Joshua 19:6

KJV

And Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities and their villages:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Bethlebaoth {H1034}, and Sharuhen {H8287}; thirteen {H7969}{H6240} cities {H5892} and their villages {H2691}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Beit-L'va'ot and Sharuchen - thirteen cities, together with their villages;

Berean Standard Bible

Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen—thirteen cities, along with their villages.

American Standard Version

and Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities with their villages:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:6 precisely enumerates Bethlebaoth and Sharuhen as two of the thirteen cities, along with their associated villages, allotted to the tribe of Simeon. This verse is a meticulous record of God's faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises regarding the land inheritance for Israel, underscoring the divine precision in the distribution of the Promised Land to each tribe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive and highly detailed account of the land distribution to the tribes of Israel, specifically in [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - The Allotment of Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan"). Chapters 13-19 of Joshua meticulously record the division of the Promised Land among the remaining tribes after Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh had received their portions. [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance") specifically details the territory allotted to Simeon. The listing of cities is not merely a geographical record but a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of Israel's identity within their divinely appointed borders.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land was a pivotal moment in Israelite history, marking the transition from nomadic conquest to settled nationhood. Land ownership was fundamental to Israelite identity, social structure, and covenant relationship with God. The process, overseen by Joshua, Eleazar the priest, and the tribal leaders, involved casting lots, signifying divine guidance in the allocation. Simeon's inheritance, uniquely carved out from the territory of Judah, held particular historical significance as it fulfilled Jacob's prophetic words in [Genesis 49:7](/genesis/49-7 "Genesis 49:7 - Jacob's Prophecy for Simeon and Levi") regarding their dispersion within Israel. The mention of "villages" alongside cities reflects the typical settlement pattern of the time, where smaller, dependent communities relied on larger, fortified urban centers.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous enumeration of cities and their villages in [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Tribal Allotments") highlights several key themes. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**, showcasing God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants concerning the land. Every detail, down to specific place names like Bethlebaoth and Sharuhen, affirms that God's plan was meticulously executed. Secondly, it underscores **Tribal Identity and Inheritance**, as these detailed lists established the physical boundaries and distinct identity of each tribe within the Promised Land, defining their unique place and resources. For Simeon, it delineated their unique position as an enclave within Judah's larger territory. Lastly, the systematic process of land division, recorded with such precision, emphasizes **Order and Precision** in God's dealings with His people, revealing His sovereign control and purposeful design in establishing the nation of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bethlebaoth (Hebrew, _Bēth-lᵉbā’ôth'_):** Meaning "House of Lionesses" or "House of Lions." This name suggests a place historically associated with lions, either due to their presence in the region or perhaps as a symbolic name. Its inclusion in Simeon's territory indicates a specific, identifiable location, though its exact modern identification remains debated. The name itself might evoke the wildness of the region or a past encounter with these powerful animals.
* **Sharuhen (Hebrew, _Shārûḥen'_):** This city is often identified with Tell el-Far'ah (South), a significant archaeological site in the Negev. It was a strong fortress, known from ancient Egyptian records as an important strategic point. Its inclusion in Simeon's inheritance highlights the strategic and defensible nature of some of the allotted cities, providing security and control over the surrounding areas.
* **villages (Hebrew, חֲצֵרִים, _ḥăṣērîm'_):** This term refers to unfortified settlements, hamlets, or encampments that were dependent on a larger, fortified city. The inclusion of "and their villages" emphasizes that the inheritance was comprehensive, encompassing not only the main urban centers but also all the surrounding agricultural lands, pastures, and smaller residential areas. This ensured the tribes had full control and resources within their allotted land, reflecting a complete and self-sustaining territory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen;":** This clause lists two specific cities that were part of the inheritance given to the tribe of Simeon. Their individual mention highlights the meticulous detail with which the land was divided and recorded, underscoring the precision of the divine allocation. These names represent tangible, identifiable locations within the territory.
* **"thirteen cities":** This phrase specifies the total number of primary urban centers allotted to Simeon. The exact numerical count reinforces the theme of divine order and the precise fulfillment of God's promises. It is a testament to the thoroughness of the land distribution process, ensuring each tribe received a defined and sufficient portion.
* **"and their villages:":** This concluding phrase indicates that the inheritance included not just the main cities but also all the smaller, dependent settlements and surrounding agricultural lands. It signifies a complete and comprehensive grant of territory, providing the tribe with all necessary resources for sustenance, defense, and growth, ensuring their full control over their designated region.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 19:6, and indeed throughout the land distribution chapters, is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. The detailed listing of cities and their associated "villages" serves to meticulously record the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land. This extensive cataloging lends an air of historical accuracy and divine precision to the narrative, emphasizing that the land was not haphazardly acquired but meticulously divided according to God's plan. Additionally, the recurring phrase "and their villages" functions as a form of **Repetition**, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of each tribal inheritance. The sheer volume of names and numbers also contributes to the sense of **Verisimilitude**, making the account feel historically grounded and authentic. The entire passage serves as a **Historical Narrative**, documenting a crucial phase in the establishment of Israel as a nation in the Promised Land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:6, though a seemingly dry list of names, is profoundly significant in its theological implications. It serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His meticulous attention to detail in fulfilling His covenant promises. The precise enumeration of cities and villages underscores that God's word is not vague or abstract, but concrete and reliable. Just as He promised Abraham a land for his descendants, so He delivered it, down to the specific boundaries and settlements for each tribe. This divine precision assures us that God is sovereign over all details, large and small, and that His plans are executed with perfect order and unfailing accuracy. This verse, therefore, becomes a cornerstone for understanding the trustworthiness of God's character and the certainty of His Word.

* [Genesis 49:7](/genesis/49-7 "Genesis 49:7 - Jacob's Prophecy for Simeon and Levi")
* [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Instructions for Land Division by Lot")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalms/105-8 "Psalm 105:8-11 - God's Everlasting Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail found in Joshua 19:6 invites us to reflect on the nature of God's faithfulness in our own lives. If God, in His infinite wisdom, oversaw the precise distribution of ancient cities and villages to fulfill His promises to a nation, how much more is He attentive to every detail of our individual lives? This verse serves as a profound reminder that God is not a God of generalities but of specifics; His promises are not vague hopes but certain realities. It encourages us to trust in His sovereign care, even when our circumstances seem chaotic or insignificant. Just as the tribes received a tangible inheritance, believers today have an incorruptible spiritual inheritance in Christ, a reality made certain by the same God who faithfully divided the land. This passage calls us to rest in the assurance that God's plans for us are just as real, just as detailed, and just as certain as His ancient promises to Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous fulfillment of promises in Joshua deepen your trust in His word today?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to recognize God's sovereign attention to detail and surrender control to His perfect plan?**
* **How does understanding Israel's physical inheritance inform your understanding of your spiritual inheritance in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific cities mentioned in such detail?**

Answer: The detailed mention of specific cities like Bethlebaoth and Sharuhen serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides a precise historical record of the land distribution, confirming the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel. This level of detail underscores the divine faithfulness and the tangible reality of the inheritance. Secondly, it establishes the legal and geographical boundaries for each tribe, ensuring clarity and preventing disputes over territory. These cities were likely significant regional centers or strongholds, making their inclusion vital for defining the extent and resources of Simeon's allotment.

**What is the significance of "and their villages" being included with the cities?**

Answer: The phrase "and their villages" is highly significant because it indicates that the inheritance was comprehensive and complete. It means that the tribes received not only the main, fortified urban centers but also all the smaller, dependent settlements, hamlets, and surrounding agricultural and pastoral lands. This ensured that each tribe had full control over their designated territory, including the resources necessary for sustenance, defense, and growth. It emphasizes that the inheritance was a full and functional living space, not just a collection of isolated cities.

**How does Simeon's inheritance, as described here, differ from that of other tribes?**

Answer: Simeon's inheritance was unique because, unlike most other tribes that received a distinct, contiguous territory, Simeon's portion was an enclave carved out from the larger territory of Judah. This arrangement is explained in [Joshua 19:9](/joshua/19-9 "Joshua 19:9 - Simeon's Inheritance within Judah"). This unique placement within Judah's borders is understood as a fulfillment of Jacob's prophetic words in [Genesis 49:7](/genesis/49-7 "Genesis 49:7 - Jacob's Prophecy for Simeon and Levi"), where he prophesied that Simeon and Levi would be "divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel." While Levi was scattered among the tribes as priests, Simeon was dispersed geographically within Judah's land, highlighting God's sovereign hand in fulfilling even the challenging aspects of ancient prophecies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 19:6 details a physical inheritance in the Promised Land, it points forward to the ultimate spiritual inheritance found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous division of land by lot, ensuring each tribe received its portion, foreshadows the perfect and comprehensive inheritance believers receive through Christ, not by human effort but by divine grace. Just as the land provided rest and sustenance for Israel, Christ offers true spiritual rest and eternal life to all who believe in Him, as highlighted in [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Rest for the People of God"). The physical boundaries and security of the land find their ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual security and boundless blessings we have in Christ, who is our true "Promised Land." Our inheritance is not perishable land but "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Incorruptible Inheritance")). Through Christ, we become co-heirs with Him, receiving a spiritual dwelling place and eternal citizenship in God's kingdom, a reality far surpassing any earthly territory ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ") and [Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Inheritance of the Saints")). The precision of God's land distribution in Joshua assures us of the absolute certainty of the spiritual inheritance Jesus has secured for us, preparing a place for us in His Father's house ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "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 15:32

And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities [are] twenty and nine, with their villages: