Joshua 19:27

KJV

And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand,

KJV (with Strong's)

And turneth {H7725} toward the sunrising {H4217}{H8121} to Bethdagon {H1016}, and reacheth {H6293} to Zebulun {H2074}, and to the valley {H1516} of Jiphthahel {H3317} toward the north side {H6828} of Bethemek {H1025}, and Neiel {H5272}, and goeth out {H3318} to Cabul {H3521} on the left hand {H8040},

Complete Jewish Bible

The border turned eastward to Beit-Dagon, reached to Z'vulun and the Yiftach'el Valley on its north, then Beit-'Emek and Ne'i'el, went out to Kavul on the left,

Berean Standard Bible

then turned eastward toward Beth-dagon, touched Zebulun and the Valley of Iphtah-el, and went north to Beth-emek and Neiel, passing Cabul on the left.

American Standard Version

and it turned toward the sunrising to Beth-dagon, and reached to Zebulun, and to the valley of Iphtah-el northward to Beth-emek and Neiel; and it went out to Cabul on the left hand,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:27 meticulously details a segment of the northern and eastern boundary of the territory allotted to the tribe of Asher, specifically tracing its path from Bethdagon towards Zebulun, through the valley of Jiphthahel, and extending to Cabul. This verse, like the broader geographical descriptions in Joshua 13-21, serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Israel by precisely delineating their inheritance in the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 19:27 is situated within the extensive section of the book of Joshua (chapters 13-21) that meticulously describes the division of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel. Following the initial conquests, this section serves as a detailed record of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land as an inheritance. Specifically, chapter 19 outlines the portions received by Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. Verse 27, therefore, is a precise geographical marker within the larger narrative of Asher's inheritance, defining its border in relation to neighboring tribes and significant landmarks. The meticulous nature of these boundary descriptions underscores the legal and theological significance of the land distribution, transforming divine promise into tangible reality.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Joshua is the immediate aftermath of the Israelite conquest of Canaan, marking the transition from nomadic wandering to settled agricultural life. Land ownership was paramount in ancient Israelite society, serving as the basis for tribal identity, economic sustenance, and covenantal blessing. The detailed boundary descriptions, such as those in Joshua 19:27, would have been crucial for establishing clear tribal jurisdictions, preventing disputes, and ensuring the long-term stability of the Israelite confederacy. The mention of places like "Bethdagon" also subtly hints at the existing Canaanite presence and their religious practices, even within the newly allocated Israelite territories, underscoring the ongoing challenge of dispossessing the inhabitants and establishing Yahweh's exclusive worship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader context of land distribution, powerfully illustrates several key themes. Primarily, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, first made to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham") and reiterated throughout the wilderness journey. The precise delineation of boundaries proves that God delivered on His word, down to the very specifics of the land. Secondly, it emphasizes **Divine Order and Precision**. The systematic and detailed allocation of territory reflects God's organized nature and His meticulous care for His people, ensuring clarity and preventing chaos. Finally, the verse speaks to **Tribal Identity and Inheritance**, as the land was not merely property but the physical manifestation of each tribe's unique place within the nation of Israel and their share in God's blessing. This inheritance was foundational to their communal and individual identity, as seen throughout the narratives of the tribes in the book of [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bethdagon (Hebrew, _Bêṯ-dāḡôn_):** Meaning "house of Dagon," this place name is significant because Dagon was a prominent Philistine and Canaanite deity, often associated with grain and fertility. While the most famous cult centers of Dagon were in Philistine cities like Ashdod and Gaza, the mention of "Bethdagon" in Asher's territory suggests either a local Canaanite shrine dedicated to Dagon that predated Israelite settlement, or simply a place name that retained its original meaning without necessarily indicating active Dagon worship by the Israelites. Its inclusion here is purely geographical, marking a point on Asher's boundary.
* **Cabul (Hebrew, _Kāḇûl_):** The precise etymology of "Cabul" is debated, with suggestions ranging from "bound" or "fettered" to a more pejorative "good for nothing" or "displeasing." This latter interpretation gains traction from its later appearance in [1 Kings 9:13](/1_kings/9-13 "1 Kings 9:13 - Hiram's Displeasure with Cabul"), where King Hiram of Tyre expresses dissatisfaction with the twenty cities, including Cabul, that Solomon gave him as payment. In the context of Joshua 19:27, however, Cabul functions simply as a geographical landmark, denoting the western extent of this particular segment of Asher's border.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon":** This phrase indicates a change in the direction of the boundary line, specifically turning eastward ("toward the sunrising") to encompass or reach the location known as Bethdagon. This implies that the preceding part of the border was moving in a different direction, and Bethdagon marked a significant corner or turning point.
* **"and reacheth to Zebulun":** This clause signifies that Asher's territory extended to meet the boundary of the tribe of Zebulun, establishing a shared border between the two tribes. This is crucial for understanding the precise geographical relationships between the various tribal allotments.
* **"and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel":** This further elaborates on the course of the border, incorporating a prominent natural feature, the "valley of Jiphthahel," and specifying its relation to other towns or landmarks like Bethemek (on its north side) and Neiel. These details provide a highly specific and verifiable description of the boundary.
* **"and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand":** This concluding phrase indicates that the border continues its course, eventually reaching the town of Cabul. The phrase "on the left hand" is a directional indicator, typically meaning to the north or west when facing east, further solidifying the precise geographical trajectory of Asher's northern or eastern boundary.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Joshua 19:27, and indeed throughout the land distribution chapters, is **Topographical Listing**. This meticulous enumeration of towns, valleys, and directional markers serves several crucial purposes. It provides a highly detailed and verifiable record, akin to a legal deed, confirming the precise fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to Israel. The sheer volume and specificity of these geographical names lend an air of authenticity and historical accuracy to the narrative. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of directional phrases and the naming of multiple landmarks within a single verse emphasize the thoroughness of the land survey and the divine precision involved in the allocation. This detailed mapping transforms an abstract promise into a tangible, divinely ordained reality, reinforcing the overarching **Fulfillment Narrative** that characterizes the entire book of Joshua.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:27, though seemingly a dry list of ancient place names, is profoundly theological. It underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises. The very act of precisely delineating tribal boundaries demonstrates that God's word is not vague or abstract; it is concrete, specific, and perfectly executed. This precision reflects God's orderly nature and His sovereignty over all creation, down to the geographical contours of the land. For the Israelites, this detailed inheritance was a tangible sign of their identity as God's chosen people and the security of His provision. It teaches us that God cares about the specifics of our lives, not just the broad strokes, and that His promises, though sometimes long in coming, are always delivered with perfect accuracy.

* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34:1-12 - The Borders of the Land")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalms/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Allotment of Inheritance")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail of Joshua 19:27, describing ancient boundaries, might at first seem distant from our contemporary lives. Yet, it offers profound lessons about God's character and His interaction with humanity. This verse reminds us that our God is a God of precision, order, and absolute faithfulness. Just as He meticulously planned and executed the distribution of the Promised Land, down to every valley and town, so too does He orchestrate the details of our lives. This should instill in us a deep sense of trust in His sovereign plan and His meticulous care. Even in seemingly mundane or challenging circumstances, we can rest assured that God is at work, fulfilling His purposes and promises. Furthermore, the concept of boundaries—physical, spiritual, and relational—is vital. God established clear boundaries for Israel's flourishing, and likewise, healthy boundaries in our lives (whether moral, relational, or personal) are often divinely ordained for our protection, identity, and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the division of the land encourage your trust in His care for the details of your own life?**
* **In what ways can recognizing God's faithfulness in historical events like the land distribution strengthen your faith in His promises for the future?**
* **What "boundaries" or structures has God established in your life, and how do they contribute to your identity and flourishing?**

### FAQ

**Why are these geographical details so important in the book of Joshua?**

Answer: These geographical details are critically important for several reasons. First, they serve as irrefutable proof of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants that they would inherit the land of Canaan. The meticulous listing demonstrates that the promise was not vague but was delivered with precise, tangible boundaries. Second, they functioned as a legal and administrative document, clearly defining each tribe's inheritance, which was essential for maintaining order, preventing disputes over territory, and establishing tribal identity and economic stability. Finally, these details underscore the historical accuracy and verifiability of the narrative, rooting the divine action in concrete geographical realities, as affirmed in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Fulfillment of Promises").

**What is the significance of "Bethdagon" being mentioned?**

Answer: "Bethdagon" literally means "house of Dagon," referring to a temple or center of worship for Dagon, a prominent Canaanite and Philistine deity associated with grain and fertility. While the most famous Dagon cult centers were in Philistia, this Bethdagon in Asher's territory indicates the pervasive presence of Canaanite religious practices throughout the land. Its mention highlights the spiritual challenge Israel faced in dispossessing the inhabitants and establishing the exclusive worship of Yahweh. It serves as a reminder that the Promised Land was not empty but occupied by cultures with idolatrous practices that Israel was commanded to eradicate.

**Is this "Cabul" the same one mentioned in 1 Kings?**

Answer: Yes, the Cabul mentioned in Joshua 19:27 is indeed the same geographical location that reappears later in [1 Kings 9:13](/1_kings/9-13 "1 Kings 9:13 - Hiram's Displeasure with Cabul"). In 1 Kings, King Solomon gives twenty cities in the land of Galilee, including Cabul, to Hiram, King of Tyre, as payment for his assistance in building the temple and his own palace. Hiram, however, was displeased with these cities, famously calling them "Cabul," a name that some interpret as "good for nothing" or "displeasing." While in Joshua, Cabul simply functions as a neutral geographical marker defining Asher's boundary, its later appearance provides an interesting historical footnote about its perceived value in a different context.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed land distribution in Joshua, exemplified by Joshua 19:27, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical inheritance of the Promised Land, with its meticulously defined boundaries, was a type and shadow of the far greater spiritual inheritance and eternal rest that God provides for His people in Christ. Just as the land provided security, identity, and sustenance for the tribes of Israel, so Jesus is our true "inheritance" and "rest" ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Sabbath Rest")). He is the one who leads us into the ultimate promised land, not of earthly territory, but of spiritual blessings in heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and an "inheritance among the saints in light" ([Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Inheritance of the Saints")). The precision of the ancient boundaries foreshadows the certainty of God's eternal plan for His redeemed, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where God Himself will dwell with His people, providing a perfect and everlasting home ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")), a dwelling place far surpassing any earthly allotment ([John 14:2](/john/14-2 "John 14:2 - Many Mansions")).

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

1 Kings 9:13

And he said, What cities [are] these which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of Cabul unto this day.

1 Samuel 5:2

When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.