Joshua 19:32

KJV

¶ The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, [even] for the children of Naphtali according to their families.

KJV (with Strong's)

The sixth {H8345} lot {H1486} came out {H3318} to the children {H1121} of Naphtali {H5321}, even for the children {H1121} of Naphtali {H5321} according to their families {H4940}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sixth lot came out for the descendants of Naftali, for the descendants of Naftali according to their families.

Berean Standard Bible

The sixth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Naphtali:

American Standard Version

The sixth lot came out for the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:32 precisely records the allocation of the sixth lot of land to the tribe of Naphtali, detailing that this inheritance was distributed "according to their families." This verse is a crucial, albeit brief, entry within the meticulous account of land division among the Israelite tribes, underscoring God's faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises to provide a homeland for His people through a divinely guided process.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 19:32 is situated within the lengthy and detailed account of the land distribution among the twelve tribes of Israel, specifically spanning chapters 13-19 of the Book of Joshua. Following the successful military campaigns that secured much of Canaan, the narrative shifts from conquest to settlement, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land. Chapters 13 and 14 introduce the general command for land division, while chapters 15-19 meticulously list the boundaries and cities for each tribe, beginning with Judah and concluding with Dan. This verse, therefore, is a precise administrative record, affirming the orderly and divinely sanctioned process by which each tribal inheritance was secured, demonstrating the thoroughness of Joshua's leadership in executing God's will.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, land was not merely property but a sacred inheritance, inextricably linked to tribal identity, family lineage, and the very covenant with God. The division of the land by "lot" (as seen in [Joshua 18:10](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Casting Lots for Land")) was a common ancient Near Eastern practice, but for Israel, it carried profound theological weight, signifying divine arbitration rather than mere chance. It ensured impartiality and underscored God's sovereignty over the land and its distribution. The phrase "according to their families" highlights the patriarchal structure of Israelite society, where land rights and identity flowed through family units, ensuring that the inheritance would be passed down through generations, preventing its permanent alienation and preserving tribal distinctiveness. Naphtali received territory in the northern part of Canaan, a fertile region that would later become known as Galilee, a strategically important area.
* **Key Themes:** The allocation to Naphtali in Joshua 19:32 contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Secondly, the use of lots underscores **Divine Providence and Order**, emphasizing that the land's distribution was not haphazard but a meticulously guided process, reflecting God's sovereign hand in establishing His people in their designated inheritance. This systematic division prevented disputes and affirmed God's meticulous planning. Lastly, the phrase "according to their families" reinforces the theme of **Tribal Identity and Inheritance**, highlighting the importance of lineage and the preservation of distinct family units within the larger tribal structure, ensuring a lasting heritage and reinforcing the unique identity of each division of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lot (Hebrew, _gôrāl'_):** The Hebrew word גּוֹרָל (_gôrāl_), translated as "lot," refers to a small object (such as a stone or pebble) cast to make a decision or to determine a share or portion. In the biblical context, especially concerning the land distribution, the casting of lots was not a matter of mere chance but a divinely guided process. It was understood that "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD" ([Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot")). This method ensured that the allocation was perceived as impartial and ultimately reflective of God's sovereign will, preventing human favoritism or disputes.
* **Families (Hebrew, _mishpāḥâ'_):** The term מִשְׁפָּחָה (_mishpāḥâ_), translated as "families," signifies a clan or extended family unit, a subdivision of a tribe. Its inclusion here emphasizes that the land was not merely assigned to the tribe as a whole but was further apportioned down to its constituent family units. This detail highlights the importance of maintaining lineage, property rights, and distinct identities within the larger tribal structure. It ensured that each family had a vested interest in their specific portion of the inheritance, which was meant to be passed down through generations, reinforcing the stability and continuity of Israelite society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali":** This clause precisely identifies the recipient of the sixth portion of the land. The "lot" signifies the divinely ordained method of distribution, emphasizing that Naphtali's inheritance was not by human design or negotiation but by God's sovereign determination. Naphtali, a son of Jacob through Bilhah (Rachel's servant), was one of the northern tribes, and their inheritance would encompass the fertile region of Galilee, a significant area in later biblical history.
* **"[even] for the children of Naphtali":** This repetition serves to emphasize and confirm the specific tribal recipient. It reinforces the direct and unambiguous nature of the allocation, leaving no doubt as to which group received this particular inheritance. In Hebrew narrative, such repetition often adds weight and solemnity to a declaration.
* **"according to their families":** This crucial phrase specifies the internal distribution within the tribe. It indicates that the land allotted to Naphtali was not held communally by the tribe but was further subdivided and assigned to the individual family units within the tribe. This ensured that each family had a specific, identifiable inheritance, reflecting the patriarchal and familial structure of Israelite society and guaranteeing that the land would remain within their lineage across generations.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though brief, employs several literary techniques. **Precision** and **Detailing** are paramount, characteristic of the administrative sections of Joshua. The text meticulously records the numerical order ("sixth lot"), the specific recipient ("children of Naphtali"), and the internal method of distribution ("according to their families"). This precision underscores the divine order and thoroughness of the land allocation, presenting it as a carefully executed plan rather than a chaotic division. The **Repetition** of "children of Naphtali" serves to emphasize and confirm the recipient, adding a sense of certainty and finality to the declaration. Furthermore, the underlying theological concept of **Divine Sovereignty** is conveyed through the implied use of the "lot," a method understood by the Israelites to reveal God's will, transforming a seemingly mundane administrative detail into an affirmation of God's active involvement in their lives and His faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:32, though a mere administrative detail, is profoundly theological. It stands as a testament to God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan. The systematic and divinely guided distribution of the land, of which Naphtali's lot is a part, demonstrates God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This act of inheritance is not just about physical territory; it symbolizes the security, identity, and blessing that come from dwelling in God's promised provision. It reminds us that God is a God of order, who brings His plans to fruition with precision, even in the smallest details, ensuring that every promise is kept and every provision is made for His people.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - God's Promises Fulfilled")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalm/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Distribution of Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 19:32, in its seemingly mundane detail, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God meticulously planned and executed the distribution of the land for Naphtali and the other tribes, ensuring each received its designated inheritance, so too does He have a sovereign and perfect plan for our lives. This verse encourages us to trust in God's unseen hand guiding our paths, even when circumstances appear to be random or beyond our control. It reminds us that our "inheritance" in Christ is not by chance but by divine design, a gift of grace that secures our identity and future. We are called to be good stewards of the gifts, talents, resources, and opportunities God has allotted to us, recognizing that they are ultimately from Him and for His purposes. This passage fosters a deep sense of security and gratitude, knowing that the God who faithfully fulfilled His promises to Israel will certainly be faithful to fulfill His spiritual promises to His people today, including the promise of eternal life and a spiritual inheritance that is incorruptible.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of God's land distribution to Naphtali encourage your trust in His detailed plan for your own life?**
* **In what ways can you better steward the "inheritance" (gifts, resources, relationships) God has entrusted to you, recognizing it as a divine allocation?**
* **How does God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel, as seen in this verse, strengthen your faith in His promises for your future?**

### FAQ
**Why was the land divided by "lot" and not by human decision?**

Answer: The division of the land by "lot" (Hebrew: _gôrāl_) was a common practice in the ancient Near East, but for the Israelites, it carried deep theological significance. It was not seen as a random gamble but as a method by which God's will was revealed. As [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot") states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." This method ensured impartiality, prevented disputes among the tribes, and underscored the belief that the land was a divine inheritance, sovereignly distributed by God Himself. It affirmed His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His active involvement in establishing His people in their new home.

**What is the significance of the phrase "according to their families"?**

Answer: The phrase "according to their families" (Hebrew: _mishpāḥâ_) emphasizes the meticulous nature of the land distribution and the importance of the family unit in ancient Israelite society. It means that the land allocated to each tribe was further subdivided and assigned to the individual extended family units within that tribe. This ensured that each family had a specific, identifiable inheritance that was meant to be passed down through generations. This practice preserved tribal identity, maintained social stability, and prevented the permanent alienation of ancestral land, reinforcing the idea that the land was a perpetual inheritance from God, tied to lineage and covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical inheritance of land by the tribe of Naphtali, meticulously recorded in Joshua 19:32, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance offered through Jesus Christ. Just as Naphtali received a tangible portion of the Promised Land, believers in Christ receive an incorruptible and eternal inheritance, "kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")). The casting of lots, signifying divine appointment for Naphtali's portion, foreshadows God's sovereign election and predestination of believers in Christ, who are "chosen in him before the foundation of the world" ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ")). Furthermore, the land of Naphtali, specifically the region of Galilee, became central to Jesus' earthly ministry, as He "dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali" ([Matthew 4:13](/matthew/4-13 "Matthew 4:13 - Jesus in Capernaum")), fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy that "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light" ([Isaiah 9:2](/isaiah/9-2 "Isaiah 9:2 - Light in Galilee")). Thus, the physical inheritance of Naphtali, given by divine lot, points forward to the spiritual inheritance of all believers in Christ, whose very presence transforms the promised land into the theater of salvation, where the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises is revealed in the person and work of the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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.