Joshua 19:3

KJV

And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hazarshual {H2705}, and Balah {H1088}, and Azem {H6107},

Complete Jewish Bible

Hatzar-Shu'al, Balah, 'Etzem,

Berean Standard Bible

Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem,

American Standard Version

and Hazar-shual, and Balah, and Ezem,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:3 is a succinct yet profoundly significant verse, listing three specific towns—Hazarshual, Balah, and Azem—that formed part of the divinely ordained inheritance for the tribe of Simeon. This seemingly minor detail is crucial within the broader narrative of Israel's meticulous settlement in the Promised Land, underscoring God's precise fulfillment of His ancient covenant promises and the orderly distribution of territory to each tribe, ensuring their identity and security within the nascent nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 19 is part of the larger section [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13-19 "Joshua 13-19 - The Division of the Land") detailing the division of the land among the Israelite tribes. Following the initial major allocations to Judah and the houses of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), chapter 19 focuses on the remaining seven tribes. Specifically, [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1-9 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance") meticulously outlines the territory assigned to Simeon. This verse, Joshua 19:3, is embedded within a comprehensive list of towns and villages that constituted Simeon's portion, emphasizing the precise and detailed nature of the land distribution process overseen by Joshua and Eleazar, the priest, at Shiloh. The listing of specific towns, even obscure ones, highlights the meticulous fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Joshua is the immediate aftermath of the conquest of Canaan, marking Israel's transition from nomadic wanderers to a settled nation. The division of land was not merely an historical administrative task but a foundational act for Israel's socio-political and religious identity. Land inheritance was paramount in ancient Israelite culture, signifying divine blessing, security, and the perpetuation of family lines. The specific arrangement for Simeon, whose inheritance was located *within* the larger territory of Judah (as noted in [Joshua 19:9](/joshua/19-9 "Joshua 19:9 - Simeon's Portion Within Judah")), reflects a unique historical and tribal dynamic. This arrangement also points to the fulfillment of Jacob's prophetic words concerning Simeon and Levi in [Genesis 49:7](/genesis/49-7 "Genesis 49:7 - Jacob's Prophecy for Simeon and Levi"), where he declared they would be "divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel," suggesting a less concentrated or independent tribal territory. The naming of specific towns like Hazarshual, Balah, and Azem provides tangible geographical markers of this historical reality.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 19:3, though brief, contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises made to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). Every town listed, no matter how small, represents a tangible piece of that fulfilled promise. Secondly, the meticulous detailing of boundaries and towns underscores **Order and Precision** in God's divine administration. The land was not haphazardly distributed but was a divinely guided, precise allocation, ensuring each tribe received its rightful and specific portion. Finally, these verses reinforce the critical importance of **Tribal Identity and Inheritance**. For each tribe, possessing a secure, divinely appointed inheritance of specific towns and territories was central to their identity, their socio-economic stability, and their place within the unified nation of Israel, laying the groundwork for their future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hazarshual (Hebrew, _Chătsar Shûwʻâl'_):** From the Hebrew words for "village" and "fox," this name literally means "village of (the) fox." This suggests a location characterized by the presence of these animals, perhaps indicating a rural or wild area, or a settlement that served as a refuge or den. Its inclusion signifies a specific, identifiable place within Simeon's territory, grounding the divine promise in concrete geography.
* **Balah (Hebrew, _Bâlâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "failure" or "to wear out." While the exact implication for the town is speculative, it could suggest an older settlement, one that had seen decline, or perhaps a place associated with a specific type of wear or decay. Its presence in the list, regardless of its etymological nuance, confirms its existence and inclusion in the tribal allotment.
* **Azem (Hebrew, _ʻEtsem'_):** The same as the Hebrew word for "bone" or "strength." It might indicate a place of resilience, a strong or fortified location, or perhaps a significant landmark that served as a "backbone" or central point in the region. The inclusion of such a name further emphasizes the tangible and specific nature of the land being distributed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hazarshual":** This phrase introduces the first of three towns explicitly named in this verse as part of Simeon's inheritance. The conjunction "And" connects it seamlessly to the preceding verses which list other towns, indicating a continuous and comprehensive enumeration of the cities allotted to the tribe. The inclusion of Hazarshual, with its descriptive name, highlights the specificity of God's land grants, ensuring that every designated area, even those with humble or descriptive names, was accounted for.
* **"and Balah":** Following Hazarshual, Balah is presented as another distinct town within Simeon's portion. Its simple inclusion in this list, without further elaboration, speaks to the administrative precision of the land division. Each name represents a tangible piece of the Promised Land, confirming the fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel to provide them with a secure dwelling place.
* **"and Azem":** The final town listed in this verse, Azem, completes this particular triplet of named locations. Like the others, its presence is a testament to the meticulous nature of the land distribution. The repetition of the conjunction "and" emphasizes the additive nature of the list, building a comprehensive picture of the geographical extent of Simeon's inheritance, demonstrating divine order and the tangible reality of the fulfilled promise.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 19:3, and indeed throughout the extensive lists of towns and boundaries in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13-19 "Joshua 13-19 - The Division of the Land"), is **Enumeration** (or **Cataloging**). This technique involves the systematic listing of items, in this case, specific geographical locations. While seemingly dry, its purpose is profound: it serves as irrefutable evidence of the meticulous fulfillment of God's promises. The sheer volume and detail of these lists underscore the divine **Precision** and **Order** in the land's distribution, leaving no doubt that the inheritance was not haphazard but divinely ordained and executed. Furthermore, the naming of these towns, often with descriptive Hebrew meanings (e.g., Hazarshual, "village of a fox"), can be seen as a form of subtle **Symbolism** or **Etymological Significance**, grounding the abstract concept of "inheritance" in concrete, identifiable places. The repetitive structure of "And [name], and [name], and [name]" also creates a sense of **Rhythm** and **Completeness**, reinforcing the idea that every piece of the promised land was accounted for and given to its rightful heir.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:3, though a simple list of names, resonates with profound theological implications. It serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the precision with which He fulfills His covenant promises. The meticulous division of the land, down to individual towns, demonstrates that God is a God of detail, who remembers His word and brings it to pass in tangible ways. This divine fidelity is not limited to ancient Israel but speaks to the reliability of God's promises for all generations. Just as He provided a physical inheritance for His people then, He provides a spiritual inheritance for believers today, assuring them of their place in His kingdom and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. This verse encourages a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and His meticulous care over every aspect of His creation and His people's lives.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "The Promised Land Given to Israel")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalms/105-8-11 "God Remembers His Covenant and Oath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane list of towns in Joshua 19:3 offers a profound invitation to reflect on the nature of God and His relationship with humanity. It reminds us that God is not a God of vague generalities but of precise details. He is meticulously involved in the fulfillment of His promises, down to the specific geographical locations for a particular tribe. This level of divine attention should inspire immense confidence and trust in His character. If God was so faithful to fulfill ancient land covenants, how much more can we trust Him with the intricate details of our own lives, our provisions, and our spiritual inheritance? This verse encourages us to look for God's faithfulness not only in grand, miraculous events but also in the seemingly small, everyday fulfillments of His word. It challenges us to recognize that every part of His plan, even a list of names, contributes to the grand narrative of His redemptive purposes and His unwavering commitment to His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the land distribution in Joshua, including specific town names, deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's "detailed" provision or guidance, even when the path seems obscure or mundane?**
* **How does the concept of a divinely appointed "inheritance" for ancient Israel connect with the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ today?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific towns listed, and what is their significance?**

Answer: The listing of specific towns like Hazarshual, Balah, and Azem serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides irrefutable evidence of the precise fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel regarding the land of Canaan. It demonstrates that the inheritance was not a vague concept but a tangible, geographically defined reality. Secondly, these lists established clear boundaries and identities for each tribe, preventing future disputes and ensuring an orderly settlement. For the modern reader, these names, though obscure, underscore God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness in bringing His plans to fruition. They remind us that even the seemingly minor details in Scripture contribute to the grand narrative of God's redemptive work, as seen throughout the historical accounts in books like [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua - The Conquest of Canaan").

**How does Simeon's inheritance within Judah's territory relate to biblical prophecy?**

Answer: Simeon's unique inheritance, situated entirely within the larger territory of Judah, directly relates to the prophetic words of Jacob in [Genesis 49:7](/genesis/49-7 "Genesis 49:7 - Jacob's Prophecy for Simeon and Levi"). In this prophecy, Jacob declared that Simeon and Levi would be "divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel" due to their violent actions (referencing the incident in [Genesis 34](/genesis/34 "Genesis 34 - Dinah and the Shechemites")). While Levi was scattered through the priestly service without a concentrated land inheritance, Simeon's "scattering" manifested as a territory that was not independent but rather an enclave within another tribe's domain. This arrangement limited Simeon's distinct tribal power and influence, fulfilling Jacob's prophetic curse and demonstrating God's sovereign oversight even in the consequences of human sin, as detailed in the tribal allocations of [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - The Remaining Tribal Inheritances").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 19:3 details a physical land inheritance for an ancient tribe, its deeper theological resonance points powerfully to Christ. The meticulous precision with which God fulfilled His promise of land to Israel foreshadows the even greater precision and faithfulness with which He fulfills His ultimate promise of salvation and spiritual inheritance in Jesus Christ. Just as the land provided rest and security for Israel, Christ is our true rest and secure dwelling place ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The detailed allocation of earthly territory prefigures the spiritual inheritance that believers receive in Christ—an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Through His atoning work, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), has secured for His people not merely a plot of land, but eternal life and citizenship in a heavenly kingdom ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). Thus, the seemingly mundane list of towns in Joshua 19:3 ultimately directs our gaze to the comprehensive and perfectly fulfilled promises of God found in the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's covenants and the guarantor of our eternal inheritance ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")).

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 15:28

And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,

Joshua 15:29

Baalah, and Iim, and Azem,