Joshua 19:28

KJV

And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, [even] unto great Zidon;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hebron {H5683}, and Rehob {H7340}, and Hammon {H2540}, and Kanah {H7071}, even unto great {H7227} Zidon {H6721};

Complete Jewish Bible

then 'Evron, Rechov, Hamon, Kanah and on to greater Tzidon.

Berean Standard Bible

It went on to Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, as far as Greater Sidon.

American Standard Version

and Ebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Sidon;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:28 precisely delineates a segment of the northern boundary for the tribe of Asher's allotted territory within the Promised Land. This verse meticulously lists key towns—Hebron (distinct from the prominent city in Judah), Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah—that marked the extent of Asher's inheritance, stretching geographically "even unto great Zidon." This precise geographical demarcation is an integral part of the comprehensive and divinely ordained division of Canaan among the tribes of Israel, representing a crucial step in the fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises under the leadership of Joshua.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 19:28 is situated within the latter half of the Book of Joshua, specifically in chapter 19, which meticulously records the land allotments for the remaining Israelite tribes: Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. This chapter, along with chapters [13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Remaining Land to be Conquered") through [21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites"), serves as the detailed fulfillment of God's promises of land to Abraham's descendants, transitioning Israel from a nomadic people to an established nation. The preceding verses ([Joshua 19:24-27](/joshua/19-24-27 "Joshua 19:24-27 - Asher's Allotment")) describe the general area of Asher's inheritance, while verse 28 provides specific boundary markers, indicating the northernmost extent of their territory. The subsequent verses ([Joshua 19:29-31](/joshua/19-29-31 "Joshua 19:29-31 - Asher's Border Continues")) continue to delineate Asher's borders and list additional towns within their tribal lot, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the land distribution process.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land occurred after the initial conquest campaigns led by Joshua, marking a pivotal moment in Israelite history where the nomadic tribes began to settle and establish their distinct identities within the Promised Land. The process of land allocation, often involving lots (as mentioned in [Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Division of Land by Lot")), was understood as a divine act, ensuring impartiality and God's sovereign hand in their inheritance. Culturally, land ownership was central to Israelite identity, lineage, and economic stability. The mention of "great Zidon" is significant as it places Asher's territory adjacent to, or even encompassing areas near, powerful Phoenician city-states. These were highly developed maritime and commercial centers, distinct in their polytheistic religion and sophisticated culture, presenting both opportunities for trade and significant challenges for Israelite purity and faithfulness to Yahweh, as later seen in [Judges 1:31](/judges/1-31 "Judges 1:31 - Asher's Failure to Dispossess Zidon").

* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Allotments for Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan"), highlights several key themes. First, it underscores **Divine Fulfillment and Inheritance**, demonstrating God's absolute faithfulness to His covenant promises made to the patriarchs, particularly Abraham, concerning the land (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The meticulous detail of the boundaries emphasizes the precision of God's word. Second, it touches upon **Geographical Significance and Identity**, as the land defined the tribal identity and sphere of influence for Asher, integrating them into the larger Israelite nation. The inclusion of "great Zidon" also introduces the theme of **Proximity to Foreign Cultures**, foreshadowing the ongoing tension and challenges Israel would face in maintaining its distinct identity and obedience to God while living alongside powerful, un-dispossessed peoples. This tension between divine command to dispossess and the reality of co-existence is a recurring motif throughout [the book of Joshua](/joshua "The Book of Joshua") and into [the book of Judges](/judges "The Book of Judges").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hammon (Hebrew, _Chammôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "warm," this name likely refers to a "warm spring." Its inclusion in this list indicates a specific geographical marker, possibly a town near a thermal spring, used to delineate Asher's northern boundary. Its precise location is debated, but its function here is purely as a landmark in the tribal allotment.
* **Great (Hebrew, _rab'_):** This adjective, meaning "abundant," "exceedingly," or "mighty," is consistently applied to Zidon in biblical texts (e.g., [Joshua 11:8](/joshua/11-8 "Joshua 11:8 - Pursuit to Great Sidon")). Its use here emphasizes the significant power, wealth, and influence of Zidon as a major Phoenician maritime and trading hub. The description highlights the formidable nature of this non-Israelite city-state, which bordered Asher's territory.
* **Zidon (Hebrew, _Tsîydôwn'_):** From a root meaning "to catch fish," this name points to "fishery" and refers to the ancient Phoenician city of Sidon. Located on the Mediterranean coast north of Tyre, Zidon was a prominent commercial and political center. Its mention as the endpoint of Asher's northern boundary signifies the extreme reach of the tribe's inheritance towards a powerful, un-conquered foreign entity, setting the stage for future interactions and challenges.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah,":** This clause enumerates four specific towns or geographical points that served as markers along the northern boundary of the tribe of Asher's inheritance. These locations were not necessarily cities fully occupied by Asher but rather well-known landmarks that precisely defined the extent of their allotted land. The listing underscores the meticulous and detailed nature of the land distribution, reflecting God's precise fulfillment of His promises and providing clear demarcation for the tribe.
* **"[even] unto great Zidon;":** This phrase indicates the ultimate northern limit of Asher's territory. The preposition "unto" (_ʿad_) suggests that the boundary extended up to the vicinity of Zidon, implying that Zidon itself was not necessarily conquered or fully possessed by Asher, but rather served as the final geographical marker. The inclusion of "great Zidon" highlights the proximity of Asher to a powerful, non-Israelite city-state, a reality that would present ongoing challenges and interactions for the tribe in the future regarding their obedience to the command to dispossess the inhabitants of the land.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Joshua 19:28 is **Enumeration**, where a list of specific towns (Hebron, Rehob, Hammon, Kanah) is used to precisely define the geographical boundaries. This technique provides concrete detail and reinforces the meticulous nature of the land distribution. Coupled with enumeration is **Geographical Precision**, which is evident throughout the land allotment chapters of Joshua. This precision serves to authenticate the historical account and underscores the literal fulfillment of God's promise of land. Furthermore, the phrase "even unto great Zidon" functions as a form of **Merism**, defining the extent of the territory by naming its endpoint. The descriptive adjective "great" attached to Zidon also serves as an **Epithet**, emphasizing the city's significant status and power, which subtly **Foreshadows** the future challenges and failures of Asher to fully dispossess the inhabitants of this region, as later recounted in the book of Judges.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:28, though a seemingly dry geographical listing, is profoundly theological. It stands as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan. The meticulous detail of the boundaries underscores that God's word is precise and reliable, leaving no ambiguity about the inheritance He provides for His people. This divine provision was not merely a physical space but the foundation for Israel's identity, worship, and national purpose. The inclusion of "great Zidon" within Asher's boundary also highlights the ongoing tension between God's command to dispossess and the reality of living among ungodly nations, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history and challenges believers to maintain their distinct identity in a fallen world.

* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1-12 "Numbers 34:1-12 - The Borders of Canaan")
* [Judges 1:31](/judges/1-31 "Judges 1:31 - Asher's Failure to Dispossess Zidon")
* [Psalm 105:42-45](/psalms/105-42-45 "Psalm 105:42-45 - God Remembers His Holy Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed geographical descriptions in Joshua, including verse 19:28, serve as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and meticulous care for His people. Just as He precisely fulfilled His promise of land to Israel, He is faithful to fulfill every promise He has made to us, down to the smallest detail. This should instill profound trust and confidence in His character, even when our circumstances seem uncertain or our "inheritance" feels distant. Furthermore, the proximity of Asher to "great Zidon" offers a timeless lesson on living as God's people in a complex world. We are called to be in the world, engaging with its challenges and opportunities, but not to be conformed to its values. This requires discernment, spiritual resilience, and a firm commitment to our identity in Christ, ensuring that the boundaries of our faith are not eroded by the powerful influences around us. We are to be distinct, shining as lights in the midst of darkness, even as we navigate the realities of our cultural landscape.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land distribution to Asher deepen your understanding of His faithfulness in your own life?**
* **In what ways do you, like Asher, find yourself living in proximity to "great Zidons"—powerful cultural or societal influences that challenge your faith?**
* **What "boundaries" does God call you to maintain in your life to preserve your distinct identity as a follower of Christ?**
* **How can you engage with the world around you while remaining faithful to God's commands and avoiding compromise?**

### FAQ

**Why are these specific towns listed in Asher's boundary, and not others?**

Answer: The towns listed in Joshua 19:28 (Hebron, Rehob, Hammon, Kanah) were likely significant geographical landmarks or existing settlements that served as clear, recognizable markers for the tribal boundary. The biblical text often uses prominent features or established towns to delineate borders, making the division tangible and understandable to the people. While many other towns existed, these specific ones were chosen for their strategic location in defining the northern extent of Asher's inheritance, stretching "even unto great Zidon." This precision ensured that each tribe knew the exact limits of their divinely appointed land.

**What is the significance of "great Zidon" being mentioned as a boundary marker?**

Answer: The mention of "great Zidon" is highly significant because Zidon (Sidon) was a major Phoenician city-state, renowned for its maritime trade, wealth, and powerful influence in the ancient Near East. Its inclusion as a boundary marker for Asher indicates that the Israelite territory extended to its vicinity, placing the tribe in direct contact with a formidable, non-Israelite culture. This proximity foreshadowed future interactions, challenges, and temptations for Asher, as they were commanded to dispossess the inhabitants of the land but often failed to do so, as noted in [Judges 1:31](/judges/1-31 "Judges 1:31 - Asher's Failure to Dispossess Zidon"). It highlights the ongoing tension between God's call for separation and the realities of co-existence.

**Did the tribe of Asher fully possess all the territory described in this verse, including Zidon?**

Answer: No, the tribe of Asher did not fully possess or dispossess the inhabitants of all the territory described, particularly the powerful Phoenician cities like Zidon. While Joshua 19:28 defines the *allotted* boundary, the book of Judges later clarifies that Asher "did not drive out the inhabitants of Acco, or the inhabitants of Sidon, or of Ahlab, or of Achzib, or of Helbah, or of Aphik, or of Rehob" ([Judges 1:31](/judges/1-31 "Judges 1:31 - Asher's Failure to Dispossess Sidon and Other Cities")). This highlights a recurring theme in Judges: the tribes' failure to fully obey God's command to dispossess the Canaanites, which led to ongoing spiritual and cultural challenges for Israel. The phrase "even unto great Zidon" thus describes the *divinely intended* boundary, not necessarily the fully realized extent of Asher's occupation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 19:28 meticulously details the earthly inheritance of Asher, it points to a far greater, spiritual inheritance found in Christ. The precise fulfillment of God's promise of land to Israel foreshadows the ultimate and perfect fulfillment of all God's promises in Jesus Christ, who is the "Amen" to every divine pledge ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Just as Asher received a physical inheritance, believers in Christ receive a spiritual inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Kept in Heaven")). The boundaries of Asher's land defined their identity and place; similarly, in Christ, believers find their true identity and citizenship in heaven ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")), being brought into God's very family as adopted sons and daughters ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption as Sons")). The proximity of Asher to "great Zidon" also serves as a type for the church's mission in the world: we are called to be in the world but not of it, to shine as lights in the midst of darkness ([Matthew 5:14](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14 - You are the Light of the World")), and to proclaim the gospel to all nations, even to the "ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")), engaging with cultures that may be hostile or indifferent to God, yet without compromising our distinct identity in the Lord Jesus 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.

Cross-References

Judges 1:31

Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:

Joshua 11:8

And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.

John 2:11

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Isaiah 23:2

Be still, ye inhabitants of the isle; thou whom the merchants of Zidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished.

Isaiah 23:12

And he said, Thou shalt no more rejoice, O thou oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon: arise, pass over to Chittim; there also shalt thou have no rest.

Isaiah 23:4

Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, [even] the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, [nor] bring up virgins.

John 2:1

¶ And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: