Joshua 19:36

KJV

And Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Adamah {H128}, and Ramah {H7414}, and Hazor {H2674},

Complete Jewish Bible

Adamah, Ramah, Hatzor,

Berean Standard Bible

Adamah, Ramah, Hazor,

American Standard Version

and Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:36 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse, embedded within the meticulous record of the land allotments to the Israelite tribes following their conquest of Canaan. It specifically names three cities—Adamah, Ramah, and Hazor—as part of the divinely appointed inheritance for the tribe of Naphtali. This seemingly simple enumeration underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises, demonstrating His meticulous order and provision in establishing His people within the Promised Land, thereby securing their identity and future prosperity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [Joshua chapter 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - The Allotment to the Remaining Tribes"), which meticulously details the boundaries and cities assigned to the final six tribes of Israel: Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. The preceding chapters describe the initial conquest of Canaan and the establishment of the Tabernacle at Shiloh, a pivotal moment signifying the beginning of settled life ([Joshua 18:1](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - Tabernacle at Shiloh and Land Division")). Joshua, Eleazar the priest, and the tribal heads oversaw this land division by lot, a process understood as divinely guided, ensuring that God's promise to Abraham and his descendants to inherit the land was precisely fulfilled ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The inclusion of specific city names like Adamah, Ramah, and Hazor within Naphtali's portion emphasizes the thoroughness and divine precision of this distribution, transforming a vast, conquered territory into defined, tribal inheritances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of land was a foundational act for the nascent Israelite nation, transitioning them from nomadic conquerors to settled inhabitants. In ancient Near Eastern societies, land ownership was synonymous with identity, security, and economic stability. The meticulous listing of cities and boundaries was crucial for establishing clear tribal jurisdictions, preventing disputes, and facilitating governance and defense. The act of casting lots for land distribution was not seen as a gamble but as a means for God to reveal His specific will, ensuring that each tribe received its designated portion directly from Him. This period marked the fulfillment of centuries of divine promises, establishing Israel as a distinct people with a divinely sanctioned homeland, a critical step in their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detailing of land allotments throughout Joshua, including the specific cities in [Joshua 19:36](/joshua/19-36 "Joshua 19:36 - Cities of Naphtali's Inheritance"), powerfully highlights God's unwavering **faithfulness** in fulfilling His covenant promises. The land, a central component of the Abrahamic Covenant ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - Covenant with Abraham")), is now precisely distributed, demonstrating God's commitment to His word across generations. Furthermore, this systematic division underscores God's **divine order and meticulous provision**. Every tribe, down to the specific cities within their inheritance, received a clear and secure portion, reflecting God's careful attention to the needs and future of His people. Finally, these geographical markers were indispensable for establishing **tribal identity and inheritance**, solidifying the boundaries and future prosperity of the tribe of Naphtali within the Promised Land, rooting their communal and individual lives in the tangible reality of God's gift.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adamah (אָדָמָה, _’adamah'_):** This Hebrew word literally means "ground," "earth," or "land." As a city name, it likely indicated a settlement situated on fertile or arable land, or perhaps simply a common place name reflecting the fundamental connection of the people to the earth. Its inclusion suggests a place of agricultural significance or a settlement deeply rooted in the land itself.
* **Ramah (רָמָה, _ramah'_):** Meaning "height" or "elevated place," Ramah is a very common geographical name found throughout ancient Israel. Its presence as a city name strongly suggests a settlement located on a hill or high ground, which would have offered strategic defensive advantages and potentially better views of the surrounding territory.
* **Hazor (חָצוֹר, _hatsor'_):** Derived from the Hebrew word for "enclosure" or "fortress," Hazor was a significant name for cities, often denoting fortified settlements. While there was a much larger and more famous Hazor to the north, whose powerful king Jabin was decisively defeated by Joshua ([Joshua 11:1-11](/joshua/11-1 "Joshua 11:1-11 - Defeat of Jabin, King of Hazor")), the Hazor mentioned here in Naphtali's territory is understood to be a distinct, likely smaller, settlement bearing the same common and descriptive name, indicating its defensive nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Adamah,":** The verse begins with a conjunction, linking it to the preceding list of cities within Naphtali's inheritance. "Adamah" signifies a specific, named settlement, a tangible piece of the tribe's allotted territory, emphasizing the precise and individual nature of God's provision.
* **"and Ramah,":** The repetition of the conjunction "and" continues the enumeration, adding another distinct city to Naphtali's portion. "Ramah," with its connotation of elevation, highlights the varied topography within the tribal boundaries and the strategic importance of its settlements.
* **"and Hazor,":** The final city listed in this particular verse, "Hazor," further completes this segment of the territorial description. Its name, suggesting a fortified place, underscores the practical realities of settlement in Canaan, where defense and security were paramount, even as God provided the land.
* **"And Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor":** The cumulative effect of this brief list, like many others in Joshua, is to convey the meticulous detail and comprehensive scope of the land distribution. It transforms abstract promises into concrete geographical realities, affirming God's faithfulness in fulfilling His word down to the very names of the towns and villages.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 19:36, though brief, effectively employs several literary devices. The primary device is **Catalogue** or **Enumeration**, as the verse is part of an extended list of cities belonging to the tribe of Naphtali. This methodical listing serves to demonstrate the comprehensive nature of the land division and the fulfillment of God's promise. The repeated use of the conjunction "and" ("And Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor") is an example of **Polysyndeton**, which slows the pace of reading and emphasizes each item in the list individually, giving each city distinct importance within the tribal inheritance. Furthermore, the use of **Toponymy** (the study of place names) is central, as the names themselves (Adamah meaning "ground," Ramah meaning "height," Hazor meaning "enclosure") often carry descriptive or historical significance, subtly informing the reader about the nature or location of these settlements.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:36, by listing specific cities within Naphtali's inheritance, powerfully reinforces the overarching biblical theme of God's covenant faithfulness and His meticulous care for His people. The physical land of Canaan was not merely a conquest but a divine inheritance, a tangible fulfillment of promises made centuries earlier to Abraham. This precise allocation demonstrates that God's promises are not vague generalities but specific, detailed commitments that He brings to pass. It underscores the divine order in creation and redemption, where every detail, even seemingly minor place names, contributes to the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan. The secure possession of this land was foundational to Israel's identity as God's chosen people, providing the necessary stability for their national and spiritual development.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's Covenant with Abraham")
* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34:1-12 - Boundaries of the Promised Land")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalms/105-8 "God's Everlasting Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list of names in Joshua 19:36 offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering commitment to His promises. Just as God precisely allotted every piece of land to each tribe, down to the specific cities, He cares for the intricate details of our lives and provides for our every need. This verse encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that if He was so precise in fulfilling ancient land promises, He is certainly faithful to His greater spiritual promises to us. It invites us to consider our own "inheritance" in Christ—not a physical land, but a spiritual reality of belonging, purpose, and eternal security. Every part of God's Word, even the seemingly insignificant, contributes to the larger narrative of His redemptive plan, urging us to seek Him in every detail of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous care in dividing the land for Naphtali speak to His care for the specific details of your own life?**
* **In what ways does the fulfillment of God's land promises in Joshua strengthen your faith in the certainty of God's promises for today?**
* **How can we, like the Israelites receiving their inheritance, actively embrace and live out the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why are these detailed lists of cities important in the book of Joshua?**

Answer: These detailed lists are crucial for several reasons. First, they serve as legal and historical documentation, confirming the precise fulfillment of God's covenant promises to give the land of Canaan to Israel ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise to Abraham")). Second, they established clear tribal boundaries, which were essential for maintaining order, preventing disputes, and ensuring the distinct identity and administration of each tribe within the newly settled land. Third, they demonstrate God's meticulous and orderly nature, showing that His provision for His people is comprehensive and specific, down to the very towns they would inhabit. Finally, they underscore the tangible reality of the inheritance, moving from abstract promise to concrete possession.

**Is the Hazor mentioned in Joshua 19:36 the same famous Hazor whose king Jabin was defeated by Joshua?**

Answer: While the name "Hazor" (meaning "enclosure" or "fortress") was common in ancient Canaan, the Hazor mentioned in [Joshua 19:36](/joshua/19-36 "Cities of Naphtali's Inheritance") as part of Naphtali's inheritance is generally considered to be a different, smaller settlement than the great northern city of Hazor, whose king Jabin was a powerful adversary defeated by Joshua earlier in the conquest ([Joshua 11:1-11](/joshua/11-1 "Defeat of Jabin, King of Hazor")). The famous Hazor was a major Canaanite city-state, strategically located, and its destruction was a significant military achievement. The Hazor in Naphtali's list was likely a less prominent town that simply shared the common descriptive name.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical inheritance of land in Joshua, exemplified by the cities of Adamah, Ramah, and Hazor given to Naphtali, serves as a powerful type and shadow pointing to the ultimate spiritual inheritance found in Jesus Christ. Just as Israel received a promised land for their rest and dwelling, believers in Christ are granted a far greater, eternal inheritance—the Kingdom of God itself, and all the spiritual blessings that come with being co-heirs with Christ ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Our Inheritance in Christ") and [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ")). The conquest and settlement in Canaan prefigure the believer's spiritual victory over sin and death through Christ's finished work on the cross, leading to a spiritual "rest" that transcends any earthly peace ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1 "The Promise of Rest")). Jesus is the true Joshua, leading His people into a new and living covenant, securing for them an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance reserved in heaven ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "A Living Hope, An Incorruptible Inheritance")). Thus, the meticulous detail of Joshua 19:36, affirming God's faithfulness to a physical promise, ultimately magnifies His even greater faithfulness in providing a spiritual, eternal inheritance through His Son, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/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.

Cross-References

Joshua 11:1

¶ And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard [those things], that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph,

Joshua 11:20

For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, [and] that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Joshua 12:19

The king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one;