Joshua 21:43

KJV

¶ And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} gave {H5414} unto Israel {H3478} all the land {H776} which he sware {H7650} to give {H5414} unto their fathers {H1}; and they possessed {H3423} it, and dwelt {H3427} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

So ADONAI gave Isra'el all the land which he swore to give to their ancestors, and they took possession of it and lived in it.

Berean Standard Bible

Thus the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled in it.

American Standard Version

So Jehovah gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 21:43 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness, marking the triumphant culmination of centuries of divine promise. This verse succinctly summarizes the complete fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant concerning the land, affirming that the Lord had indeed given Israel all the territory He had sworn to their forefathers, enabling them to possess it fully and dwell securely within its borders. It serves as a powerful testament to God's reliability and sovereign provision in the history of His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 21:43 appears at a crucial juncture in the book of Joshua, serving as a climactic summary statement following the detailed accounts of the land's division among the tribes of Israel (chapters 13-19) and the specific allocation of cities for the Levites and cities of refuge (chapters 20-21). It acts as a theological conclusion to the conquest and settlement phase, immediately preceding Joshua's final exhortations and farewell addresses in chapters 22-24. This verse, along with the subsequent verses (Joshua 21:44-45), provides a definitive declaration that God's promises regarding the land have been fully realized, setting the stage for Israel's life within the covenant land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Joshua 21:43 represents a significant transition for Israel from a nomadic, wilderness-dwelling people to a settled nation inhabiting their divinely promised inheritance. Historically, this verse reflects the successful military campaigns led by Joshua against the Canaanite inhabitants, which broke their power and allowed for Israelite settlement. Culturally, land ownership was paramount in the ancient Near East, signifying identity, security, and blessing. For Israel, the land was not merely territory but a tangible sign of God's covenant faithfulness, a place where they were to live under His law and establish His kingdom. The "fathers" referenced are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to whom God made specific, sworn promises of land centuries prior, emphasizing the long-term, intergenerational nature of God's covenant.

* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme in Joshua 21:43 is **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**. The declaration that "the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers" underscores the absolute reliability of God's word and His commitment to His covenant promises, even across generations. This verse also powerfully highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Provision**, emphasizing that the possession of the land was not primarily due to Israel's military might but was a gracious gift from God, who orchestrated their victories and provided their inheritance. Furthermore, it signifies the **Fulfillment of Covenant**, specifically the land aspect of the Abrahamic Covenant, which promised Abraham and his descendants a vast territory (see [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Initial Land Promise to Abraham")). The phrase "possessed it, and dwelt therein" speaks to a state of secure ownership and a measure of "rest" from their enemies, a theme further elaborated in [Joshua 21:44](/joshua/21-44 "Joshua 21:44 - The Lord Gave Them Rest").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave (Hebrew, _nathan'_):** This verb, meaning "to give, place, set," emphasizes that the land was a direct bestowal from God, a divine gift rather than something Israel earned or conquered solely by their own strength. It highlights God's initiative and sovereign action in fulfilling His promise.
* **sware (Hebrew, _shava'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to swear an oath," this word signifies a binding, solemn promise made under oath. It underscores the immutable and unchangeable nature of God's commitment to His covenant with the patriarchs, reinforcing the absolute certainty of its fulfillment.
* **possessed (Hebrew, _yarash'_):** This verb means "to inherit, take possession of, dispossess." It conveys the idea of taking hold of an inheritance, often by displacing previous occupants. Here, it signifies Israel's legal and actual occupation of the land, affirming their rightful claim and secure establishment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD gave unto Israel":** This opening clause immediately establishes God as the primary actor and benefactor. The possession of the land is attributed directly to His sovereign will and generous hand, not to Israel's military prowess or strategic planning alone. It underscores the divine initiative behind the entire conquest and settlement.
* **"all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers":** This crucial phrase explicitly links the present reality of Israel's possession to the ancient, sworn covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). It highlights the historical continuity of God's faithfulness and the meticulous fulfillment of His word across generations, demonstrating His reliability over centuries.
* **"and they possessed it, and dwelt therein":** This concluding phrase confirms the practical outcome of God's promise. "Possessed it" signifies that Israel had taken effective control and ownership of the land. "Dwelt therein" indicates a state of settled habitation, security, and peace, implying that they were able to live in the land without constant threat, enjoying the fruits of their inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 21:43 functions primarily as a **Summary Statement**, providing a concise and definitive theological conclusion to the preceding narrative of conquest and land distribution. The verse employs **Fulfillment Language**, explicitly connecting the present reality ("the LORD gave... and they possessed it") to past divine promises ("which he sware to give unto their fathers"), thereby emphasizing the complete and faithful execution of God's word. The structure of the verse, moving from God's action ("gave") to Israel's response and settled state ("possessed it, and dwelt therein"), creates a sense of **Cause and Effect**, highlighting the direct result of divine faithfulness. The use of the past tense throughout reinforces the accomplished nature of the promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 21:43 is a cornerstone verse for understanding God's character and the nature of His covenant promises. It profoundly affirms God's absolute fidelity: what He promises, He performs. The centuries-long gap between the initial oath to the patriarchs and its fulfillment in Joshua's day underscores God's patience, steadfastness, and sovereign control over history. This verse teaches that God's word is not subject to human limitations or delays; His purposes will ultimately prevail. It also highlights the concept of divine rest, as Israel finally enters a period of settled security after generations of wandering and warfare, a foretaste of the ultimate rest God provides for His people.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Initial Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Deuteronomy 7:8](/deuteronomy/7-8 "Deuteronomy 7:8 - God's Faithfulness to His Oath")
* [Joshua 23:14](/joshua/23-14 "Joshua 23:14 - Joshua's Affirmation of God's Faithfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 21:43 offers immense encouragement for believers today, serving as a powerful anchor for our faith in God's promises. Just as God meticulously fulfilled His ancient covenant with Israel regarding the land, so too can we trust Him to fulfill every promise He has made to us, whether concerning our salvation, provision, peace, or eternal hope. This verse invites us to reflect on God's past faithfulness in our own lives, recognizing the ways He has already demonstrated His reliability, and to allow that history to build our confidence for the future. In a world fraught with uncertainty, Joshua 21:43 calls us to rest in God's unchanging character, knowing that His plans for us are good and will ultimately come to pass, even if the path to fulfillment seems long or arduous. It challenges us to patiently wait on the Lord, knowing that His timing is perfect and His word is true.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's unwavering faithfulness to Israel in Joshua 21:43 encourage you in your own walk of faith?**
* **What specific promises of God are you currently waiting on, and how can this verse strengthen your trust in His timing and ability to fulfill them?**
* **In what ways have you personally experienced God's faithfulness in fulfilling His word in your life?**
* **How does the concept of God "giving" the land, rather than Israel solely conquering it, shape your understanding of divine provision and human effort?**

### FAQ

**Does "all the land" in Joshua 21:43 imply that every single square inch of Canaan was conquered and settled by Israel at this point?**

Answer: No, "all the land" in this context is a theological and rhetorical statement affirming the substantial fulfillment of God's promise, rather than a precise geographical survey of every border. While Israel had broken the back of Canaanite resistance and secured the strategic centers, allowing them to possess and settle the land, there were still pockets of unconquered territory and cities that remained under enemy control (e.g., [Joshua 13:1](/joshua/13-1 "Joshua 13:1 - Much Land Remains to be Possessed")). The phrase emphasizes that God had given them sufficient land for their inheritance and had enabled them to establish themselves securely, fulfilling the essence of His covenant pledge. It signifies that the major obstacles were removed, and the land was effectively theirs to inhabit.

**What is the significance of the phrase "which he sware to give unto their fathers"?**

Answer: This phrase is profoundly significant because it explicitly links the present reality of Israel's possession of the land to the ancient, binding covenant promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob centuries earlier (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). The word "sware" (Hebrew: _shava'_) denotes a solemn, unchangeable oath, highlighting the absolute reliability and immutability of God's word. It underscores that God's faithfulness spans generations, demonstrating that He remembers His covenants and brings them to fruition in His perfect timing, regardless of the challenges or the passage of time. It reinforces the idea that the land was not a reward for Israel's merit but a gracious fulfillment of a divine commitment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 21:43, with its resounding declaration of God's fulfilled promises regarding the earthly land, powerfully foreshadows the far greater and eternal fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The "rest" that Israel experienced in the Promised Land, though significant, was ultimately temporary and incomplete, pointing to a deeper, spiritual rest. In Christ, believers find the ultimate "land" of spiritual blessing and eternal inheritance, not through physical conquest but through His atoning sacrifice. Just as God "gave" Israel the land, so too has He "given" us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Jesus is the faithful one in whom "all the promises of God find their 'Yes'" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). He is our true inheritance, the one who leads us into the promised rest that remains for the people of God ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4 "Hebrews 4 - The Promise of Rest")). The secure dwelling in the land prefigures our secure dwelling in Christ, who is our peace and our hope, and ultimately, our eternal home in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heavens and New Earth")).

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

Genesis 13:15

For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

Genesis 28:4

And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham.

Exodus 23:27

I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

Exodus 23:31

And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.

Psalms 106:42

Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.

Psalms 106:45

And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

Psalms 44:3

For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.