Joshua 19:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:7 precisely enumerates four specific cities—Ain, Remmon, Ether, and Ashan—along with their surrounding villages, meticulously allotted as part of the inheritance for the tribe of Simeon. This seemingly simple geographical listing profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness, His meticulous attention to detail, and the tangible fulfillment of His ancient covenant promises regarding the land of Canaan, demonstrating the orderly administration of His divine plan for Israel's settlement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 19:7 is situated within the latter half of the Book of Joshua (chapters 13-21), which meticulously chronicles the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel after the initial conquest. Following the major military campaigns, Joshua, with the assistance of Eleazar the priest and the tribal heads, systematically allocates territories by lot, ensuring each tribe receives its designated portion according to God's command, as seen in [Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution by Lot](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution by Lot"). Chapter 19 specifically outlines the inheritances of Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, Dan, and, significantly, Simeon. The unique aspect of Simeon's inheritance, detailed in [Joshua 19:1-9 - Allotment for Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, Dan](/joshua/19-1-9 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Allotment for Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, Dan"), is that their allocated cities and villages were situated *within* the larger territory of the tribe of Judah, a point explicitly stated in [Joshua 19:9 - Simeon's Inheritance within Judah](/joshua/19-9 "Joshua 19:9 - Simeon's Inheritance within Judah"). This arrangement highlights the interconnectedness of the tribes and the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land was a monumental undertaking, transitioning Israel from a nomadic, warring confederation into a settled nation. The concept of land ownership was central to Israelite identity, livelihood, and their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Land was not merely property but a divine inheritance, a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to the Abrahamic covenant, as recorded in [Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land"). The detailed listing of cities and villages, like those in [Joshua 19:7 - Cities of Simeon's Inheritance](/joshua/19-7 "Joshua 19:7 - Cities of Simeon's Inheritance"), served as legal documentation, establishing boundaries and tribal claims, which were vital for maintaining peace and order among the tribes. The inclusion of "villages" (Hebrew: *ḥaṣerim*, often referring to unwalled settlements, hamlets, or even pastoral encampments) indicates a comprehensive allocation that included both urban centers and their surrounding agricultural and grazing lands, ensuring economic viability for the tribal inhabitants.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, and indeed the entire land distribution narrative, powerfully underscores several key theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the inheritance of the land, as seen from [Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham") onwards. Every boundary and city, including Ain, Remmon, Ether, and Ashan, was part of His precise divine plan. Secondly, it highlights **Order and Administration**, showcasing a highly organized and systematic process of land allocation, reflecting God's nature as a God of order rather than chaos. The meticulous detail in these chapters underscores the divine oversight of Israel's national formation. Thirdly, it speaks to the **Significance of Place and Identity**, as owning specific land was fundamental to Israel's national and tribal identity, their economic stability, and their covenant relationship with God. These cities were not just names; they were the tangible places where families would live, farm, worship, and build their communities, embodying their place within God's chosen nation. The unique placement of Simeon within Judah also foreshadows the fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy concerning Simeon's dispersion, as recorded in [Genesis 49:7 - Jacob's Prophecy about Simeon and Levi](/genesis/49-7 "Genesis 49:7 - Jacob's Prophecy about Simeon and Levi").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ain (עַיִן, _‘Ayin'_):** This Hebrew word, H5871, literally means "eye" but is commonly used to refer to a "spring" or "fountain." Its inclusion in a city name often indicates the presence of a significant water source, which would have been crucial for survival and settlement in the semi-arid regions of ancient Israel. The naming suggests a place of vital sustenance and perhaps a prominent landmark.
* **Remmon (רִמּוֹן, _Rimmôwn'_):** This Hebrew word, H7417, means "pomegranate." As a place name, it likely refers to a location where pomegranate trees were abundant or whose topography resembled the fruit. Pomegranates were a significant crop in ancient Israel, symbolizing fertility and prosperity, and were also used in temple decorations. The name suggests a fertile or distinctive geographical feature.
* **Cities (עִיר, _‘îyr'_) and Villages (חָצֵר, _châtsêr'_):** These two Hebrew words, H5892 and H2691 respectively, form a common legal and descriptive idiom in biblical land allocations. "Cities" (`‘îyr`) refers to fortified, walled settlements, while "villages" (`châtsêr`) denotes the surrounding unwalled hamlets, agricultural lands, and pasture areas that were economically dependent on the central city. This comprehensive term emphasizes that the inheritance included not just the urban centers but the entire economic and demographic sphere associated with them, ensuring the tribe's self-sufficiency and territorial integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan;":** This clause provides a precise enumeration of four distinct urban centers specifically allocated to the tribe of Simeon. The listing of these particular names underscores the meticulous nature of the land distribution, emphasizing that each city was individually identified and assigned. These names, likely familiar to the original audience, served as tangible markers of the inherited territory, confirming the exact boundaries and possessions.
* **"four cities and their villages:":** This concluding phrase functions as both a summary and a confirmation of the preceding list. It quantifies the named locations ("four cities") and explicitly includes their associated "villages," which encompasses the surrounding agricultural lands, pastures, and smaller settlements dependent on the main cities. This ensures that the inheritance was comprehensive, providing the necessary resources for the tribe's sustenance, economic viability, and growth, reflecting a complete and practical allocation of territory.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 19:7 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Geographical Detail**. The precise listing of "Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan" is a clear example of enumeration, a literary device used to provide specific, verifiable information and to underscore the meticulousness of the land distribution process. This detailed naming serves to ground the narrative in historical and geographical reality, making the fulfillment of God's promises tangible and undeniable. The consistent use of **Geographical Detail** throughout the land allocation chapters, including this verse, emphasizes the literal fulfillment of the covenant and the orderly establishment of Israel as a nation in their promised homeland. It also contributes to the legal and administrative tone of these chapters, serving as a permanent record of tribal boundaries and possessions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:7, though brief, is a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous attention to detail in fulfilling His covenant promises. It is a tangible demonstration that the God who spoke promises to Abraham centuries earlier is the same God who now, through Joshua, brings those promises to fruition, down to the specific cities and villages. This precise allocation of land is not merely an administrative act but a divine act of provision, establishing Israel's identity and security in the promised land. The fact that Simeon's inheritance was within Judah's territory (as seen in [Joshua 19:9 - Simeon's Inheritance within Judah](/joshua/19-9 "Simeon's Inheritance within Judah")) also subtly points to the fulfillment of Jacob's prophetic words concerning Simeon's dispersion in Israel ([Genesis 49:7 - Jacob's Prophecy about Simeon and Levi](/genesis/49-7 "Jacob's Prophecy about Simeon and Levi")), demonstrating God's sovereign control over tribal destinies and the intricate outworking of His divine plan.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")
* [Numbers 26:54](/numbers/26-54 "Land Allotment Based on Size")
* [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "God's Promise of the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of ancient cities might seem far removed from contemporary life, Joshua 19:7 offers profound insights into the character of God and His dealings with His people. It reminds us that God is a God of promises, and He is utterly faithful to fulfill every single one, even down to the most minute geographical and administrative details. Just as He meticulously provided a specific, tangible inheritance for each tribe, He provides for us today according to His perfect will, often in ways that are interconnected with others, as Simeon's lot was with Judah's. This verse encourages us to trust in God's meticulous provision and His orderly unfolding of His purposes in our lives. It assures us that our lives are not random or chaotic but are held within the careful, faithful hands of a God who sees, knows, and provides for our every need. Our inheritance, though spiritual, is no less real or divinely secured than the physical land given to Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of land distribution in Joshua, including specific cities like those in Joshua 19:7, deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness?**
* **In what ways does the concept of a "divine inheritance" (both physical for Israel and spiritual for believers today) shape your perspective on God's provision in your own life?**
* **Considering Simeon's inheritance within Judah's territory, how might God's plans for us sometimes involve interconnectedness or arrangements that seem unexpected yet fulfill a larger divine purpose?**

### FAQ

**Why was Simeon's inheritance located within the territory of Judah, rather than having its own distinct, separate region?**

Answer: Simeon's unique inheritance, located within Judah's larger territory as detailed in [Joshua 19:9 - Simeon's Inheritance within Judah](/joshua/19-9 "Simeon's Inheritance within Judah"), was primarily due to two factors. Firstly, Judah's initial land allotment was exceptionally large, exceeding what was necessary for their tribe alone. Secondly, and more significantly, this arrangement fulfilled a prophetic word spoken by Jacob concerning Simeon (and Levi) in [Genesis 49:7 - Jacob's Prophecy about Simeon and Levi](/genesis/49-7 "Jacob's Prophecy about Simeon and Levi"), where he prophesied, "I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel." This placement ensured that Simeon, a smaller tribe, would be dispersed among the other tribes, particularly Judah, rather than forming a cohesive, independent territorial unit. This demonstrates God's sovereign hand in fulfilling ancient prophecies through the seemingly administrative acts of land distribution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous land allocation in Joshua, exemplified by the specific cities of Simeon in [Joshua 19:7 - Cities of Simeon's Inheritance](/joshua/19-7 "Cities of Simeon's Inheritance"), finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The physical inheritance of the Promised Land, with its promise of rest and security, serves as a powerful type and shadow of the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites entered a physical land of promise, we enter into a spiritual reality of grace and eternal life through faith in Christ, our true "Promised Land." The detailed provision of cities and villages for each tribe foreshadows Christ as the ultimate provider of all things, in whom "we have obtained an inheritance" according to [Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ](/ephesians/1-11 "Our Inheritance in Christ"). The "rest" found in the land of Canaan, though imperfect and temporary, points to the perfect and eternal rest that remains for the people of God in Christ, as articulated in [Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People](/hebrews/4-9-10 "The Sabbath Rest for God's People"). Furthermore, the inclusion of Simeon's cities within Judah's territory, reflecting a dispersion, can be seen as a subtle foreshadowing of the gathering of all believers—from every tribe and nation—into the one spiritual body of Christ, where there is no longer Jew or Gentile, but all are one in Him, as declared in [Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ](/galatians/3-28 "Unity in Christ"). Christ is the true and ultimate inheritance, the one in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen," as confirmed in [2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ](/2_corinthians/1-20 "God's Promises are Yes in Christ").

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 15:42

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: