Joshua 19:31

KJV

This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the inheritance {H5159} of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Asher {H836} according to their families {H4940}, these cities {H5892} with their villages {H2691}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:31 serves as the concluding summary statement for the detailed allocation of land to the tribe of Asher, affirming that the specified cities and their surrounding villages constituted their complete and rightful inheritance. This verse marks the culmination of God’s faithful promise to provide a permanent homeland for Asher's families, meticulously defining their portion within the Promised Land as part of the larger tribal distribution overseen by Joshua.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 19:31 concludes the specific description of the territory allotted to the tribe of Asher, which begins in [Joshua 19:24](/joshua/19-24 "Joshua 19:24 - Asher's Inheritance Begins"). This verse acts as a formal declaration, solidifying the boundaries and possessions previously enumerated. It is part of a larger section in the book of Joshua (chapters 13-19) that meticulously details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel, fulfilling the divine command given to Moses and Joshua. Each tribal allotment typically concludes with a similar summary statement, emphasizing the finality and divine authority behind the distribution. This systematic approach underscores the orderly nature of God's fulfillment of His covenant promises to His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the conquest of Canaan, the division of the land was a critical step in establishing Israel as a settled nation. Land was not merely property; it was the foundation of tribal identity, economic stability, and social structure. Each tribe, and within it, each family, received an inalienable inheritance that was meant to be passed down through generations. This system prevented the accumulation of land by a few and ensured that every family had a stake in the nation. The phrase "according to their families" highlights the importance of the patriarchal family unit as the fundamental building block of Israelite society and the primary recipient of the land's benefits, ensuring equitable distribution and continuity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness**—God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, now meticulously fulfilled through the land's distribution. It also highlights **Divine Order and Specificity**, demonstrating that God's provision is not haphazard but precisely detailed, down to "cities with their villages" for each family, reflecting His meticulous care. Furthermore, the concept of "inheritance" (Hebrew: *nachalah*) is central, signifying not just a physical possession but a secure, divinely granted portion that defined the **Identity and Belonging** of the tribe of Asher within the nation of Israel, securing their future and place in God's redemptive plan, as prophesied in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land"). This land was their designated place of rest and blessing, a tangible sign of God's presence among them, as seen in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God Gives Israel Rest and Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _naḥălāh'_):** This term is central to the Old Testament concept of land possession. It denotes a hereditary possession, an enduring portion, or a legacy. It is not merely property acquired by purchase but a divinely granted gift, often in fulfillment of a promise. In this context, it emphasizes the secure, permanent, and rightful claim of Asher to their allotted territory, a gift from God that defined their identity and future.
* **Families (Hebrew, _mišpāḥāh'_):** This word refers to a clan, extended family, or tribal subdivision. Its inclusion here underscores that the land was not just given to the tribe as a whole, but specifically distributed and secured for each family unit within Asher. This detail highlights the meticulous and equitable nature of the land division, ensuring that every household had a stake and a future, preventing landlessness and promoting social stability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher":** This opening clause formally declares the specific portion of land designated for Asher. The use of "inheritance" immediately establishes the divine nature of the gift, emphasizing that this land is a permanent, divinely sanctioned possession, not merely a temporary allocation. It signifies the fulfillment of God's ancient promises to provide a homeland for His people.
* **"according to their families":** This crucial phrase clarifies the internal distribution principle. The land was not merely given to the tribe as a collective, undifferentiated entity, but was meticulously divided among the various family units or clans within Asher. This ensured equity, acknowledged the patriarchal structure of Israelite society, and guaranteed that every family had a secure place and means of livelihood within their tribal territory.
* **"these cities with their villages":** This specifies the physical components of Asher's inheritance. It refers back to the detailed list of towns and their surrounding agricultural lands and smaller settlements provided in the preceding verses ([Joshua 19:25-30](/joshua/19-25 "Joshua 19:25-30 - Cities of Asher's Inheritance")). This concrete enumeration underscores the precise and tangible nature of God's provision, leaving no ambiguity about the extent of Asher's divinely appointed territory.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 19:31 functions primarily as a **Summary Statement** or **Concluding Formula**, a common literary device used throughout the land division accounts (e.g., [Joshua 19:8](/joshua/19-8 "Joshua 19:8 - Summary for Simeon"), [Joshua 19:16](/joshua/19-16 "Joshua 19:16 - Summary for Zebulun")). This **Repetition** of a concluding formula for each tribe reinforces the methodical and exhaustive nature of the land distribution, emphasizing its completeness and divine authorization. The verse also employs **Legal Language** or a **Formal Declaration**, giving the impression of a legal document or decree, which underscores the binding and permanent nature of the inheritance. This formal tone contributes to the overall **Fulfillment Narrative** of the book of Joshua, demonstrating that God's promises are not vague but are precisely and tangibly brought to fruition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:31, while a seemingly administrative detail, is deeply theological. It stands as a testament to God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises. The land, as an "inheritance," is a tangible sign of God's enduring commitment to His people, providing them with a secure place of rest and belonging. This physical inheritance foreshadows the greater spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ, emphasizing God's sovereign provision and the security found in His will. Just as Asher received a specific, divinely appointed portion, so too does God have a unique plan and place for each of His children, rooted in His unchangeable character.

* [Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Land Divided by Lot")
* [Psalm 16:5-6](/psalm/16-5 "Psalm 16:5-6 - The Lord is My Inheritance")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Spiritual Inheritance in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 19:31, though set in ancient Israel, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. Just as He meticulously parceled out land to each family in Asher, He orchestrates the details of our lives with intentionality and care. We can find immense security and peace in knowing that our "inheritance" in Christ—our salvation, our spiritual blessings, our eternal home—is not haphazard but divinely secured and guaranteed. This verse encourages us to trust in God's specific provision for us, to appreciate the unique place and purpose He has for our lives, and to rest in the certainty of His promises, knowing that He is faithful to complete what He has begun. Our true security is found not in earthly possessions, but in our belonging to Him and our share in His eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Asher's inheritance speak to God's character and His care for individual lives today?**
* **In what ways do you see God's faithfulness to His promises being fulfilled in your own life?**
* **What does it mean for you to have an "inheritance" in Christ, and how does this compare to a physical land inheritance?**
* **How can recognizing God's specific provision for you lead to greater peace and contentment?**

### FAQ

**Why is so much detail given to land distribution in the book of Joshua?**

Answer: The extensive detail regarding land distribution in Joshua, including verses like [Joshua 19:31](/joshua/19-31 "Joshua 19:31 - Asher's Inheritance Summary"), is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the **fulfillment of God's covenant promises** to Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Secondly, it established the **legal and social framework** for the nation of Israel, defining tribal boundaries, family inheritances, and ensuring stability. Each tribe and family had a specific, God-given place, which was foundational to their identity and livelihood. Thirdly, it underscores the **orderly and just nature of God's provision**, showing that the land was not seized chaotically but distributed meticulously by divine oversight, often by lot and according to family size, as commanded in [Numbers 26:55-56](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55-56 - Land Divided by Lot").

**What is the significance of the land being divided "according to their families"?**

Answer: The phrase "according to their families" (Hebrew: *mišpāḥāh*) is highly significant because it emphasizes that the land was not merely a collective tribal possession but was specifically allocated to the individual family units within each tribe. This ensured that every household had a secure, hereditary portion of land, which was vital for their economic sustenance, social standing, and continuity of lineage. It reflected the patriarchal structure of Israelite society and God's care for the individual family as the foundational unit. This system prevented the concentration of wealth and land in a few hands and ensured that the blessings of the inheritance were distributed broadly, reinforcing the idea that God provides for all His people, as seen in [Numbers 33:54](/numbers/33-54 "Numbers 33:54 - Land Allotted by Lot According to Family Size").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 19:31 describes a physical land inheritance in ancient Canaan, its deeper fulfillment is found in Christ. The land of promise, with its rest and security, serves as a powerful type and shadow of the ultimate spiritual inheritance and rest that believers receive in Jesus. Just as Asher's families received a specific, divinely appointed portion, so too do believers 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")). Christ Himself is our true and eternal inheritance, the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, providing us with a security and belonging far beyond any earthly territory ([Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Our Share in the Inheritance of the Saints")). He is our Sabbath rest, the one who brings us into the promised land of God's presence and blessing ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Rest for the People of God")). Through His finished work on the cross, we are adopted into God's family and become co-heirs with Christ, receiving the Spirit as a down payment of our glorious future ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Co-heirs with Christ"); [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Holy Spirit as a Deposit")). Thus, the meticulous division of land in Joshua points forward to the precise and perfect provision of salvation and eternal life offered to all who are in 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

Deuteronomy 33:24

And of Asher he said, [Let] Asher [be] blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brethren, and let him dip his foot in oil.

Deuteronomy 33:25

Thy shoes [shall be] iron and brass; and as thy days, [so shall] thy strength [be].

Genesis 49:20

Out of Asher his bread [shall be] fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.