midland sea, as on the other side it reached to the sea of Galilee, and so those prophecies concerning him, Genesis 49:13 Deu 33:18, were abundantly fulfilled." (Matthew Poole's Commentary)
"The lot of this tribe was washed by the midland sea on the west, and by the sea of Tiberias on the east, answering Jacob's prophecy, Zebulun shall be an haven of ships; trading ships on the great sea, and fishing ships on the sea of Galilee." (Wesley Notes)
"The extent from north to south cannot be very exactly traced; the sites of many of the places through which the boundary line is drawn being unknown." (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown)
"It is easy to conceive, that twelve cities would not have been sufficient to lodge and support the inhabitants of a tribe which exceeded sixty thousand; Numbers 26:27. The historian then has named here only the chief cities, those which were upon the borders of the other tribes; or perhaps those which the commissioners, on surveying the country, had set down in the maps and minutes which they presented to Joshua. Two other cities of Zebulun, viz. Kartah and Dimnah, are afterwards spoken of; ch. Joshua 21:34-35.” (Coke)
We do know that in His days of visitation, Jesus abode in the land of Zebulun. ”In this tribe lay Nazareth, where Jesus dwelt; Tabor, where he was transfigured; and the coasts of the sea of Galilee, the chief scene of his ministry and miracles, were all in this tribe: it produced also one judge, Tola, and one king of Israel, Baasha." (Coke Commentary)
Jesus Begins His Ministry in Capernaum-- "Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: 'The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, Light has dawned.' [Isaiah 9:1–2] From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'" (Matthew 4:12–17)
“It is just with God to take the gospel and the means of grace, from those that slight them and thrust them away. Christ will not stay long where he is not welcome. Those who are without Christ, are in the dark. They were sitting in this condition, a contented posture; they chose it rather than light; they were willingly ignorant. When the gospel comes, light comes; when it comes to any place, when it comes to any soul, it makes day there. Light discovers and directs; so does the gospel. The doctrine of repentance is right gospel doctrine. Not only the austere John Baptist, but the gracious Jesus, preached repentance. There is still the same reason to do so. The kingdom of heaven was not reckoned to be fully come, till the pouring out of the Holy Spirit after Christ's ascension." (Matthew Henry Commentary)
"Here was the very scene of which Isaiah had spoken, the old border country of Zebulon and of Naphthali. To him and to others who had been in the darkness of spiritual ignorance, neglected and uncared for, as sheep gone astray in the dark valley of death, there had sprung up a marvellous Light. Unconsciously he adds his testimony to that of St. John, that the presence of Jesus was felt to be that of the ‘true Light’ that ‘lighteth every man’ (John 1:9).” (Ellicott's Bible Commentary)
Joshua 19: Land of Issachar
17 The fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families.
18 And their territory went to Jezreel, and included Chesulloth, Shunem, 19 Haphraim, Shion, Anaharath, 20 Rabbith, Kishion, Abez, 21 Remeth, En Gannim, En Haddah, and Beth Pazzez. 22 And the border reached to Tabor, Shahazimah, and Beth Shemesh; their border ended at the Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages. 23 This was the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities and their villages.
I really struggled with all the different takes on this one. I am finding that daily posts are sometimes too much for me. Instead, I will only post when I feel I'm ready. Every time I think it's too much and I'm ready to give up, the Lord fills my mind with new thoughts and His Spirit renews me and gives me hope. Third times the charm.
The fourth lot [of seven] came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar... "among whom the inheritance that came to them by the lot was divided, according to the number of them." (Gill's Exposition)
”Instead of describing the boundaries of this tribe, the inspired historian gives a list of its principal cities. These cities are all in the eastern part of the plain of Esdraelon." (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown)
"And their border was toward Jezreel... In a rich and fat soil, according to that was foretold by Jacob and Moses; [Genesis 49:14-15 Deuteronomy 33:18-19] ” (Trapp)
Jacob said in prophecy, "Issachar is a strong 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." And Moses said in prophecy, of Zebulun "Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and Issachar in your tents! They shall call the peoples to the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness; for they shall partake of the abundance of the seas and of treasures hidden in the sand.”
"Zebulun possessed a commodious sea-shore and the fisheries of the Lake of Tiberias: and was therefore to thrive by commerce, and to rejoice in his 'going out,' i. e., in his mercantile enterprises. Issachar possessed a fertile inland district, and would therefore dwell at home and prosper in agriculture. Both tribes distinguished themselves in the contest with Jabin (compare Judges 5:14-15, Judges 5:18): and of Zebulun it is particularly noted that it produced the officers and tacticians who led and marshalled the host which vanquished Sisera (see Judges 5:14, and compare 1 Chronicles 12:33)." (Barnes Notes)
"Little is known about Issachar (the person) except what he did along with the other sons of Israel. He had four sons (46:13), who headed clans in the tribe (1 Chr 7:1-5). His family went with Jacob to Egypt, where they died (although Issachar's remains were subsequently moved to Shechem with the other 12 patriarchs--Acts 7:16).” (Tyndale Bible Dictionary) But of Issachar's descendants in the land of promise, it is said: "Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds." (Genesis 49:14; NASB- Jacob) "They shall call the peoples to the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness." (Deuteronomy 33:19 – Moses)
The sheepfold or the burden might be children of Israel. "They shall call the people unto the mountain.—Or, they shall give the mountain-call to the peoples—i.e., they shall call the tribes of Israel to Mount Moriah to offer the sacrifices of righteousness. (See 2Chronicles 30:11; 2Chronicles 30:18 for an illustration of this.)" (Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers) So instead of Genesis 49:14 suggesting sloth in work, as Tyndale suggests, it might rather point to a tribe of servants, willing to wait on tables and serve the widows, blending in with the remnant of Judah, rather than trying to make a name for themselves.
"It was no ordinary wisdom that placed the descendants of Rachel (Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh) between Judah on the south and Judah’s two associates on the north—to cement the union of all Israel, and as far as possible to prevent discord." (Ellicott's Commentary)
All this was a blessing on the sons of Leah as the result of a barter with Rachel, the mother of Ruben, where they exchanged mandrakes for living arrangements. In that arrangement, Issachar, Zebulun and Dinah are born. I believe that though Jacob loved Rachel, Leah was the more righteous of the two. Mandrakes are associated with love, perhaps fertility. It comes from the word love. It has been called the love apple. So, Rachel in wanting this fruit so passionately speaks of her looking to science instead of Yahweh. Leah, on the other hand, buys the right to birth these children.
"In exchange, she agreed to let Leah live as wife with Jacob. For some unexplained reason [perhaps, merely Jacob’s love for Rachel), Leah had apparently lost her privileges as wife.” (Believer's Bible Commentary) "This scene of Rachel’s seemingly unquenchable desire [for food]… recapitulates Esau’s ravenous hunger.” (Brazos Theological Commentary)
Joshua 19: The Land of Asher
24 The fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families. 25 And their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph, 26 Alammelech, Amad, and Mishal; it reached to Mount Carmel westward, along the Brook Shihor Libnath. 27 It turned toward the sunrise to Beth Dagon; and it reached to Zebulun and to the Valley of Jiphthah El, then northward beyond Beth Emek and Neiel, bypassing Cabul which was on the left, 28 including Ebron,[a]Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, as far as Greater Sidon. 29 And the border turned to Ramah and to the fortified city of Tyre; then the border turned to Hosah, and ended at the sea by the region of Achzib. 30 Also Ummah, Aphek, and Rehob were included: twenty-two cities with their villages. 31 This was the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.
ASHER (PERSON)— name meaning “Blessed.” “Jacob's son born to Leah's maid Zilpah (Gn 30:12-13). The name Asher, probably meaning ‘happy,’ was given to the child by Leah in her delight at his birth. Asher had four sons, Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah, and a daughter, Serah (Gn 46:17; 1 Chr 7:30)… Asher… received a special blessing and prediction from Jacob as he was dying (Gn 49:20; cf. Dt 33:24-25, where the dying Moses blessed Asher and the other tribes." (Tyndale Bible Dictionary)
”Bread from Asher shall be rich, and he shall yield royal dainties." (Genesis 49:20) “Concerning Asher, he (Jacob) foretells, That it should be a rich tribe, replenished not only with bread for necessity, but with fatness, with dainties, royal dainties, and these exported out of Asher, to other tribes, perhaps to other lands. The God of nature has provided for us not only necessaries but dainties, that we might call him a bountiful benefactor; yet, whereas all places are competently furnished with necessaries, only some places afford dainties. Corn is more common than spices. Were the supports of luxury as universal as the supports of life, the world would be worse than it is, and that needs not.” (Wesley Notes)
And how shall this be except for the inheritance herein described. "Out of Asher his bread shall be fat,… may be otherwise rendered: Of Asher the bread shall be fat (Kalisch); fat shall be his bread (Murphy); Out of Asher (cometh) fat his bread (Keil). The import of the blessing is that Asher should possess a specially productive soil." (Pulpit Commentary)
"Asher shall have a soil abounding in wheat and oil. He occupies the low lands along the coast north of Karmel. Hence, the products of his country are fit to furnish the table of kings." (Barnes Notes on the Bible) And “Zebulun, the trading tribe, could reach the sea only through their possessions." (Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers)
And Moses said concerning the tribe, "Asher is most blessed of sons; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil. Your sandals shall beiron and bronze; as your days, so shall your strength be." (Deuteronomy 33:24–25)
Asher is most blessed of sons... "It can be translated 'more blessed than all sons.'" (Elliott) He "carries blessedness in his very name." (Wesley)
Let him be favored by his brothers... "by his sweet disposition and winning carriage.” (Wesley)
And let him dip his foot in oil. Your sandals shall be iron and bronze; as your days, so shall your strength be... “He shall have such plenty of oil that he may not only wash his face, but his feet also in it.” (Wesley Notes) Perhaps, this oil is olive oil, a symbol for the Holy Spirit, which living in us by anointing, brings the things of prophetic nature to pass.
Diligent and prayerful searching [for things of God] will discover the hidden treasures which faith prizes more than gold, and which are ‘sweeter than honey.’ Let us glance briefly at Asher to give a little illustration of this. Asher means ‘happy,’ commonly translated by ‘blessed’ (Psalms 1:1; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 119:1).
The Lord’s people must be a happy people. Moses had pronounced them so (Deuteronomy 33:29). A few of the cities and boundaries of Asher and their meaning will show in what the happiness of God’s people consists. Helkath means ‘portion’; the Lord Himself is the portion of His people. He is our joy and happiness. Hali means ‘an ornament worked out with pain.’ We possess that which Christ has worked out for us in His death. Ahamelech means ‘God is King.’ This is a sweet morsel to faith. Amad, ‘an eternal people,’ speaks of our security, that we belong to God and nothing can separate us from Him. Misheal, ‘feeling after God,’ tells of the longing of the new nature, which finds happiness in God. Hammon, ‘sunny’; Kanah, ‘He has purchased’; Zidon, ‘taking the prey’; Hosah, ‘trust’; Ummah, ‘union’; Aphek, ‘strength’-these and others are easily seen as giving spiritual lessons on the happiness of the people of God who enjoy in faith the inheritance.” (Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible)
Joshua 19: The Land of Naphtali
32 The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, for the children of Naphtali according to their families. 33 And their border began at Heleph, enclosing the territory from the terebinth tree in Zaanannim, Adami Nekeb, and Jabneel, as far as Lakkum; it ended at the Jordan. 34 From Heleph the border extended westward to Aznoth Tabor, and went out from there toward Hukkok; it adjoined Zebulun on the south side and Asher on the west side, and ended at Judah by the Jordan toward the sunrise.
Naphtali "was the second of two sons borne to Jacob by Bilhah, Rachel's maid. Overjoyed with giving Jacob another son, Rachel named the boy Naphtali, meaning 'my wrestling,' for her conflict with Leah--'with mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister, and have prevailed' (Gn 30:8)." (Tyndale) It is good to wrestle, not with each other but with God- and win, as Jacob did, becoming Israel.... And then to climb to available heights, according to the Word of God.
Jacob prophesied, “Naphtali is a hind let loose; he uses beautiful words." (Gen 49:21) "Hind- The female of the hart or stag, a species of deer, distinguished for the lightness and elegance of its form. The hind is destitute of horns, like all the females of this class, except the reindeer. In Genesis 49:21 , Naphtali is compared to a hind roaming at liberty, or quickly growing up into elegance; while the 'goodly words' of Naphtali refer to the future orators, prophets, and poets of the tribe. A faithful and affectionate wife is compared to the hind, Proverbs 5:19 , as also are swift and sure-footed heroes, 2 Samuel 22:34; Habakkuk 3:19 ." (American Tract Society Bible Dictionary)
Our inheritance, like Naphtali's, is "in the main fertile, but there was a large mountain district, known as the mountain region of Naphtali (Josh 20:7). Some of the mountains rose to the height of more than 3,000 feet." (Pulpit Commentary)
Let us say, like the prophet to Judah, "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like hind’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills." (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
"Secret of the Hind's Feet- The hind is a female red deer whose home is the mountains. The rear feet of the hind step in precisely the same spot where the front feet have just been. Every motion of the hind is followed through with single-focused consistency, making it the most sure-footed of all mountain animals." Hannah's Cupboard- Secret Hind)... thus making it to the true high places of Israel.
"Are you and I familiar with these upper ranges of thought and experience and life? Do we feel at home there more than down in the bottoms, amongst the swamps, and the miasma, and the mists? Where is your home, brother? The Mass begins with Sursum corda: ‘Up with your hearts,’ and that is the word for us. But the way to get up is to keep ourselves in touch with Jesus Christ, and then He will, even whilst our feet are travelling along this road of earth, set us at His own right hand in the heavenly places, and make them ‘our high places.’ It is safe up there. The air is pure; the poison mists are down lower; the hunters do not come there; their arrows or their rifles will not carry so far. It is only when the herd ventures a little down the hill that it is in danger from shots." (MacLaren's Expositions)
"And of Naphtali he (Moses) said: 'O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, and full of the blessing of the Lord, possess the west and the south.'” (Deuteronomy 33:23)
Though Naphtali successfully occupied the region, "they did not initially drive out the Canaanites (Jgs 1:33). They did, however, subjugate the inhabitants of the Canaanite cities Beth-shemesh and Beth-anath to forced labor. As a result of their location, they were involved in some major conflicts with the indigenous population and foreign invaders...
During the UNITED monarchy, the tribe of Naphtali sent troops to Hebron, demonstrating their support of David's kingship over all of Israel (1 Chr 12:34). Naphtali's continued allegiance to the Davidic dynasty was evidenced in their support of Solomon's administrative system. Ahimaaz of Naphtali's tribe was one of 12 officers who administered the various regional districts for the king; this same Ahimaaz also married Basemath, the daughter of Solomon (1 Kgs 4:15).
The history of the tribe during the DIVIDED monarchy is sketchy, and references to Naphtali occur in the contexts of military conflicts... According to the prophet Isaiah (Is 9:1), though the Lord had made Naphtali's land contemptible, he would make it glorious once again. Matthew sees the fulfillment of this prophecy in the person of Christ, who brought the message of God's kingdom to the Jews living in the region of Naphtali's tribe (Mt 4:13-15). In the book of Revelation (Rv 7:6), 12,000 members of Naphtali's tribe are included among the sealed multitude of Israel." (Tyndale Bible Dictionary)
"It is in the New Testament that Naphtali enjoys its greatest distinction, the lake of Galilee and the towns on its banks, so conspicuous in the gospel history, having been situated there." (Expositor's Bible Commentary)
35 And the fortified cities are Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth, 36 Adamah, Ramah, Hazor, 37 Kedesh, Edrei, En Hazor, 38 Iron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth Anath, and Beth Shemesh: nineteen cities with their villages. 39 This was the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities and their villages.
"The number of the fortified cities of Naphtali is remarkable... It was no doubt good policy to protect the northern frontier by a belt of fortresses, as the south was protected by the fenced cities of Judah." (Barnes) Let us help fortify Heaven for some by sharing the Gospel of Peace, thus occupying one of the fortified cities, either in the north or the south of Israel.