Joshua 19:46

KJV

And Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Mejarkon {H4313}, and Rakkon {H7542}, with the border {H1366} before {H4136} Japho {H3305}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yarkon Springs and Rakon, with the border fronting Yafo.

Berean Standard Bible

Me-jarkon, and Rakkon, including the territory across from Joppa.

American Standard Version

and Me-jarkon, and Rakkon, with the border over against Joppa.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:46 is a succinct yet significant verse within the detailed account of the tribal land allocations, specifically delineating a portion of the western border for the tribe of Dan. It precisely names Mejarkon and Rakkon as key geographical markers, indicating their proximity to the prominent coastal city of Japho, thereby defining the tribe's access to the Mediterranean Sea and underscoring the meticulous fulfillment of God's promise regarding the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within the larger narrative of the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel, as recorded in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - Division of the Land"). More specifically, it forms part of the detailed description of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Dan, found in [Joshua 19:40-48](/joshua/19-40 "Joshua 19:40-48 - The Inheritance of Dan"). Following the conquest of Canaan, Joshua, guided by divine instruction, meticulously oversaw the casting of lots to assign territories. The precise listing of towns and geographical features, even seemingly minor ones like Mejarkon and Rakkon alongside the major port of Japho, highlights the thoroughness and divine authority behind this distribution, emphasizing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Joshua is the immediate aftermath of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their forty-year wilderness wandering, culminating in the conquest of Canaan, roughly spanning the late Bronze Age to early Iron Age (c. 1400-1200 BCE). Land ownership was paramount in ancient Near Eastern societies, signifying identity, security, and divine favor. The mention of Japho (modern Jaffa/Tel Aviv) is crucial as it was a strategic ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast, providing vital trade and maritime access. For the tribe of Dan, receiving territory near such a significant port offered immense economic and strategic potential. However, the historical reality, as later recounted in [Judges 1:34](/judges/1-34 "Judges 1:34 - Danites Driven Out by Amorites") and [Judges 18](/judges/18 "Judges 18 - Danite Migration"), shows that the Danites struggled to dispossess the Amorites and Philistines from their allocated coastal plain, ultimately leading to their northward migration to Laish/Dan. This struggle underscores the challenges of fully possessing the promised inheritance amidst hostile neighbors.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed geographical descriptions, including [Joshua 19:46](/joshua/19-46 "Joshua 19:46 - Dan's Border near Japho"), powerfully illustrate the **Divine Fulfillment of Promise**. God's ancient covenant with Abraham, promising his descendants the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"); [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant")), is meticulously brought to fruition. The **Meticulous Order and Detail** evident in these boundary lists reflects God's precise and orderly nature, demonstrating that His plans are not vague but are executed with absolute thoroughness. Furthermore, the **Geographical Significance** of Japho is a key theme. As a major maritime gateway, its inclusion in Dan's territory highlights the strategic importance of the coastal region, a place that would later feature prominently in biblical history, such as [Jonah's departure](/jonah/1-3 "Jonah 1:3 - Jonah Flees to Tarshish from Joppa") and [Peter's vision and ministry](/acts/9-36 "Acts 9:36 - Peter Raises Dorcas in Joppa") in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mejarkon (מֵי הַיַּרְקוֹן, _mei hayyarqon'_):** This Hebrew phrase literally translates to "waters of the Yarkon." The Yarkon River is a significant perennial stream in the central coastal plain of Israel, flowing westward to the Mediterranean Sea north of modern Tel Aviv. Its inclusion as a boundary marker indicates a natural, prominent geographical feature used to define the northern extent of Dan's territory in this particular section. The presence of a river would have been vital for agriculture and sustenance in the region.
* **Rakkon (הָרַקּוֹן, _haraqqon'_):** This is the name of a town, likely situated near the Yarkon River. While its precise archaeological identification remains debated among scholars, it is generally understood to be a settlement close to the river mouth or along its lower course. The name itself might derive from a root meaning "thin" or "lean," possibly describing the nature of the land or a specific feature. Its mention alongside Mejarkon and Japho further specifies the border's trajectory.
* **Japho (יָפוֹ, _yafo'_):** Known today as Jaffa (or Joppa in Greek), this is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited port cities. The Hebrew name _Yafo_ means "beautiful" or "fair," perhaps referring to its scenic coastal location. Its strategic importance as a natural harbor and gateway to the land of Israel made it a crucial landmark. For Dan's territory to extend "before Japho" means their border reached the immediate vicinity of this vital port, granting them potential access to maritime trade and communication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Mejarkon":** This phrase introduces the first specific geographical marker of Dan's border. The mention of "Mejarkon" (the waters of the Yarkon River) establishes a natural and identifiable northern boundary point for this segment of Dan's inheritance, indicating that their territory extended up to or included this river.
* **"and Rakkon":** Following Mejarkon, the inclusion of "Rakkon" denotes another specific point on the border, likely a town or settlement. This adds precision to the description, indicating the border's path from the river to this particular settlement, further defining the tribal land.
* **"with the border before Japho":** This concluding phrase clarifies the overall orientation and extent of this section of the border. "Before Japho" signifies that the boundary runs in front of, or in the immediate vicinity of, the city of Japho. This places Dan's territory directly adjacent to this crucial coastal city, confirming their allocation of land that reached the Mediterranean Sea and encompassed a highly strategic area.

#### Literary Devices
The concise nature of [Joshua 19:46](/joshua/19-46 "Joshua 19:46 - Dan's Border near Japho") primarily employs **Topographical Description**, a common literary feature throughout the Book of Joshua as it meticulously details the division of the land. The verse functions as a part of an extensive **Catalogue** of place names, systematically listing the boundaries and cities allotted to each tribe. This cataloging serves to emphasize the thoroughness and precision of the land distribution, underscoring the divine order and fulfillment of prophecy. While not a direct example of **Merism**, the combination of a river (Mejarkon) and a town (Rakkon) in conjunction with a major city (Japho) effectively delineates a specific segment of the border, providing a comprehensive picture of that particular stretch of territory. The language is **Telegraphic Style**, prioritizing factual information and geographical markers over elaborate narrative, which is characteristic of administrative or legal documents of the time, reinforcing the authoritative nature of the land allocation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Joshua 19:46](/joshua/19-46 "Joshua 19:46 - Dan's Border near Japho"), though seemingly a mere geographical listing, profoundly underscores God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises. The precision with which these boundaries are described, down to specific rivers and towns, demonstrates that God's covenant with Abraham regarding the land of Canaan was not a vague generality but a detailed, divinely orchestrated reality. It reveals a God who is intimately involved in the specifics of His people's lives and destiny, ensuring that every detail of His word comes to pass. This attention to detail in the physical inheritance foreshadows the intricate precision with which God orchestrates His spiritual promises for His people.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Covenant with Abraham")
* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34:1-12 - The Borders of Canaan")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalms/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Provision of Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This brief verse, a fragment of an ancient land deed, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and His meticulous attention to detail in fulfilling His promises. Just as He precisely delineated the physical inheritance for the tribes of Israel, so too does He meticulously work out the details of our lives and His redemptive plan. We are called to trust in this God who is faithful in the grand sweep of history and in the seemingly small, intricate aspects of our personal journeys. Furthermore, understanding the challenges faced by the Danites in fully possessing their inheritance, despite its divine allocation, prompts us to reflect on our own spiritual inheritance in Christ. Are we actively "possessing" the blessings, responsibilities, and spiritual realities that are ours in Him, or are we allowing spiritual "Amorites" to hinder us? The strategic importance of Japho, a gateway to the nations, also invites us to consider how God places us in strategically important positions—whether geographical or relational—for the furtherance of His kingdom, even if those positions come with challenges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land division in Joshua 19:46 strengthen your trust in His faithfulness regarding the details of your own life?**
* **What "inheritance" (spiritual blessings, gifts, callings) has God given you in Christ, and how are you actively seeking to "possess" and live into it?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to engage with "strategic" places or people in your life, even if it involves facing challenges, for the sake of His kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the specific locations mentioned in Joshua 19:46?**

Answer: The significance lies in their role as precise geographical markers defining the western border of the tribe of Dan's inheritance. "Mejarkon" refers to the "waters of the Yarkon," a significant river, and "Rakkon" is a town, both located in the central coastal plain of Israel. "Japho" (modern Jaffa/Joppa) was a crucial ancient port city on the Mediterranean Sea. The mention of these specific locations underscores the meticulous nature of the land division, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give Israel a defined territory. It also highlights the strategic access to the sea that was initially granted to the tribe of Dan, though they later struggled to fully occupy this region, as detailed in [Judges 1:34](/judges/1-34 "Judges 1:34 - Danites Driven Out by Amorites") and [Judges 18](/judges/18 "Judges 18 - Danite Migration").

**Why are such seemingly minor geographical details included in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: The inclusion of seemingly minor geographical details like those in [Joshua 19:46](/joshua/19-46 "Joshua 19:46 - Dan's Border near Japho") serves several crucial purposes. First, it authenticates the historical claims of the text, providing verifiable (or at least historically plausible) markers that ground the narrative in real geography. Second, it emphasizes the divine precision and meticulousness with which God fulfilled His covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Every inch of the promised land was accounted for. Third, these details highlight the legal and administrative thoroughness of the land distribution, which was a foundational act for the nascent Israelite nation. Finally, for the original audience, these specific names would have been highly relevant, helping them understand the extent and boundaries of their tribal heritage, reinforcing their identity and place within God's plan.

**How does the mention of Japho in Dan's territory connect to other biblical events?**

Answer: Japho (Joppa) is a highly significant ancient port city that appears in several key biblical narratives beyond [Joshua 19:46](/joshua/19-46 "Joshua 19:46 - Dan's Border near Japho"). In the Old Testament, it is most famously known as the port from which the prophet [Jonah attempted to flee from God's command](/jonah/1-3 "Jonah 1:3 - Jonah Flees from Joppa") to go to Nineveh. In the New Testament, Japho is the city where the apostle [Peter stayed with Simon the tanner](/acts/9-43 "Acts 9:43 - Peter Stays in Joppa") and, most notably, where he received the pivotal vision of the sheet with unclean animals, which prepared him to preach the Gospel to Gentiles, specifically Cornelius in Caesarea ([Acts 10:9-23](/acts/10-9 "Acts 10:9-23 - Peter's Vision at Joppa")). These later events underscore Japho's enduring strategic importance as a gateway connecting the land of Israel to the wider world, a significance implicitly recognized by its inclusion in Dan's initial tribal allocation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Joshua 19:46](/joshua/19-46 "Joshua 19:46 - Dan's Border near Japho") describes a physical border in the Promised Land, its deeper theological resonance points powerfully to Christ. The meticulous detail with which God allocated land to His people foreshadows the precise and comprehensive fulfillment of His ultimate redemptive plan in Jesus. Just as the land was a tangible inheritance, Christ Himself is the believer's true and eternal inheritance, far surpassing any earthly possession ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). The "borders" of this spiritual inheritance are not defined by rivers or towns, but by the boundless grace and truth found in Him, extending to all who believe, regardless of tribe or nation ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). Furthermore, the mention of Japho, a port city connecting Israel to the wider world, subtly prefigures Christ's universal mission. He is the ultimate "gateway" through whom all nations can access God's salvation ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")). Thus, this seemingly obscure verse ultimately points to the comprehensive and inclusive nature of God's kingdom, fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our perfect and eternal inheritance.

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

2 Chronicles 2:16

And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

Acts 9:36

¶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

Acts 9:43

And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Acts 10:8

And when he had declared all [these] things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

Jonah 1:3

But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.