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Commentary on Joshua 19 verses 49–51
Before this account of the dividing of the land is solemnly closed up, in the last verse, which intimates that the thing was done to the satisfaction of all, here is an account of the particular inheritance assigned to Joshua. 1. He was last served, though the eldest and greatest man of all Israel, and who, having commanded in the conquest of Canaan, might have demanded the first settlement in it for himself and his family. But he would make it to appear that in all he did he sought the good of his country, and not any private interest of his own. He was content to be unfixed till he saw them all settled; and herein is a great example to all in public places to prefer the common welfare before their particular satisfaction. Let the public be first served. 2. He had his lot according to the word of the Lord. It is probable that, when God by Moses told Caleb what inheritance he should have (Jos 14:9), he gave the like promise to Joshua, which he had an eye to in making his election: this made his portion doubly pleasant, that he had it, not as the rest by common providence, but by special promise. 3. He chose it in Mount Ephraim, which belonged to his own tribe, with which he thereby put himself in common, when he might by prerogative have chosen his inheritance in some other tribe, as suppose that of Judah, and thereby have distinguished himself from them. Let no man's preferment or honour make him ashamed of his family or country, or estrange him from it. The tabernacle was set up in the lot of Ephraim, and Joshua would forecast not to be far from that. 4. The children of Israel are said to give it to him (Jos 19:49), which bespeaks his humility, that he would not take it to himself without the people's consent and approbation, as if he would thereby own himself, though major singulis - greater than any one, yet minor universis - less than the whole assemblage, and would hold even the estate of his family, under God, by the grant of the people. 5. It was a city that must be built before it was fit to be dwelt in. While others dwelt in houses which they built not, Joshua must erect for himself (that he might be a pattern of industry and contentment with mean things) such buildings as he could hastily run up, without curiosity or magnificence. Our Lord Jesus thus came and dwelt among us, not in pomp but poverty, providing rest for us, yet himself not having where to lay his head. Even Christ pleased not himself.
And indeed we said above that even our Lord Jesus Christ asks us for a place he may build and in which he may live and that we ought to become so clean of heart, and so sincere of mind, so holy in body and spirit, that he may both deign to accept this place in our soul and to build it and dwell in it. And who do you think among all the people are so acceptable to God that they are worthy to be chosen for this? Or perhaps no individuals can be capable of this, but can the whole people and all the church together barely be capable of receiving the Lord Jesus in themselves so that he may dwell in them?Let us see, therefore, what is this place in which Jesus is bound to dwell. "In Mount Ephraim," it says, that is, in the fruit-bearing mountain. Who do you think among us are fruit-bearing mountains, in whom Jesus may dwell? Surely those in whom exist "the fruit of the Spirit: joy, peace, patience, love," and the rest. Those, therefore, are the fruit-bearing mountains who produce the fruit of the Spirit and who are always lofty in mind and expectation. And although few are able to be like this, nevertheless, even if they are few, the Lord Jesus, who is the "true light" dwelling in them, will send forth the beams of his light also upon all the rest, those whom he has not yet, in this first round, judged worthy of his habitation.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 19:50 marks the culmination of the land distribution in Canaan, recording the faithful leader Joshua's personal inheritance of Timnathserah in the hill country of Ephraim. This verse profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, not only to the nation of Israel but also to His individual servants. It highlights Joshua's exemplary, selfless leadership, as he patiently waited until all the tribes had received their portions before claiming his own. The subsequent act of building and dwelling in the city signifies the establishment of his well-deserved rest and the completion of his monumental, divinely appointed task of settling Israel in the Promised Land.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 19:50 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological and historical message. The most prominent is Fulfillment, as the verse explicitly states that the giving of the city was "According to the word of the LORD," highlighting God's absolute faithfulness in bringing His promises to pass, not only for the collective nation but also for His individual servants. There is also rich Symbolism present throughout the verse: Joshua's act of waiting until all other tribes received their inheritance before claiming his own profoundly symbolizes Servant Leadership and deep humility, setting an enduring example. His choice to "build the city" rather than inherit an already established one further symbolizes his dedication, diligent hard work, and unwavering commitment to the development and flourishing of the land, even for his personal portion. The ultimate act of "dwelling therein" powerfully symbolizes the attainment of Rest and the completion of a monumental, divinely appointed task, representing a personal Sabbath after years of intense warfare and meticulous administration. Finally, there is a subtle yet significant Contrast between Joshua's selfless leadership and the typical self-aggrandizement and privilege-seeking behavior of ancient Near Eastern rulers, reinforcing his unique character as a truly divinely appointed and exemplary leader.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:50 stands as a powerful testament to God's meticulous faithfulness, demonstrating unequivocally that His promises extend not only to the collective nation but also to the individual, honoring those who faithfully serve Him. It underscores the profound biblical principle that God rewards diligent, humble service, providing a "rest" and an "inheritance" for those who prioritize His will and the well-being of others above their own immediate gain. Joshua's exemplary conduct of waiting for his portion until all others were served resonates deeply with the New Testament emphasis on humility and putting others first, trusting implicitly that God sees and ultimately rewards what is done in secret or without seeking immediate personal recognition or gain. This verse serves as a timeless reminder to believers that true fulfillment, lasting security, and an enduring inheritance come ultimately from God's gracious hand, often after a season of dedicated labor, self-sacrifice, and patient perseverance.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 19:50 offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to re-evaluate our priorities, our approach to leadership, and our understanding of service. Joshua, the supreme leader of Israel, conspicuously did not leverage his position for personal gain, immediate comfort, or a pre-eminent inheritance. Instead, he patiently waited, demonstrating a profound trust in God's ultimate provision and an unwavering, selfless commitment to the welfare of the entire community he served. This calls us to a deep introspection regarding how we exercise leadership, whether in our families, our workplaces, our churches, or any sphere of influence. Are we quick to claim privileges, assert our rights, or seek the most comfortable path, or do we genuinely prioritize the needs and well-being of others, trusting implicitly that God will ultimately provide our just portion in His perfect timing? The verse also speaks powerfully to the concept of rest. After years of intense labor, arduous warfare, and meticulous administration, Joshua finally settles into his inheritance, finding his personal "rest." This serves as a vital reminder that God faithfully provides seasons of rest, peace, and fulfillment after periods of diligent, faithful service. Our "Timnathserah" may not be a physical city, but it profoundly represents the peace, provision, and spiritual rest that God graciously grants to those who faithfully complete the tasks He has set before them. It encourages us to persevere with unwavering commitment in our calling, knowing that our ultimate reward and eternal rest come solely from Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Joshua receiving his inheritance last?
Answer: Joshua receiving his inheritance last is profoundly significant, serving as a powerful demonstration of his selfless leadership and profound humility. As the supreme leader who guided Israel through the arduous conquest of Canaan and oversaw the complex, meticulous land distribution, he could have easily claimed the choicest portion for himself first, leveraging his position for personal gain or privilege. However, by deliberately waiting until every single tribe had received its allocated portion, Joshua unequivocally demonstrated that his paramount priority was the welfare of the people and the faithful fulfillment of God's promises to them, rather than any personal advantage or immediate comfort. This act sets a compelling and enduring example of servant leadership, where the leader consciously puts the needs and well-being of others before his own, trusting implicitly in God's faithfulness to provide his due portion in His own perfect time. It powerfully underscores the biblical principle that true greatness in God's kingdom often involves humility, sacrifice, and a willingness to defer one's own desires, standing in stark contrast to typical worldly leadership models.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 19:50, while meticulously detailing the earthly inheritance of a faithful servant of God, beautifully and prophetically foreshadows the ultimate spiritual inheritance and eternal rest found exclusively in Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose very name (Yeshua) means "the Lord saves," serves as a profound type of Christ, leading God's people into their promised land. Just as Joshua brought the nation of Israel into a physical rest within the land of Canaan, Jesus, the greater Joshua, leads His redeemed people into a spiritual and eternal rest, a true and incorruptible "inheritance" that transcends all earthly possessions and temporal boundaries (Hebrews 4:8-10). Joshua's remarkable humility in receiving his portion last powerfully mirrors Christ's ultimate act of divine humility, who, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus, like Joshua, did not claim the best for Himself first, but rather laid down His very life, enduring the ignominious cross, so that His people might receive their eternal, imperishable inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4). Our true "Timnathserah" is not a plot of physical land but a secure place within God's eternal kingdom, meticulously prepared and secured by Christ's finished work, where we will ultimately "dwell therein" with Him forever, experiencing perfect rest, abundant life, and unending fellowship (John 14:2-3).