Why was Judah's portion "too much" for them?

Judah's portion was considered "too much" not necessarily because it was physically unmanageable in its entirety, but because it was disproportionately large for their immediate needs and population at the time of the land division. The initial allocation was generous due to Judah's size and prominence, but as the land was surveyed and tribes began to settle, it became evident that Judah could not effectively occupy, cultivate, and defend all of its vast territory. This excess allowed for a practical and divinely guided adjustment, ensuring that Simeon, a smaller tribe, received its inheritance without creating new, unmanageable borders, and simultaneously fulfilling an ancient prophecy.

What were the long-term implications for Simeon living within Judah?

The long-term implications for Simeon were significant. Living "within" Judah meant they did not possess a distinct, contiguous tribal territory, which was crucial for maintaining a separate tribal identity and political autonomy in ancient Israel. Over time, Simeon's identity largely merged with that of Judah. Historical and archaeological evidence suggests that Simeon's distinct tribal presence diminished, and many of their cities became Judahite. This geographical arrangement led to their effective "scattering" within Israel, preventing them from forming a strong, independent tribal unit, thereby fulfilling Jacob's prophecy in Genesis 49:7 where he declared, "I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel."

19:8 19:8

Joshua 19:9

19:10 19:10

Bible Versions

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.

Out of the portion {H2256} of the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} was the inheritance {H5159} of the children {H1121} of Simeon {H8095}: for the part {H2506} of the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} was too much {H7227} for them: therefore the children {H1121} of Simeon {H8095} had their inheritance {H5157} within {H8432} the inheritance {H5159} of them.

The inheritance of the descendants of Shim'on was taken out of the allotment for the descendants of Y'hudah, because the portion given to the descendants of Y'hudah was too much for them, so the descendants of Shim'on had an inheritance inside the descendants of Y'hudah.

The inheritance of the Simeonites was taken from the territory of Judah, because the share for Judah’s descendants was too large for them. So the Simeonites received an inheritance within Judah’s portion.

Out of the part of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon; for the portion of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had inheritance in the midst of their inheritance.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 8:14

But by an equality, [that] now at this time your abundance [may be a supply] for their want, that their abundance also may be [a supply] for your want: that there may be equality:
2 Corinthians 8:15

As it is written, He that [had gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [had gathered] little had no lack.
Exodus 16:18

And when they did mete [it] with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.

Bible Versions

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