Joshua 19:21

KJV

And Remeth, and Engannim, and Enhaddah, and Bethpazzez;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Remeth {H7432}, and Engannim {H5873}, and Enhaddah {H5876}, and Bethpazzez {H1048};

Complete Jewish Bible

Remet, 'Ein-Ganim, 'Ein-Hadah and Beit-Patzetz.

Berean Standard Bible

Remeth, En-gannim, En-haddah, and Beth-pazzez.

American Standard Version

and Remeth, and Engannim, and En-haddah, and Beth-pazzez,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:21 is a concise yet significant verse, listing four towns—Remeth, Engannim, Enhaddah, and Bethpazzez—as part of the territorial inheritance allotted to the tribe of Issachar. This seemingly simple enumeration is a vital component of the meticulous record of land distribution in Canaan, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, ensuring each tribe received its divinely appointed portion with precise detail.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 19 details the final phase of land allocation to the remaining seven Israelite tribes: Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. This specific chapter follows the initial, larger divisions granted to Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh in earlier chapters. The process of distributing the land was carried out by lot at Shiloh, the central place of worship where the tabernacle resided, under the authoritative supervision of Joshua, Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the tribal families. Joshua 19:17-23 specifically outlines the boundaries and cities belonging to the tribe of Issachar, with verse 21 providing a further enumeration of towns within their designated territory. The inclusion of such detailed lists throughout [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - The Division of the Land") serves as a legal and historical record, validating the divine fulfillment of God's promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Joshua 19 occur during the initial settlement period of Canaan, following the successful military campaigns led by Joshua. In ancient Near Eastern societies, land was the fundamental basis of wealth, identity, and security. A clearly defined tribal inheritance was crucial for maintaining social order, preventing inter-tribal disputes, and ensuring the long-term viability of each family line within the larger nation of Israel. The meticulous recording of these boundaries and cities reflected a common practice in the ancient world for establishing legal deeds and property rights. Furthermore, the allocation by lot at Shiloh, under the guidance of the spiritual and political leadership, emphasized that the land was a divine gift, not merely a conquest, reinforcing God's sovereignty over the land and its people, as promised in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land").
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous enumeration of towns in Joshua 19:21, though seemingly mundane, powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. First, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's absolute commitment to honoring His covenant promises made to the patriarchs, particularly Abraham, regarding the land of Canaan. Every city listed, every boundary drawn, testifies to God's unwavering word. Second, it underscores **Order and Specificity** in God's divine plan. The precise nature of the land distribution, down to individual towns, reveals that God's governance is not vague but meticulously detailed, ensuring each tribe received its exact, divinely appointed inheritance and minimizing future conflicts over territory. Finally, these lists establish **Tribal Identity and Inheritance**, solidifying the distinct geographical and communal identity of the tribe of Issachar, as well as all other tribes. Each tribe had a specific place and role within the unified nation of Israel, emphasizing both their individual heritage and their collective identity under God's sovereign rule, as seen in the broader account of the land's division in [Joshua 14](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Caleb's Inheritance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Engannim (Hebrew, _ʿEn Gannim'_):** This name literally translates to "spring of gardens." The presence of "spring" (`ʿEn`) indicates a reliable water source, which was invaluable in the semi-arid climate of Canaan. "Gardens" (`Gannim`) suggests a fertile, cultivated area, implying prosperity and agricultural productivity. The inclusion of such a name points to the richness and provision inherent in the land God was giving to Issachar.
* **Enhaddah (Hebrew, _ʿEn Ḥaddah'_):** Meaning "swift spring," this name also highlights the presence of water, but perhaps indicating a more active or rapidly flowing source. Like Engannim, it underscores the natural resources and life-sustaining elements present in Issachar's inheritance, further testifying to God's generous provision.
* **Remeth (Hebrew, _Remet'_):** The meaning of Remeth is less certain, with scholarly debate. Some suggest it might derive from a root meaning "to be high" or "exalted," possibly indicating a town situated on an elevated position. Others propose connections to words related to "worm" or "maggot," though this is less likely in a place name context. Its inclusion, regardless of precise etymology, marks another specific point within the tribal territory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Remeth":** This phrase introduces the first of four towns listed in this verse as part of Issachar's inheritance. It signifies a specific geographical location, contributing to the detailed mapping of the tribe's designated territory.
* **"and Engannim":** Following Remeth, Engannim is named, likely a significant settlement known for its fertile springs and gardens. Its inclusion highlights the natural abundance and agricultural potential within Issachar's allotted land, a testament to God's provision.
* **"and Enhaddah":** This third town, characterized by a "swift spring," further emphasizes the presence of vital water sources within Issachar's territory. The repetition of "spring" in the names of successive towns underscores the importance of water for sustenance and prosperity in the region.
* **"and Bethpazzez":** The final town listed in this specific verse, Bethpazzez completes this segment of Issachar's territorial description. While its precise meaning is debated, its inclusion, like the others, contributes to the exhaustive and precise record of the land division, ensuring no part of the inheritance was left unrecorded.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Joshua 19:21, and indeed throughout the land division chapters, is **Cataloging** or **Listing**. This technique involves the systematic enumeration of items—in this case, towns—to convey a sense of completeness, precision, and historical record. The sheer volume and detail of these lists serve to emphasize the exhaustive nature of God's fulfillment of His promises. The repeated conjunction "and" (**polysyndeton**) linking each town name creates a rhythmic, almost incantatory effect, reinforcing the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the land allocation. Furthermore, the **Geographical Specificity** inherent in the place names themselves (e.g., "spring of gardens") functions as a descriptive device, providing a mental map of the territory and highlighting the natural features and resources of the land God provided.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:21, though a simple list of names, is profoundly significant in its theological implications. It stands as a testament to God's meticulous and unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises. The detailed enumeration of towns, even those seemingly obscure, underscores that God's plans are not vague abstractions but concrete realities, precisely executed. This attention to detail in the physical distribution of land reflects God's sovereign control over all creation and human affairs, demonstrating that His word is reliable and His promises are certain. For the Israelites, these lists were not merely geographical data; they were a tangible, verifiable record of their heritage, a constant reminder of God as their ultimate Provider and the One who keeps His word across generations. This divine precision in land distribution foreshadows God's meticulous care in every aspect of His redemptive plan, culminating in Christ.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34 "Numbers 34 - Boundaries of the Promised Land")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalms/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God Dividing the Land by Lot")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Joshua 19:21 might initially appear as a dry, genealogical-style listing of names, its profound spiritual lessons lie in its context and implications. This verse reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, who faithfully fulfills every promise, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Just as He precisely allocated land to each tribe, He has a specific plan and purpose for each of our lives, down to the details. This should inspire profound trust and confidence in His providence, even when our circumstances seem mundane or our path unclear. It encourages us to recognize God's hand in the seemingly ordinary aspects of our lives, appreciating His faithfulness in providing for our needs and guiding our steps, just as He provided a tangible inheritance for Issachar. This passage calls us to reflect on the certainty of God's promises, knowing that if He was faithful in the physical inheritance of Israel, He will be even more faithful in the spiritual inheritance promised to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land distribution in Joshua challenge or affirm your understanding of His character?**
* **In what areas of your life are you waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled, and how does this passage encourage perseverance and trust in His timing and precision?**
* **How can we recognize and appreciate God's precise and detailed provision in our own lives, even in seemingly small or mundane ways, and give Him glory for it?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: The cities listed in Joshua 19:21—Remeth, Engannim, Enhaddah, and Bethpazzez—are part of the comprehensive and detailed record of the territorial inheritance allotted to the tribe of Issachar. Their listing served a crucial legal and historical purpose, acting as a definitive deed for the tribe's possessions within the Promised Land. The names themselves often carry descriptive meanings in Hebrew, such as "spring of gardens" for Engannim, which provides insight into the geographical and agricultural characteristics of the land God provided. The ultimate significance lies in demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness and precision in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel, establishing their distinct tribal identities, and ensuring a clear, undisputed inheritance for each family.

**Does this verse have any prophetic significance?**

Answer: While Joshua 19:21 is not directly prophetic in the sense of foretelling a specific future event, it carries profound theological significance that points forward to the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan. The meticulous fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel a physical inheritance in the land serves as a powerful type or shadow of the ultimate, spiritual inheritance provided through Jesus Christ. It underscores the foundational principle of God's absolute faithfulness to His word. This faithfulness, demonstrated in the land distribution, assures believers that God will also fulfill His greater promises of eternal life and an incorruptible inheritance in the heavenly kingdom, which are realized in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed land distribution in Joshua, including the specific towns listed in Joshua 19:21, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly inheritance of Canaan, though a tangible expression of God's faithfulness to Israel, was always a shadow pointing to a greater, eternal reality. Jesus is the true and ultimate inheritance for God's people, the one who secures for us not merely a plot of land, but an eternal dwelling in the "heavenly country" (as described in [Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - Longing for a Heavenly Country")). Just as God meticulously ensured every tribe received its portion, Christ, as the heir of all things, grants to believers an inheritance 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 Imperishable")). Through His atoning work, we are "chosen... having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory" ([Ephesians 1:11-12](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-12 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). The precision of the land allocation in Joshua foreshadows the divine precision of God's redemptive plan, where every promise finds its "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), culminating in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heavens and New 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.

Cross-References

Joshua 21:29

Jarmuth with her suburbs, Engannim with her suburbs; four cities.