Joshua 19:40

KJV

¶ [And] the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the seventh {H7637} lot {H1486} came out {H3318} for the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Dan {H1835} according to their families {H4940}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The seventh lot came out for the tribe of the descendants of Dan according to their families.

Berean Standard Bible

The seventh lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Dan:

American Standard Version

The seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:40 marks a significant moment in the unfolding narrative of Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land, specifically detailing the allocation of the seventh portion of territory by lot to the tribe of Dan. This verse is part of a meticulous record within the Book of Joshua, underscoring God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants by providing a tangible, divinely apportioned homeland for each of the twelve tribes according to their families, establishing their distinct identity and future within the emerging nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 19:40 is situated within the lengthy and detailed account of the land distribution among the Israelite tribes, spanning chapters 13 through 19 of the Book of Joshua. Following the major military campaigns that secured a foothold in Canaan, the narrative shifts from conquest to settlement. The process of land allocation began with the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh receiving their inheritance east of the Jordan ([Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Land East of Jordan")). The remaining tribes received their portions west of the Jordan, with the tabernacle established at Shiloh as the central point for this sacred division ([Joshua 18:1](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - Tabernacle at Shiloh")). The first major western allocations went to Judah ([Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - Judah's Inheritance")), Ephraim, and the other half of Manasseh ([Joshua 16-17](/joshua/16 "Joshua 16-17 - Ephraim and Manasseh's Inheritance")). Joshua 18 then describes the survey of the remaining land and the casting of lots for the final seven tribes, among whom Dan was the last to receive its portion, highlighting the systematic and divinely guided nature of the entire process.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of land by "lot" (Hebrew: _goral_) was a culturally significant practice in ancient Israel, understood not as a game of chance but as a means of discerning divine will. This method, often involving casting stones or marked objects, removed human bias and affirmed God's direct involvement in the distribution of the land, fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")) and his descendants. The concept of tribal inheritance was foundational to Israelite identity, linking each family and clan directly to a specific portion of the Promised Land. This land was not merely property but a sacred trust, a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness. The challenges faced by tribes like Dan in fully possessing their allotted territory, as later documented in [Judges 1:34](/judges/1-34 "Judges 1:34 - Dan's Struggles with the Amorites"), highlight the ongoing struggle between divine promise and human obedience or failure in the post-conquest period.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 19:40 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment of Promise**, as God meticulously brings to fruition His centuries-old commitment to provide a land for His people, a promise reiterated throughout the Pentateuch, such as in [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Promised Land"). The use of the lot emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance**, demonstrating that the land division was not arbitrary but orchestrated by God Himself, echoing the sentiment of [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot"). The detailed record of each tribe's inheritance also underscores **Order and Organization** in the establishment of the Israelite nation, reflecting God's character as a God of order. Finally, the concept of **Inheritance and Identity** is central, as each tribe's unique portion of land became intrinsically linked to its identity, its future, and its role within the larger covenant community of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lot (Hebrew, _goral'_):** This term refers to the method by which the land was allocated. In ancient Israel, casting lots was not seen as a random gamble but as a means through which God's will was revealed and His decisions were made manifest. It signified divine impartiality and sovereignty in the distribution of the land, ensuring that the outcome was attributed to God rather than human manipulation or favoritism. The use of the lot underscored the sacred nature of the land and the divine authority behind its apportionment.
* **Tribe (Hebrew, _shevet'_):** The word "tribe" denotes one of the twelve major kinship groups descended from Jacob's sons. In the context of Israel's settlement, the tribe was the primary unit of identity, social organization, and military mobilization. The land was divided "for the tribe," emphasizing that the inheritance was not merely for individuals but for the collective, enduring identity and lineage of each tribal family, establishing their territorial boundaries and future generations' dwelling.
* **Families (Hebrew, _mishpachah'_):** This term refers to the smaller kinship units or clans within each tribe. The phrase "according to their families" highlights the meticulous and granular nature of the land distribution. It indicates that the allocation was not just to the tribe as a whole, but was further subdivided and assigned based on the existing family structures, ensuring that every household and lineage within the tribe received its rightful portion of the inheritance. This detail underscores the comprehensive and equitable (within the tribal framework) nature of the divine provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the seventh lot came out":** This phrase signifies the culmination of the land distribution process for the remaining seven tribes, with Dan being the last. The sequential numbering ("seventh lot") indicates a systematic and orderly progression, reinforcing the idea that the allocation was not haphazard but followed a divinely ordained plan. The "coming out" of the lot physically represents the revelation of God's choice for Dan's inheritance.
* **"for the tribe of the children of Dan":** This specifies the recipient of the seventh lot. The "children of Dan" refers to the descendants of Dan, one of Jacob's sons, identifying the specific tribal entity that was granted this particular territory. It highlights the direct fulfillment of God's promise to this particular lineage.
* **"according to their families":** This final clause emphasizes the detailed nature of the inheritance. It means that the land allotted to the tribe of Dan was then further apportioned and distributed among the various clans and households within the tribe, ensuring that each family unit received its designated share of the communal inheritance. This level of detail underscores the thoroughness of God's provision and the structured establishment of Israelite society.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Repetition**, a common literary device throughout the land distribution chapters of Joshua. The phrase "the lot came out for the tribe of... according to their families" is repeated for each of the seven tribes (Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan), creating a rhythmic and formulaic pattern that emphasizes the systematic and divinely ordered nature of the land allocation. This repetition reinforces the theme of God's faithfulness in providing an inheritance for each and every tribe. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the "lot" itself is significant. It stands as a powerful symbol of divine sovereignty and impartiality, representing God's direct hand in the affairs of His people. The land, in turn, is a potent symbol of God's covenant faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel, serving as a tangible manifestation of their identity and security as His chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:40, by detailing Dan's inheritance, is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises. The meticulous division of the land by lot underscores divine sovereignty, demonstrating that Israel's possession of Canaan was not by human might or chance, but by God's deliberate and precise orchestration. This act of apportionment solidified Israel's identity as a nation rooted in a specific, divinely granted inheritance, reinforcing the theological truth that God is true to His word and provides for His people according to His perfect plan. Even though the tribe of Dan would later face challenges in fully occupying their territory and eventually migrate, this initial allocation stands as a foundational act of God's provision.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalm/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Inheritance for Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 19:40, while seemingly a dry genealogical and geographical record, offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. Just as He meticulously planned and provided a physical inheritance for each tribe of Israel, He has a specific, divinely ordained plan and spiritual inheritance for each of us. Our "lot" in life, our circumstances, gifts, and calling, are not random but are part of His sovereign design. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect provision, even when our assigned "territory" seems challenging or requires perseverance, much like the tribe of Dan faced difficulties in fully possessing their land. It calls us to embrace our unique identity in Christ and to faithfully steward the spiritual blessings and opportunities God has given us, knowing that He is faithful to complete what He has begun in us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the land distribution in Joshua, including Dan's lot, speak to God's character and His involvement in our lives today?**
* **In what ways might we, like the tribe of Dan, be given an "inheritance" or calling that requires faith and perseverance to fully possess or live out?**
* **How does understanding God's faithfulness in ancient Israel's land inheritance strengthen our trust in His promises for our own lives?**

### FAQ
**What happened to the tribe of Dan after receiving their inheritance in Joshua 19:40?**

Answer: While Joshua 19:40 records the allocation of a significant territory to Dan, located along the Mediterranean coast west of Benjamin and Ephraim, the tribe faced considerable challenges in fully possessing it. The Amorites, who occupied the fertile plains, were too strong for Dan to dislodge, as recorded in [Judges 1:34](/judges/1-34 "Judges 1:34 - Dan's Inability to Dislodge the Amorites"). This failure to drive out the inhabitants led to a significant portion of the tribe seeking new territory. As detailed in [Judges 18](/judges/18 "Judges 18 - Dan's Migration to Laish"), a large contingent of Danites migrated northward, conquering the city of Laish (renaming it Dan) and establishing a new settlement there. This migration, driven by their inability to secure their initial inheritance, marked a significant departure from their divinely appointed land and ultimately contributed to their spiritual decline, as they later established idolatrous worship in their new northern home ([Judges 18:30-31](/judges/18-30 "Judges 18:30-31 - Dan's Idolatry")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 19:40 details a physical land inheritance, its deeper significance points towards the ultimate spiritual inheritance found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous division of land by lot, demonstrating God's sovereign provision for His people, foreshadows the spiritual blessings and "inheritance" that believers receive in Christ. Just as Israel found rest in the Promised Land, believers find their true rest and security not in a geographical location, but in Christ, who is our ultimate inheritance and the fulfillment of all God's promises ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). The struggles of the tribe of Dan to fully possess their earthly inheritance highlight the limitations of a physical covenant and underscore the need for a greater deliverer. Christ, the true Joshua, leads His people into a spiritual inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Kept in Heaven")). Through His atoning work, He secures for us not merely a plot of land, but eternal life and a place in God's heavenly kingdom, fulfilling the promise of a deeper, more lasting rest than Canaan could ever offer ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Rest 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.