Joshua 19:20

KJV

And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Rabbith {H7245}, and Kishion {H7191}, and Abez {H77},

Complete Jewish Bible

Rabit, Kishyon, Evetz,

Berean Standard Bible

Rabbith, Kishion, Ebez,

American Standard Version

and Rabbith, and Kishion, and Ebez,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:20, a succinct verse listing Rabbith, Kishion, and Abez, serves as a precise enumeration of cities allotted to the tribe of Issachar within their territorial inheritance. Far from a mere geographical detail, this verse profoundly underscores God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating the orderly and tangible reality of their settlement in the Promised Land under divine guidance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 19:20 is embedded within the extensive account of the land distribution among the tribes of Israel, specifically detailing the inheritance of Issachar (Joshua 19:17-23). This section follows the division of land for other tribes and precedes the allocation for Asher, Naphtali, and Dan, culminating in Joshua's own inheritance. The consistent listing of boundaries, cities, and villages throughout chapters 13-19 emphasizes the comprehensive and systematic nature of the land allocation, serving as a tangible record of God's promise fulfilled. The specific mention of cities like Rabbith, Kishion, and Abez provides concrete evidence of the detailed fulfillment of the divine covenant, transforming abstract promises into specific, inhabitable places.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Joshua 19 occur in the post-conquest period, after Israel's military campaigns against the Canaanite city-states and prior to the establishment of the monarchy. The division of the land by lot, overseen by Joshua and Eleazar the priest (as mentioned in [Joshua 19:51](/joshua/19-51 "Joshua 19:51 - Division of the Land by Lot")), was a divinely sanctioned method to ensure impartiality and to signify God's direct hand in the inheritance. The tribe of Issachar was known for its agricultural prowess and its strategic location in the fertile Jezreel Valley, a vital corridor for trade and military movements. Historically, the possession of specific towns and territories was foundational to tribal identity, economic stability, and the establishment of a national presence, directly fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant promises of land and nationhood found in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham").
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of these seemingly obscure city names contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness**, serving as irrefutable proof that God meticulously honors every detail of His covenant promises, even down to specific geographical locations. Secondly, the systematic enumeration highlights **Orderly Inheritance**, demonstrating God's preference for order, justice, and precise provision for His people, ensuring each tribe received a clearly defined and undisputed portion. This orderly division prevented chaos and laid the groundwork for Israel's societal structure. Lastly, these lists collectively portray **God's Bountiful Provision**, showcasing His generosity in granting His people a land of rest and abundance after generations of wandering and warfare, a land "flowing with milk and honey" as promised in [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rabbith (Hebrew, _rabbît_):** The name of this city likely derives from a root meaning "multitude" or "populous." While its exact location is debated, the name itself might suggest a place of significant habitation or potential for growth, reflecting the prosperity God intended for Issachar's inheritance.
* **Kishion (Hebrew, _qišyôn_):** This name is thought to be related to a root meaning "hard" or "strong." This could imply a fortified or strategically important location, perhaps indicating a place of defense or a resilient settlement within the tribal territory.
* **Abez (Hebrew, _ʾeḇeṣ_):** The meaning of "Abez" is less certain, possibly related to "tin" or "shining." Like the other names, its primary significance in this context is its inclusion as a specific, identifiable place, underscoring the concrete reality of the land allotment rather than its etymological meaning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Rabbith":** This clause introduces the first of three specific cities listed in this particular sequence for the tribe of Issachar. The conjunction "and" links it directly to the preceding descriptions of Issachar's boundaries and other cities, emphasizing the continuous and comprehensive nature of their inheritance.
* **"and Kishion":** The second city in this triad, its inclusion further reinforces the meticulous detail with which the land was divided. Each named city represents a tangible piece of the divine promise, validating the accuracy and thoroughness of the biblical record concerning the land distribution.
* **"and Abez":** The final city in this short enumeration, completing the list. The repetition of the conjunction "and" before each city name creates a cumulative effect, highlighting the numerous and specific places that constituted Issachar's allotted territory, demonstrating a complete and precise fulfillment of God's word.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 19:20 is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. The verse presents a simple list of three place names: Rabbith, Kishion, and Abez. This technique is used extensively throughout Joshua chapters 13-19 to document the precise boundaries and cities allotted to each tribe. Its purpose is not to tell a story but to provide a factual, detailed record, lending an air of **Verisimilitude** and historical accuracy to the narrative. The specific, often obscure, names of these cities serve to ground the account in concrete reality, demonstrating that the inheritance was not a vague promise but a tangible, geographically defined possession. The repeated use of the conjunction "and" before each city name also functions as a subtle form of **Repetition**, emphasizing the additive nature of the inheritance and the completeness of the divine provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:20, despite its brevity, serves as a powerful testament to the meticulous nature of God's covenant faithfulness. The listing of these specific, often obscure, cities underscores that God’s promises are not vague generalities but precise and tangible realities. Just as a legal deed meticulously lists properties, this verse confirms the divine "deed" of the land to Israel. It highlights God's commitment to every detail of His word, demonstrating that His provision is both comprehensive and exact. This meticulousness should inspire profound trust in His care for every aspect of our lives, knowing that if He is faithful in such grand, detailed promises, He is certainly faithful in our individual circumstances.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Boundaries of the Promised Land")
* [Psalm 16:5-6](/psalm/16-5 "The Lord is My Chosen Portion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 19:20, a seemingly mundane list of ancient cities, carries profound implications for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of intricate details, and His faithfulness extends to every specific promise He makes. Just as He precisely allocated land to the tribes of Israel, down to individual towns like Rabbith, Kishion, and Abez, He meticulously cares for the specific needs, circumstances, and "inheritances" of His people today. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's unwavering faithfulness, even when our lives feel ordinary or when we are navigating seemingly insignificant details. It challenges us to recognize God's hand in the everyday provisions and to see our own lives as part of a larger, divinely ordered plan. Furthermore, it prompts us to consider our spiritual inheritance in Christ—a reality far grander than any physical land—and to live in light of the certainty of those eternal promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision in Joshua 19:20 encourage your trust in His care for the "small details" of your own life?**
* **In what ways do you recognize God's faithfulness fulfilling His promises in your personal journey, even when the path seems mundane or difficult?**
* **What "inheritance" (spiritual blessings, gifts, calling) has God given you, and how are you stewarding it for His glory?**

### FAQ

**Why are these specific cities listed, and what is their significance?**

Answer: These specific cities—Rabbith, Kishion, and Abez—are listed as part of the territorial inheritance allotted to the tribe of Issachar. Their significance lies not in their individual historical prominence (which is often obscure), but in their collective function within the biblical narrative. They serve as tangible, verifiable proof of God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the land of Canaan. The detailed enumeration underscores the orderly and precise nature of the land division, demonstrating that Israel's inheritance was a concrete reality, not a vague concept. It also highlights the divine hand in the allocation, as the land was divided by lot under the supervision of Joshua and Eleazar the priest, as described in [Joshua 19:51](/joshua/19-51 "Joshua 19:51 - Division of the Land by Lot").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 19:20 describes a physical land inheritance, it powerfully foreshadows the spiritual inheritance that believers receive in Christ. The meticulous detail with which God allocated earthly territory to Israel points to the even greater precision and certainty of the spiritual blessings He has prepared for His people through His Son. Just as the land was a gift of rest and provision after wandering and warfare, so too is Christ our ultimate rest and the source of every spiritual blessing. Through Him, we are blessed with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing")) and have obtained an "inheritance" ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")) that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Kept in Heaven")). The physical land was a shadow; Christ is the substance. He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")). The true "Promised Land" for the Christian is not a geographical location, but a living reality in union with Christ, where we share in the "inheritance of the saints in light" ([Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Sharing in the Inheritance of the Saints")) and anticipate the ultimate fulfillment when the meek shall inherit the earth ([Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - Blessed are the Meek, for They Shall Inherit the Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.