Joshua 19:50

KJV

According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, [even] Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

According to the word {H6310} of the LORD {H3068} they gave {H5414} him the city {H5892} which he asked {H7592}, even Timnathserah {H8556} in mount {H2022} Ephraim {H669}: and he built {H1129} the city {H5892}, and dwelt {H3427} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

According to ADONAI's order they gave him the city he had asked for, Timnat-Serach in the hills of Efrayim; so he built up the city and lived in it.

Berean Standard Bible

as the LORD had commanded. They gave him the city of Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, as he requested. He rebuilt the city and settled in it.

American Standard Version

according to the commandment of Jehovah they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah in the hill-country of Ephraim; and he built the city, and dwelt therein.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 19:50 serves as the climactic conclusion to the extensive and meticulously detailed account of the tribal land allocations, which spans chapters 13-19 of the Book of Joshua. Following the precise descriptions of the boundaries and cities for each of the twelve tribes of Israel, this verse specifically addresses the personal inheritance granted to Joshua himself. Its strategic placement at the very end of the distribution narrative is profoundly significant, emphasizing Joshua's humility and his exemplary servant leadership. As the one who led the conquest and oversaw the entire division process, Joshua deliberately waited until every other tribe had received its allotted portion before claiming his own. This act stands in stark contrast to the typical leadership practices of the ancient Near East, where rulers often prioritized their own gain and claimed the choicest spoils, thereby powerfully reinforcing Joshua's unique character as a divinely appointed and selfless servant of God and His people. The narrative then transitions into the establishment of the cities of refuge in [Joshua 20](/joshua/20 "Joshua 20 - Cities of Refuge") and the Levitical cities in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites"), before the book concludes with Joshua's farewell addresses and his death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land of Canaan was a monumental undertaking, representing the tangible fulfillment of the covenant promises made by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob centuries earlier (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abram")). This intricate process involved complex geographical surveys and careful tribal negotiations, all overseen by Joshua and Eleazar the priest, with the assistance of appointed tribal heads ([Numbers 34:16-29](/numbers/34-16-29 "Numbers 34:16-29 - Appointed Leaders for Land Distribution")). In ancient Israelite society, land ownership was not merely a material possession but was foundational to one's identity, security, and economic stability, being directly tied to tribal and family lineage. The concept of an "inheritance" (Hebrew: _nachalah_) was understood as a divinely granted, inalienable birthright, deeply connected to God's covenant faithfulness. For a leader of Joshua's stature to receive his portion last, and moreover, to choose a city that required personal building and development, speaks volumes about his character. It powerfully demonstrates a profound commitment to the communal good over personal gain, reflecting the ideals of a covenant community where God's will and the welfare of His people took absolute precedence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the Book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. First, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness** and the **Fulfillment of God's Promises**. The opening phrase, "According to the word of the LORD," is paramount, echoing the overarching theme of the book that God is utterly true to His word, bringing Israel into the Promised Land just as He swore to their ancestors ([Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - God's Promises Fulfilled")). Second, it exemplifies **Servant Leadership**. Joshua's deliberate decision to receive his inheritance last, and his willingness to build a city rather than inherit an established one, profoundly underscores his humility and unwavering dedication to the people he served. This act sets a powerful precedent for future leaders within Israel, contrasting sharply with the self-serving leadership often observed in the world. Third, the verse speaks to the profound theme of **Rest and Inheritance**. After years of arduous warfare and meticulous administration, Joshua finally enters into his personal "rest" in the land, a tangible foreshadowing of the ultimate spiritual rest God provides for His people, as later expounded in the New Testament ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Promise of Sabbath Rest")). His dwelling in Timnathserah symbolizes the completion of the conquest and the inauguration of a new era of settlement, stability, and peace for the nation of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Timnathserah (Hebrew, _Timnath Chereç'_):** This city, located in the mountainous region of Ephraim, was designated as Joshua's personal inheritance. The name "Timnathserah" (תִּמְנַת סֶרַח), derived from the Hebrew, is often interpreted as "portion of abundance" or, significantly, "remaining portion." The latter interpretation is particularly fitting given that Joshua received his inheritance last, after all other tribal portions had been meticulously distributed. This name, therefore, carries a profound double significance: it was indeed the "remaining" portion, yet by divine decree, it became his "portion of abundance," a place of rest, security, and prosperity after his long and demanding service. It is also known as Timnath-heres in [Judges 2:9](/judges/2-9 "Judges 2:9 - Joshua's Burial Place"), meaning "portion of the sun," possibly reflecting a later name or a different aspect of its significance.
* **Built (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** The verb "built" (בָּנָה, H1129) indicates that Timnathserah was not a fully developed, established city that Joshua simply moved into. Instead, it was likely a site that required significant construction, reconstruction, or development. This detail further accentuates Joshua's profound humility and dedication. He did not seek an easy or luxurious inheritance, but was willing to invest his own effort, resources, and leadership to establish his home. This active engagement in building also powerfully symbolizes the establishment and consolidation of the new Israelite presence in the land, marking a transition from a period of conquest and warfare to one of settlement, development, and peaceful habitation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked":** This opening clause is foundational, emphasizing both divine initiative and divine fulfillment. Joshua's request for his inheritance was not an arbitrary personal desire but was sanctioned by God's prior directive, likely communicated through Moses or directly to Joshua himself. The phrase "according to the word of the LORD" underscores the ultimate divine authority behind the meticulous distribution of the land and the specific, gracious provision for Joshua. It powerfully reinforces the overarching theme of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His tender care for His faithful servant. The use of "they gave him" indicates that the people, or more specifically, the leaders responsible for the land division (Eleazar the priest and the tribal heads), honored Joshua's divinely sanctioned request, acting in obedience to God's command.
* **"[even] Timnathserah in mount Ephraim":** This clause precisely specifies the geographical location of Joshua's personal inheritance. Timnathserah was strategically situated within the tribal territory of Ephraim, which was Joshua's own tribe. The "mount Ephraim" (or hill country of Ephraim) was a central and strategically important region within Canaan, though perhaps not the most fertile or easily defensible land compared to some other areas. This geographical detail further highlights Joshua's remarkable lack of self-aggrandizement; he did not choose a prime, highly desirable location for himself, but humbly accepted a portion within his own tribal area that required personal effort and development.
* **"and he built the city, and dwelt therein.":** This final clause vividly describes Joshua's actions upon receiving his inheritance, marking the culmination of his life's work. The act of "building the city" signifies his active engagement in establishing his home and consolidating his portion of the land. It implies a process of significant construction, development, and perhaps even fortification, transforming a raw site into a habitable dwelling. "And dwelt therein" marks the profound culmination of his long journey and arduous service to God and Israel. It signifies a period of well-deserved rest, stability, and personal settlement after years of tirelessly leading Israel in conquest and the complex land distribution. This is his final, personal inheritance, a place of peace, security, and fulfillment graciously provided by God.

#### 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.

* [Deuteronomy 12:9-10](/deuteronomy/12-9-10 "Deuteronomy 12:9-10 - God's Promise of Rest and Inheritance")
* [Psalm 37:3-4](/psalms/37-3-4 "Psalm 37:3-4 - Trust in the Lord and Do Good")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")

### 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
* **In what specific areas of your life are you most tempted to prioritize your own needs or desires over the needs of others or the well-being of your community?**
* **How does Joshua's profound humility and his willingness to wait for his inheritance challenge your current understanding and practice of true leadership?**
* **What "building" or diligent, often unseen, work is God currently calling you to undertake, even if the reward or a season of rest seems distant or uncertain?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper, more unwavering trust in God's faithful provision for your "inheritance" or "rest," especially when it doesn't manifest immediately according to your timeline?**

### 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](/hebrews/4-8-10 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The Greater Rest in Christ")). 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](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). 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](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")). 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](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")).

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 24:30

And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which [is] in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash.

Judges 2:9

And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathheres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash.

1 Chronicles 7:24

(And his daughter [was] Sherah, who built Bethhoron the nether, and the upper, and Uzzensherah.)