Joshua 19:10

¶ And the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families: and the border of their inheritance was unto Sarid:

And the third {H7992} lot {H1486} came up {H5927} for the children {H1121} of Zebulun {H2074} according to their families {H4940}: and the border {H1366} of their inheritance {H5159} was unto Sarid {H8301}:

The third lot came up for the descendants of Z'vulun according to their families. The border of their inheritance began at Sarid.

The third lot came up for the clans of the tribe of Zebulun:

And the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families. And the border of their inheritance was unto Sarid;

Commentary

Joshua 19:10 details the allocation of land to the tribe of Zebulun, marking the third lot drawn for the remaining Israelite tribes. This verse is part of the extensive record in the Book of Joshua, which meticulously documents the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel after their conquest of Canaan.

Context of Joshua 19:10

Following the initial distribution of territory to Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh, Joshua oversaw the surveying of the remaining land and its division by lot among the other seven tribes (as described in Joshua 18:1-10). This particular verse highlights the moment when the inheritance for the children of Zebulun was determined, with their border extending to Sarid, a significant geographical marker. This process underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham regarding the land (Genesis 12:7).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence: The distribution by "lot" (Hebrew: goral) signifies that the land was not merely divided by human strategy but by divine appointment. This method was believed to reveal God's will, emphasizing His sovereign hand in establishing each tribe's specific dwelling place. Proverbs 16:33 states, "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD."
  • Fulfillment of God's Promises: The detailed assignment of territories to each tribe, including Zebulun, is a tangible demonstration of God making good on His covenant promises to bring His people into the land He swore to their forefathers (Genesis 15:18).
  • Inheritance and Identity: The concept of "inheritance" (Hebrew: nachalah) is central. This was not just a temporary possession but a permanent, divinely apportioned legacy for each family within the tribe, shaping their identity and future within the nation of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The term "lot" (Hebrew: goral) refers to a small object, like a stone or stick, used in ancient times for making decisions or dividing portions. Its use here reinforces the belief that God was actively involved in the distribution of the land, leaving no room for human bias or dispute in the ultimate allocation.

Practical Application

For believers today, Joshua 19:10 serves as a reminder of God's meticulous care and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Just as He precisely allotted physical land to His people Israel, He also provides for our needs and has prepared a spiritual inheritance for those who are in Christ (Ephesians 1:11). This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He works out all things according to His perfect will, even the seemingly small details of our lives.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 18:11

    ¶ And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.

  • Joshua 18:6

    Ye shall therefore describe the land [into] seven parts, and bring [the description] hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.

  • Genesis 49:13

    ¶ Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he [shall be] for an haven of ships; and his border [shall be] unto Zidon.

  • Deuteronomy 33:18

    ¶ And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents.

  • Deuteronomy 33:19

    They shall call the people unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness: for they shall suck [of] the abundance of the seas, and [of] treasures hid in the sand.
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