Joshua 19:7

Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities and their villages:

Ain {H5871}, Remmon {H7417}, and Ether {H6281}, and Ashan {H6228}; four {H702} cities {H5892} and their villages {H2691}:

'Ayin, Rimmon, 'Eter and 'Ashan - four cities, together with their villages;

Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan—four cities, along with their villages,

Ain, Rimmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities with their villages:

Joshua 19:7 KJV is a concise verse detailing four specific cities—Ain, Remmon, Ether, and Ashan—along with their surrounding villages, which were part of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Simeon.

Context of Joshua 19:7

This verse is found within the broader narrative of the Book of Joshua, specifically in chapters 13-19, which describe the meticulous division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Following the initial conquests under Joshua’s leadership, the task of allotting territories was undertaken, ensuring each tribe received its designated inheritance as promised by God. Joshua 19 outlines the portions given to several tribes, including Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, Dan, and significantly, Simeon. The unique aspect of Simeon’s inheritance is that their cities and villages were situated within the larger territory of the tribe of Judah, as described in Joshua 19:9. This arrangement was likely due to the vastness of Judah's initial lot and the smaller size of Simeon's tribe, fulfilling a prophetic word regarding Simeon's dispersion within Israel (see Genesis 49:7).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Faithfulness and Provision: This verse, like the entire land distribution, underscores God’s unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the inheritance of the land (e.g., Genesis 15:18). Every city and boundary was part of His divine plan.
  • Order and Administration: The detailed listing of cities demonstrates the highly organized and systematic process of land allocation. It wasn't a chaotic grab but a divinely guided, orderly distribution, reflecting God's nature as a God of order.
  • Significance of Place: For the Israelites, owning specific land was central to their identity, livelihood, and covenant relationship with God. These cities were not just names; they were the places where families would live, farm, and build their communities.

Linguistic Insights

The names of these cities are Hebrew in origin. "Ain" (often spelled En) typically means "eye" or "spring," suggesting a water source. "Remmon" (or Rimmon) means "pomegranate," possibly indicating the presence of such trees or a place shaped like the fruit. While the exact modern locations of all these specific cities are debated, their inclusion in the biblical text affirms the historical and geographical reality of the tribal allotments.

Practical Application and Reflection

While a detailed list of ancient cities might seem mundane, Joshua 19:7 reminds us of the meticulous care God takes in fulfilling His promises, even down to specific geographical details. For believers today, this can be an encouragement that God is attentive to the details of our lives and His plans for us. Just as He provided a specific inheritance for each tribe, He provides for us according to His perfect will, often in ways that are interconnected with others, as Simeon was with Judah. It encourages us to trust in God's provision and His orderly unfolding of His purposes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Joshua 15:42

    Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,

  • 1 Chronicles 4:32

    And their villages [were], Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities:

  • Numbers 33:19

    And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmonparez.

  • Numbers 33:20

    And they departed from Rimmonparez, and pitched in Libnah.

  • Joshua 15:32

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