Joshua 19:38

KJV

And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Iron {H3375}, and Migdalel {H4027}, Horem {H2765}, and Bethanath {H1043}, and Bethshemesh {H1053}; nineteen {H8672}{H6240} cities {H5892} with their villages {H2691}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yir'on, Migdal-El, Horem, Beit-'Anat and Beit-Shemesh - nineteen cities, together with their villages.

Berean Standard Bible

Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh. There were nineteen cities, along with their villages.

American Standard Version

and Iron, and Migdal-el, Horem, and Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:38 meticulously records a segment of the tribal inheritance for Naphtali, listing five specific cities—Iron, Migdalel, Horem, Bethanath, and Bethshemesh—and concluding with the precise count of "nineteen cities with their villages." This verse, part of the detailed land distribution in Joshua, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness, the meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel, and the tangible reality of their God-given possession in the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 19:38 is situated within the extensive and detailed account of the land distribution among the Israelite tribes, specifically focusing on the seventh lot drawn for the tribe of Naphtali (Joshua 19:32-39). This section, from [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land Begins") through [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites"), serves as the climactic fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land. The preceding verses (Joshua 19:32-37) delineate the borders and initial cities of Naphtali's territory, while verse 38 provides a summary count of cities within this allotment. The meticulous enumeration of cities and their villages across these chapters emphasizes the completeness and precision of God's provision, ensuring that each tribe received its specific, divinely ordained inheritance. The very act of listing these places validates the historical reality of the conquest and settlement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Joshua chronicles the period immediately following the wilderness wanderings, as the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, enter and conquer Canaan. This era (roughly 1400-1350 BC, depending on dating) marked a pivotal transition from nomadic life to settled existence in a land promised centuries earlier to Abraham ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). The division of land was not merely a logistical exercise but a theological act, solidifying Israel's identity as God's chosen people in their own sovereign territory. The mention of cities like Bethanath and Bethshemesh, whose names reflect pagan deities (Anath, a Canaanite goddess of war and fertility; Shemesh, the sun god), highlights the cultural landscape of Canaan. Israel's possession of these places signified a spiritual conquest—the displacement of idolatry by the worship of Yahweh—and a clear demarcation of the land as belonging to God's people. Naphtali's territory, located in the fertile northern region of Canaan, was strategically important, bordering other tribes and potentially vulnerable to northern incursions, yet it was a rich agricultural area.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader context of [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Allotment for Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan"), contributes significantly to several overarching themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, fulfilling what He swore to the patriarchs centuries prior. The detailed list of cities underscores God's **Order and Specificity**, revealing His meticulous care in providing for His people, not vaguely but with precise boundaries and possessions. This precision ensures that each tribe received its rightful portion, leaving no room for dispute over the divine allocation. Finally, the concept of **Inheritance and Possession** is central. The land was not merely conquered but *inherited*—a permanent, God-given legacy that defined the identity, security, and future of each tribe within the nascent nation of Israel. This physical inheritance foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ, as seen in [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Migdalel (Hebrew, _migdal-ʼēl'_):** Meaning "Tower of God." This name likely indicates a prominent fortified structure or a place dedicated to the worship of God, or perhaps a place where God's presence was acknowledged. Its inclusion in Naphtali's inheritance suggests that even places with names referencing divine authority or strength were brought under the dominion of Yahweh's people.
* **Bethanath (Hebrew, _bêṯ-ʻănāṯ'_):** Meaning "House of Anath." Anath was a significant Canaanite goddess of war, fertility, and hunting, often depicted as a fierce and violent deity in Ugaritic texts. The presence of a city named after her within Israel's inheritance highlights the pervasive nature of pagan worship in Canaan and the divine imperative for Israel to dispossess and displace these idolatrous practices. Israel's possession of "House of Anath" symbolically represents the triumph of Yahweh over the false gods of the land.
* **Bethshemesh (Hebrew, _bêṯ-šemeš'_):** Meaning "House of the Sun." This name indicates a place associated with the worship of the sun god, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern religions. Like Bethanath, its inclusion in the Israelite territory signifies the divine intention for God's people to purify the land from pagan idolatry and establish the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The Israelites were to claim these formerly pagan sites for the Lord, transforming places of darkness into places of light.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh;":** This clause lists five specific cities within the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. The names themselves offer insights into the original inhabitants and the nature of the places (e.g., "Tower of God," "House of Anath," "House of the Sun"). The inclusion of these specific names underscores the meticulous detail of the land division, emphasizing that this was not a vague promise but a tangible, geographically precise fulfillment of God's covenant. Each name represents a real location, solidifying the historical and practical reality of the inheritance.
* **"nineteen cities with their villages.":** This concluding phrase provides a summary count for Naphtali's inheritance. The number "nineteen" (or twenty-one in some ancient versions, reflecting textual variations) signifies a comprehensive and complete allotment. The phrase "with their villages" indicates that the inheritance included not just the main fortified cities but also the surrounding agricultural settlements and smaller communities dependent on those cities. This detail highlights the thoroughness of the land distribution, ensuring that every aspect of the tribal territory, from urban centers to rural outposts, was accounted for and possessed by the tribe.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Joshua 19:38, and indeed throughout the land distribution chapters, is **Enumeration** or **Listing**. This meticulous cataloging of cities serves to emphasize the precision, completeness, and tangible reality of God's fulfillment of His promises. It is not a vague or symbolic promise, but a concrete, geographical reality. This detailed listing also contributes to a **Fulfillment Motif**, where the very act of naming and counting the cities demonstrates that God's ancient promises to Abraham regarding the land are now being brought to fruition. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism** in the names of cities like Bethanath and Bethshemesh. Their names, indicative of pagan worship, symbolize the spiritual conquest that accompanies the physical possession of the land, representing the triumph of Yahweh over the false gods of Canaan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:38, though a seemingly mundane list of place names, is profoundly theological. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the meticulous precision with which He fulfills His covenant promises. The detailed allocation of land, down to specific cities and their villages, demonstrates that God's plans are not vague generalities but concrete realities, executed with divine order. This physical inheritance in Canaan foreshadows the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ—a secure, eternal possession that is guaranteed by God's faithfulness. Just as Israel was called to possess their physical land, believers are called to fully embrace and live out the spiritual realities of their new life in Christ.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham"): This verse directly links to God's initial covenant promise to Abraham regarding the land, which Joshua 19:38 helps fulfill.
* [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"): Connects the physical inheritance of Israel to the spiritual blessings and inheritance believers have in Christ.
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8-10 - Abraham's Faith in the Promised Land"): Highlights the faith of Abraham in a future, better inheritance, which finds its ultimate fulfillment beyond the earthly Canaan.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 19:38, while a historical record of ancient land division, offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our God is a God of intricate detail and unwavering commitment. Just as He meticulously parceled out land to each tribe, ensuring every promise was fulfilled, so too does He work with precision in our lives. We can trust that His plans for us are not vague but purposeful, and His promises are sure. This verse encourages us to reflect on our own "inheritance" in Christ—the spiritual blessings, eternal life, and the promise of a new heaven and new earth. We are called not just to acknowledge this inheritance but to "possess" it, actively living out the realities of our faith, claiming the promises of God's Word in our daily lives, and trusting in His meticulous care for every detail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land distribution in Joshua assure you of His faithfulness in your own life?**
* **What "inheritance" do you believe God has promised you, either personally or corporately as a believer, and how are you actively "possessing" it?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's precise and detailed provision, rather than relying on your own vague plans?**

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

Answer: The listing of specific cities like Iron, Migdalel, Horem, Bethanath, and Bethshemesh in Joshua 19:38 serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides a precise, tangible record of the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to give the land to Israel, underscoring the historical reality of the conquest and settlement. Secondly, the names themselves often carry significance. "Migdalel" ("Tower of God") suggests a place of strength or divine acknowledgment. "Bethanath" ("House of Anath") and "Bethshemesh" ("House of the Sun") are particularly notable as they indicate former centers of pagan Canaanite worship. Israel's possession of these cities symbolized the triumph of Yahweh over the false gods of the land and the purification of the territory for the worship of the one true God. This detailed enumeration ensured that the boundaries and possessions of each tribe were clear and divinely ordained, minimizing future disputes and solidifying their identity within the Promised Land, as seen throughout the land division in [Joshua 13-21](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land Begins").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 19:38, with its meticulous detailing of a physical inheritance, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance offered through Jesus. Just as Naphtali received a tangible land portion as a gift from God, believers in Christ receive an eternal, spiritual 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")). Jesus, the true and ultimate Son of God, is the inheritor of all things ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, Heir of All Things")), and through Him, we become co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The specific cities in Joshua represent a physical space, but Christ offers a spiritual reality—a new covenant where we are given access to God's presence, forgiveness, and eternal life, a far greater "possession" than any earthly territory. The conquest of Canaan foreshadows Christ's victory over sin and death, which enables us to enter into our spiritual inheritance. Ultimately, the "Promised Land" finds its eschatological fulfillment not in a geographical location, but in the new heavens and new earth, where God dwells with His people, a reality secured by the Lamb of God ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - 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.