Joshua 19:41

And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Irshemesh,

And the coast {H1366} of their inheritance {H5159} was Zorah {H6881}, and Eshtaol {H847}, and Irshemesh {H5905},

The territory of their inheritance included Tzor'ah, Eshta'ol, 'Ir-Shemesh,

The territory of their inheritance included Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh,

And the border of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Ir-shemesh,

Commentary

Context

Joshua 19:41 is part of the extensive record detailing the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes, as meticulously laid out in the book of Joshua, chapters 13 through 19. Specifically, this verse describes a portion of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Dan. After the conquest of Canaan, under the leadership of Joshua, the land was apportioned by lot, fulfilling God's long-standing covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding their possession of the land.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment: This verse, along with the detailed geographical descriptions throughout Joshua 13-19, powerfully underscores God's unwavering commitment to His word. The precise allocation of land demonstrates how every promise He made to Israel was fulfilled.
  • Order and Precision: The meticulous listing of specific towns and boundaries highlights the divine order and thoroughness in the distribution of the land, ensuring each tribe received its designated and distinct portion.
  • Tribal Identity and Inheritance: Each tribe, including Dan, received a specific "inheritance" (Hebrew: nachalah), which was more than just territory; it signified their unique place, identity, and portion within the nation of Israel, divinely secured.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "inheritance" is nachalah (נַחֲלָה), which carries the connotation of an allotted possession, often a permanent one, passed down through generations. It emphasizes that this land was not earned but divinely bestowed as a gift. The term "coast" translates from gevul (גְּבוּל), meaning a border, boundary, or territory, clearly delineating the extent of Dan's assigned land.

Historical and Geographical Significance

Zorah and Eshtaol are particularly notable as they are later identified in the book of Judges as the birthplace and burial place of Samson, one of Israel's judges (see Judges 13:2). Irshemesh is also known as Beth Shemesh, a significant Philistine border town that later became famous for the return of the Ark of the Covenant from Philistine captivity (1 Samuel 6:12). Historically, the tribe of Dan faced considerable challenges in securing and maintaining this specific territory due to Philistine pressure, as indicated in the book of Judges, eventually leading a significant portion of the tribe to migrate north and establish a new settlement (Judges 18:1).

Practical Application

This seemingly simple geographical verse serves as a profound reminder of God's faithfulness in keeping His promises, even to the smallest detail. Just as the Israelites received a physical inheritance, believers today have a spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is secured by God's plan and power. It encourages us to trust in God's meticulous care for our lives and His precise fulfillment of His word, knowing that His promises are always true and dependable.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 13:25 (2 votes)

    And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.

  • 1 Chronicles 2:53 (2 votes)

    And the families of Kirjathjearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites, and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zareathites, and the Eshtaulites.

  • Judges 16:31 (2 votes)

    Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought [him] up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.

  • Judges 13:2 (2 votes)

    And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name [was] Manoah; and his wife [was] barren, and bare not.

  • Joshua 15:33 (2 votes)

    [And] in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,

  • Judges 18:2 (2 votes)

    And the children of Dan sent of their family five men from their coasts, men of valour, from Zorah, and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said unto them, Go, search the land: who when they came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, they lodged there.

  • 2 Chronicles 11:10 (2 votes)

    And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which [are] in Judah and in Benjamin fenced cities.