Joshua 19:23

KJV

This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities and their villages.

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the inheritance {H5159} of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Issachar {H3485} according to their families {H4940}, the cities {H5892} and their villages {H2691}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the descendants of Yissakhar according to their families, the cities, with their villages.

Berean Standard Bible

This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Issachar, including these cities and their villages.

American Standard Version

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities with their villages.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:23 concludes the detailed description of the territorial inheritance granted to the tribe of Issachar, affirming that their allotted portion of Canaan, comprising specific cities and their surrounding villages, was precisely distributed "according to their families." This verse serves as a final declaration of God's faithful provision and the meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel, establishing their tribal identity and permanent dwelling within the promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 19:23 marks the culmination of the description of Issachar's inheritance, which began in [Joshua 19:17](/joshua/19-17 "Joshua 19:17 - Issachar's Allotment Begins"). This verse is part of a larger section in the book of Joshua (chapters [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land Begins") through [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Final Tribal Allotments")) that meticulously details the division of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel. Following the initial conquest, the land was apportioned by lot at Shiloh, under the supervision of Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the tribal heads, ensuring a divinely guided and equitable distribution. The meticulous listing of boundaries, cities, and villages for each tribe underscores the historical and legal precision of this process, solidifying Israel's claim to the land as a fulfillment of God's ancient promises. The conclusion of Issachar's inheritance here leads directly into the description of Asher's territory in [Joshua 19:24](/joshua/19-24 "Joshua 19:24 - Asher's Allotment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land was a monumental event following decades of wandering and years of conquest. For ancient Israel, land was not merely property; it was intrinsically linked to their identity, covenant relationship with God, and tribal lineage. Each tribe's inheritance was meant to be permanent, passed down through generations, ensuring stability and preventing the accumulation of land by a few. The phrase "according to their families" highlights the patriarchal and familial structure of Israelite society, where the family unit was the foundational building block of the tribe. Issachar's territory, located in the fertile Jezreel Valley (also known as the Valley of Esdraelon), was strategically significant for its agricultural richness and its position along major trade routes. This location, though prosperous, also meant exposure to various foreign powers and conflicts throughout Israel's history, as seen in accounts like [Judges 4](/judges/4 "Judges 4 - Deborah and Barak") and [Judges 6](/judges/6 "Judges 6 - Gideon").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like others detailing the land division, powerfully underscores several core themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Fulfillment**, showcasing God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing His people into the promised land, just as He had sworn to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abraham"). The detailed enumeration of cities and villages emphasizes the precision and completeness of God's provision. Secondly, the theme of **Tribal Identity and Inheritance** is central. The land allotment solidified each tribe's distinct identity and established their permanent place within the nation, reinforcing the idea that their very existence and security were tied to this divine gift. The phrase "according to their families" reinforces the importance of lineage and the preservation of family inheritances, a concept deeply rooted in Israelite law (e.g., [Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Inheritance by Lot")). Finally, the meticulous establishment of **Boundaries and Order** is evident. The detailed mapping of territories throughout [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Tribal Allotments") was crucial for maintaining peace and preventing disputes among the tribes, reflecting God's desire for order and justice within His covenant community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _naḥălāh'_):** This term is central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament. It denotes an allotted possession, a heritage, or an estate, often specifically referring to the land given by God. It carries the strong connotation of something received by divine grant or from a predecessor, emphasizing that the land was not merely conquered but was a sacred gift from God to His chosen people, secured for future generations. It implies a permanent, inalienable possession, foundational to Israel's identity and their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Families (Hebrew, _mišpāḥāh'_):** This word refers to a clan or family unit, a subdivision of a tribe. Its inclusion here, "according to their families," underscores the meticulous and equitable nature of the land distribution. It signifies that the inheritance was not just for the tribe as a whole, but was carefully apportioned down to the specific family units within Issachar, ensuring that every household had its rightful place and portion of the land. This detail highlights the importance of lineage and the preservation of familial identity and property within Israelite society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar":** This opening clause serves as a declarative statement, formally identifying the subject of the preceding verses ([Joshua 19:17-22](/joshua/19-17 "Joshua 19:17-22 - Issachar's Cities")). It confirms that the described territory, with its specific cities and boundaries, is indeed the divinely allotted portion for the tribe of Issachar. The use of "inheritance" immediately frames this possession not as a conquest earned by human might alone, but as a gift received from God, fulfilling His ancient promises to the patriarchs.
* **"according to their families":** This crucial phrase emphasizes the precise and systematic nature of the land division. It signifies that the allocation was not a general tribal grant but was meticulously distributed among the various clans and family units that constituted the tribe of Issachar. This detail ensured fairness, affirmed the importance of lineage and familial identity, and laid the groundwork for the future social and economic structure of the tribe, with each family having a stake in the land.
* **"the cities and their villages":** This final phrase specifies the nature of the inheritance. It clarifies that the allotment included not only the named cities (as listed in [Joshua 19:18-22](/joshua/19-18 "Joshua 19:18-22 - Issachar's Cities Listed")) but also their surrounding dependent villages or settlements. This comprehensive description indicates a complete and functional territory, capable of supporting the tribe's agricultural and communal life, providing both urban centers and rural areas for dwelling and sustenance. It underscores the thoroughness of the land distribution process.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Enumeration** is prominent throughout [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Tribal Allotments"), and specifically in the preceding verses describing Issachar's territory, as it meticulously lists cities and boundaries. This detailed listing serves to establish the legal and historical validity of the land division, leaving no doubt about the precise extent of each tribe's inheritance. **Repetition** of the phrase "this is the inheritance" (or similar variations) across the tribal allotments (e.g., [Joshua 19:8](/joshua/19-8 "Joshua 19:8 - Judah's Inheritance Concludes"), [Joshua 19:16](/joshua/19-16 "Joshua 19:16 - Zebulun's Inheritance Concludes")) creates a sense of completion and divine order, reinforcing the idea that each tribe received its designated portion. The overall tone is one of **Legal/Covenantal Language**, reflecting the formal and binding nature of God's promises and their fulfillment. The precise, almost bureaucratic, language underscores the divine authority and meticulous planning behind the allocation of the promised land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:23, while seemingly a mere administrative detail, resounds with profound theological significance. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His meticulous fulfillment of covenant promises made generations earlier to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The detailed enumeration of land, cities, and families underscores that God's provision is not vague or haphazard, but precise, comprehensive, and perfectly tailored to His people's needs. This earthly inheritance in Canaan foreshadows a greater, spiritual inheritance, reminding us that God is a covenant-keeping God who delights in providing for His children, establishing their identity, and bringing them into a place of rest and security. Just as Issachar received their specific portion, so too does God have a unique plan and provision for each believer, ensuring their place within His eternal kingdom.

* [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Promised Land")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalm/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Provision of Inheritance")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Spiritual Inheritance in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail of Joshua 19:23, confirming Issachar's inheritance "according to their families," offers a profound lesson in God's character and His dealings with His people. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and faithfulness, who ensures that His promises are fulfilled down to the smallest detail. Just as He provided a specific, tangible inheritance for each tribe and family in ancient Israel, He also provides for us today, not necessarily with physical land, but with spiritual blessings, gifts, and a place within His kingdom. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan for our lives, knowing that He has meticulously designed our "inheritance" – our purpose, our gifts, our relationships, and our eternal hope. It calls us to live with gratitude for His provision and to steward well the blessings and responsibilities He has entrusted to us, recognizing that our true identity and security are found in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land division in Joshua affirm His character as a faithful and precise God?**
* **In what ways do you see God's "inheritance" or provision at work in your own life today, beyond material possessions?**
* **What does it mean to live "according to your families" in a spiritual sense, recognizing your place within the family of God?**
* **How does the concept of a divinely appointed inheritance encourage you to trust God's plan for your future?**

### FAQ

**Why is the distribution of land so meticulously detailed in the book of Joshua?**

Answer: The meticulous detail in the distribution of land, as seen in [Joshua 19:23](/joshua/19-23 "Joshua 19:23 - Issachar's Inheritance Concludes") and throughout [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land Begins"), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides a **legal and historical record** of God's fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were promised the land of Canaan (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abraham")). This detailed account validates Israel's claim to the land as a divine inheritance, not merely a conquered territory. Secondly, it established **order and prevented disputes** among the tribes, clearly defining boundaries and responsibilities. Each tribe and family knew their specific portion, reducing potential conflicts. Thirdly, it underscored the **importance of tribal identity and lineage**, as the land was allotted "according to their families," ensuring that each family unit had a permanent stake in the nation and its future. Finally, it demonstrated God's **meticulous care and faithfulness**, showing that His provision is precise and comprehensive, down to the smallest detail of cities and villages.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 19:23 describes an earthly inheritance of land for the tribe of Issachar, it profoundly foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and ultimate rest found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous division of land, ensuring each family received its portion, points to God's precise and personal provision for His people. In the New Covenant, Christ is our true "land" and "inheritance." He is the one who brings us into the ultimate rest, not merely a geographical one, but a spiritual Sabbath rest from our labors and the burden of sin (see [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest")). Through His atoning work, we, as believers, are adopted into God's family and receive an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Imperishable Inheritance")). Just as the land secured Israel's identity and future, so too does our spiritual inheritance in Christ secure our eternal identity as children of God and guarantee our future in His kingdom. He is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, the one who truly brings us into our promised "land" of grace, peace, and eternal life, making us "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

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.