Joshua 19:37

KJV

And Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Kedesh {H6943}, and Edrei {H154}, and Enhazor {H5877},

Complete Jewish Bible

Kedesh, Edre'i, 'Ein-Hatzor,

Berean Standard Bible

Kedesh, Edrei, En-hazor,

American Standard Version

and Kedesh, and Edrei, and En-hazor,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:37 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse, embedded within the intricate record of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. It precisely enumerates three cities—Kedesh, Edrei, and Enhazor—as integral components of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. This seemingly simple geographical listing serves to underscore the meticulous fulfillment of God's covenant promises, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness and sovereign provision in establishing a precise and sufficient territory for His chosen people to settle, flourish, and inhabit as their divine inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is meticulously placed within [Joshua chapter 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Tribal Allotments for Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan"), which systematically details the boundaries and urban centers assigned to several Israelite tribes following the initial conquest of Canaan. Building upon the foundational instructions for land distribution outlined in [Joshua 14](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Caleb's Inheritance and Land Distribution Begins"), chapters 15-19 meticulously document the practical realization of God's ancient promise to bestow the land upon Abraham's descendants. Specifically, [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Tribal Allotments") delineates the allotments for Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. Verse 37 contributes to the comprehensive catalog of cities within Naphtali's designated territory, providing concrete evidence of the divine promise being actualized. The exhaustive cataloging throughout these chapters emphasizes the thoroughness of the land division process and the complete possession of the promised inheritance, leaving no ambiguity regarding God's fulfilled word.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of land represented a pivotal moment for the nascent Israelite nation, marking their transition from a nomadic, conquering force to a settled, agrarian society. In ancient Israel, land ownership transcended mere economic value; it was a theological inheritance, directly linked to God's covenant with Abraham, as promised in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - The Promise of Land to Abraham"). The process of distribution involved meticulous surveying and the casting of lots at Shiloh ([Joshua 18:10](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Joshua Casts Lots at Shiloh")), ensuring that each tribe received its portion by divine decree rather than human preference or power. The cities listed in [Joshua 19:37](/joshua/19-37 "Joshua 19:37 - Cities of Naphtali"), particularly Kedesh, were often strategically important locations within the northern part of Canaan, sometimes situated on vital trade routes or defensible hilltops. Their inclusion in Naphtali's inheritance meant the tribe bore the responsibility for settling, developing, and maintaining control over these areas, often in close proximity to remaining Canaanite populations, which would present ongoing challenges and temptations for the Israelites.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of cities in [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Tribal Allotments"), and specifically in verse 37, powerfully reinforces several major theological and narrative themes. First, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness** in fulfilling God's unwavering covenant promises to Israel, particularly the promise of a land inheritance first given to Abraham. The detailed nature of the allotment demonstrates God's commitment to every single detail of His word, emphasizing that "not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass" ([Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - Not One Word Failed")). Second, it underscores **Divine Order and Provision**, illustrating the highly organized and intentional way God provides for His people, ensuring every tribe received its precise and sufficient portion, not by human design alone, but by divine direction through the casting of lots ([Joshua 18:6](/joshua/18-6 "Joshua 18:6 - Joshua's Instructions for Surveying the Land")). Third, this verse marks the tangible **Inheritance Realized**, signifying the crucial transition from conquest to settlement, as the Israelites began to truly possess and inhabit the land God had given them, moving from the realm of divine promise to concrete possession.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kedesh (Hebrew, _Qedesh_):** From the root meaning "to be holy" or "set apart," this word signifies "a sanctum." This city, often distinguished as Kedesh-Naphtali, held profound importance. Its name, denoting a sacred or set-apart place, aligns with its later designation as one of the six [cities of refuge](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7 - Kedesh as a City of Refuge") in Israel, providing asylum for those who had unintentionally caused the death of another.
* **Edrei (Hebrew, _ʼedreʻîy_):** Derived from a root meaning "mighty," this name suggests strength or power. While not as frequently mentioned in biblical narratives as other cities, its inclusion here, alongside Enhazor, underscores the comprehensive and precise nature of the land division process. Its name may reflect a historically significant or strategically strong location within Naphtali's territory.
* **Enhazor (Hebrew, _ʻÊyn Châtsôwr_):** This compound name means "fountain of a village." The presence of "fountain" (ʻÊyn) indicates a vital water source, which was crucial for the establishment and sustainability of any ancient settlement. Its inclusion further emphasizes the practicality and thoroughness of the land allocation, ensuring that the tribe of Naphtali received a viable and well-resourced territory capable of supporting its population.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Kedesh":** This initial phrase introduces the first of three specific cities explicitly allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. The mention of Kedesh is particularly noteworthy due to its future designation as a city of refuge ([Joshua 20:7](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7 - Kedesh in Naphtali, a City of Refuge")), highlighting its strategic and theological significance within the broader Israelite legal and social structure. Its inclusion here establishes its tribal ownership and importance.
* **"and Edrei":** The conjunction "and" links Edrei as another city within Naphtali's inheritance. While perhaps less historically prominent than Kedesh, its specific mention demonstrates the meticulous detail with which the land division was recorded, ensuring a complete and undisputed record of the tribal boundaries and settlements. It signifies a tangible piece of the promised land now belonging to Naphtali, reflecting God's comprehensive provision.
* **"and Enhazor":** Completing the list for this particular segment of Naphtali's cities, Enhazor is named. Like Edrei, its inclusion emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the divine provision and the human execution of the land distribution. The naming of these specific towns, even seemingly minor ones, underscores the reality, precision, and thoroughness of God's fulfillment of His promises to His people, leaving no stone unturned in the allocation of their inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 19:37 primarily employs **Listing/Cataloging**, a pervasive literary device throughout the book of Joshua, especially in chapters detailing the land division. This device serves to provide a comprehensive and precise record of the tribal inheritances, emphasizing the undeniable fulfillment of God's promises and the meticulous nature of the land allocation. The repeated use of the conjunction "and" ("And Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor") creates a sense of **Accumulation** and **Completeness**, reinforcing the idea that every piece of the promised land, down to individual cities, was accounted for and distributed according to divine will. This detailed enumeration also functions as a **Fulfillment Narrative**, demonstrating the tangible realization of God's covenant with Israel, transforming abstract divine promises into concrete geographical and historical realities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:37, though a mere enumeration of place names, profoundly illustrates God's character as a meticulous and faithful covenant-keeper. The precision with which these cities are named within Naphtali's inheritance speaks volumes about divine order and comprehensive provision. It is a testament that God's promises are not vague generalities but specific, detailed realities that He brings to pass with exactitude. This level of detail in the biblical record serves to affirm the certainty of God's word and His unwavering commitment to His people, ensuring that every aspect of His covenant is fulfilled. Just as He carefully allotted physical land to the tribes of Israel, He orchestrates the details of our lives and has prepared a spiritual inheritance for those who trust in Him, demonstrating His unfailing care and sovereign plan for our ultimate good.

* [Numbers 34:17-29](/numbers/34-17-29 "Numbers 34:17-29 - Appointment of Land Dividers")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Promises Fulfilled")
* [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Promised Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 19:37, a seemingly dry list of ancient cities, offers a profound glimpse into the meticulous nature of God's faithfulness and provision. It reminds us that our God is not a God of chaos or oversight, but one who attends to every detail, ensuring that His promises are fulfilled with precision and completeness. For believers today, this verse encourages us to trust in God's careful orchestration of our lives, knowing that He has prepared an inheritance for us that is far greater than any physical land—an eternal inheritance in Christ. Just as the Israelites received their physical portion, we are assured of our spiritual blessings and future hope, which are imperishable and undefiled. This should inspire profound confidence in His plans, even when they seem mundane, complex, or beyond our immediate understanding, and cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for His unwavering commitment to our well-being and ultimate salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision in the Old Testament, as seen in the land division, encourage us regarding His care for the intricate details of our lives today?**
* **In what specific ways do we experience God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, both personal and communal, in our contemporary context?**
* **How does understanding our spiritual inheritance in Christ, foreshadowed by the physical land of Canaan, shape our daily living, our priorities, and our hope for the future?**

### FAQ

**Why are these specific cities listed in Joshua 19:37?**

Answer: The listing of specific cities like Kedesh, Edrei, and Enhazor in [Joshua 19:37](/joshua/19-37 "Joshua 19:37 - Cities of Naphtali") serves several crucial purposes. Primarily, it provides a meticulous and undeniable record of the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to Israel. This detailed cataloging established clear tribal boundaries, preventing future disputes over territory and ensuring that each tribe received its specific, divinely appointed inheritance. It also documented key settlements, some of which, like Kedesh, would later play significant roles in Israelite history and law, such as being designated as a [city of refuge](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7 - Kedesh, a City of Refuge"). The precision underscores God's faithfulness and the tangible reality of the land's possession, leaving no doubt that His word was fulfilled.

**What is the significance of Kedesh being a City of Refuge?**

Answer: Kedesh's designation as a City of Refuge, as mentioned in [Joshua 20:7](/joshua/20-7 "Joshua 20:7 - Kedesh as a City of Refuge"), is profoundly significant within Israelite law and theology. These cities were divinely ordained havens for individuals who had unintentionally caused the death of another, providing protection from the "avenger of blood" until their case could be fairly heard by the community elders at the city gate. This system demonstrated God's justice, ensuring that innocent lives were protected from vengeful retaliation, while also upholding the sanctity of human life by requiring a legal process. It showcased God's mercy and provision for His people, establishing a framework for equitable law and order within the land He had given them, reflecting His character as both just and merciful.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous division of the land of Canaan, culminating in verses like [Joshua 19:37](/joshua/19-37 "Joshua 19:37 - Cities of Naphtali"), points beyond a mere physical inheritance to the spiritual and eternal inheritance found in Christ. Just as God faithfully provided a tangible dwelling place for Israel, Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of rest and true inheritance for His people. The land of Canaan, with its specific cities and boundaries, foreshadows the "better country" ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "A Better Country")) that believers inherit in Christ—a spiritual kingdom and eternal dwelling not made with human hands. Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus has secured for us 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 Heavenly Inheritance")). He is our true rest, our spiritual Sabbath ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest")), and the one who prepares a place for us in His Father's house ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). The precision of the land allotment in Joshua finds its ultimate echo in the precise and perfect provision of salvation and eternal life offered to all who are "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")), culminating in the new heavens and new earth where God Himself dwells eternally with His redeemed people ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 20:7

¶ And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which [is] Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

Joshua 12:22

The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;