TRV
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
'Ayin, Rimmon, 'Eter and 'Ashan - four cities, together with their villages;
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Commentary on Joshua 19 verses 1–9
1 ¶ And the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.
2 And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,
3 And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem,
4 And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,
5 And Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah,
6 And Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities and their villages:
7 Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities and their villages:
8 And all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.
9 Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them.
Simeon's lot was drawn after Judah's, Joseph's, and Benjamin's, because Jacob had put that tribe under disgrace; yet it is put before the two younger sons of Leah and the three sons of the handmaids. Not one person of note, neither judge nor prophet, was of this tribe, that we know of.
I. The situation of their lot was within that of Judah (Jos 19:1) and was taken from it, Jos 19:9. It seems, those that first surveyed the land thought it larger than it was, and that it would have held out to give every tribe in proportion as large a share as they had carved out for Judah; but, upon a more strict enquiry, it was found that it would not reach (Jos 19:9): The part of the children of Judah was too much for them, more than they needed, and more, as it proved, than fell to their share. Yet God did not by the lot lessen it, but left it to their prudence and care afterwards to discover and rectify the mistake, which when they did, 1. The men of Judah did not oppose the taking away of the cities again, which by the first distribution fell within their border, when they were convinced that they had more than their proportion. In all such cases errors must be excepted and a review admitted if there be occasion. Though, in strictness, what fell to their lot was their right against all the world, yet they would not insist upon it when it appeared that another tribe would want what they had to spare. Note, We must look on the things of others, and not on our own only. The abundance of some must supply the wants of others, that there may be somewhat of an equality, for which there may be equity where there is not law. 2. That which was thus taken off from Judah to be put into a new lot Providence directed to the tribe of Simeon, that Jacob's prophecy concerning this tribe might be fulfilled, I will divide them in Jacob. The cities of Simeon were scattered in Judah, with which tribe they were surrounded, except on that side towards the sea. This brought them into a confederacy with the tribe of Judah (Jdg 1:3), and afterwards was a happy occasion of the adherence of many of this tribe to the house of David, at the time of the revolt of the ten tribes to Jeroboam. Ch2 15:9, out of Simeon they fell to Asa in abundance. It is good being in a good neighbourhood.
II. The cities within their lot are here named. Beersheba, or Sheba, for these names seem to refer to the same place, is put first. Ziklag, which we read of in David's story, is one of them. What course they took to enlarge their borders and make room for themselves we find Ch1 4:39, etc.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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. 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, 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. 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. The detailed listing of cities and villages, like those in 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 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.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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) 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), demonstrating God's sovereign control over tribal destinies and the intricate outworking of His divine plan.
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
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, 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, 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, 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. 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. 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. 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.