Joshua 19:1

¶ 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.

And the second {H8145} lot {H1486} came forth {H3318} to Simeon {H8095}, even for the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Simeon {H8095} according to their families {H4940}: and their inheritance {H5159} was within {H8432} the inheritance {H5159} of the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063}.

The second lot came out for Shim'on, for the tribe of the descendants of Shim'on according to their families. Their inheritance was inside the inheritance of the descendants of Y'hudah.

The second lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Simeon:

And the second lot came out for Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was in the midst of the inheritance of the children of Judah.

Commentary

Joshua 19:1 marks the beginning of the land assignment for the tribe of Simeon, following the extensive allocation to Judah in the preceding chapter. This verse highlights a distinctive aspect of Simeon's inheritance: it was situated within the vast territory already designated for the children of Judah.

Context

The Book of Joshua details the conquest and division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. After the initial major victories, Joshua, guided by God, oversaw the distribution of the land by lot, a method believed to reveal God's will. Chapter 19 specifically outlines the territories given to the remaining seven tribes after Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh had received theirs. Simeon's lot was the second of these remaining distributions, emphasizing its close relationship and eventual integration with the dominant tribe of Judah. This arrangement was not arbitrary but held significant historical and prophetic implications for the tribe of Simeon.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Guidance: The use of the "lot" (Hebrew: goral) underscores the belief that God was sovereignly directing the division of the land, ensuring each tribe received its designated portion according to His plan, not human preference or strategic advantage. This method was a common way for the Israelites to discern God's will.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Simeon's unique inheritance within Judah's territory is widely seen as a fulfillment of Jacob's ancient prophecy in Genesis 49:7, where he declared that Simeon and Levi would be "divided in Jacob, and scattered in Israel." While Levi was scattered among the other tribes as priests, Simeon's land was absorbed into Judah's, leading to its eventual diminishment and integration.
  • Inter-Tribal Dynamics: This verse foreshadows the close, though sometimes complex, relationship between Simeon and Judah. As a smaller tribe, Simeon's placement suggests a reliance on Judah for protection and resources, leading to a degree of assimilation and interdependence.
  • Inheritance and Promise: The division of the land represents the tangible fulfillment of God's ancient promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan. Each tribal inheritance was a concrete sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The term "lot" (Hebrew: goral) in this context refers to a method of divination or decision-making, where objects were cast or drawn to determine an outcome. It was understood not as mere chance but as a means through which God communicated His will, as also seen in Proverbs 16:33: "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD." This highlights the divine orchestration behind the land distribution.

Practical Application

Joshua 19:1 offers powerful insights into God's sovereign plan and His faithfulness to His word. It reminds us that God works out His purposes, even through seemingly ordinary means like the casting of lots, and in ways that fulfill ancient prophecies. For believers today, this verse can encourage trust in God's sovereign plan for our lives, even when our "inheritance" or circumstances might seem unexpected or intertwined with others. It also highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, assuring us that His word will always come to pass, often in intricate and interconnected ways. Just as Simeon found its place within the greater inheritance of Israel, we are all part of a larger divine design.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 19:9 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Genesis 49:5 (2 votes)

    ¶ Simeon and Levi [are] brethren; instruments of cruelty [are in] their habitations.

  • Genesis 49:7 (2 votes)

    Cursed [be] their anger, for [it was] fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.

  • Joshua 18:6 (1 votes)

    Ye shall therefore describe the land [into] seven parts, and bring [the description] hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the LORD our God.

  • Joshua 18:11 (1 votes)

    ¶ And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.