Joshua 19:8
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.
And all the villages {H2691} that were round about {H5439} these cities {H5892} to Baalathbeer {H1192}, Ramath {H7414} of the south {H5045}. This is the inheritance {H5159} of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Simeon {H8095} according to their families {H4940}.
and all the villages surrounding these cities, as far as Ba'alat-Be'er, Ramah of the Negev. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the descendants of Shim'on according to their families.
and all the villages surrounding these cities as far as Baalath-beer (Ramah of the Negev). This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Simeon.
and all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalath-beer, Ramah of the South. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.
Cross-References
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1 Chronicles 4:33 (3 votes)
And all their villages that [were] round about the same cities, unto Baal. These [were] their habitations, and their genealogy. -
1 Samuel 30:27 (2 votes)
To [them] which [were] in Bethel, and to [them] which [were] in south Ramoth, and to [them] which [were] in Jattir,
Commentary
Joshua 19:8 concludes the listing of cities and territories specifically allotted to the tribe of Simeon. This verse emphasizes that not only the named cities but also "all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south" were part of Simeon's inheritance. It serves as a summary statement, confirming the full extent of their tribal land within the larger territory of Judah.
Context
This verse is found within the larger narrative of the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes under Joshua's leadership. After the primary tribes received their portions, the remaining land was distributed by lot to the smaller tribes. The tribe of Simeon received its inheritance within the territory of the larger tribe of Judah (Joshua 19:1-9). This unique arrangement meant that Simeon's territory was not a distinct, contiguous block of land but rather comprised enclaves, or cities with surrounding villages, within Judah's vast domain.
This placement of Simeon's inheritance is often seen as a fulfillment of Jacob's prophetic words concerning Simeon and Levi in Genesis 49:7: "I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel." While Levi was scattered among the tribes as priests, Simeon's scattering was geographical, leading to their eventual absorption into Judah's identity over time.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insight
The name "Baalathbeer" likely referred to a place associated with a local deity (Baal) and a significant water source (beer, meaning "well" or "fountain"). "Ramath of the south" (Hebrew: Ramath-Negev) literally means "height of the south," indicating an elevated region in the southern part of the land, which was typical for border markers in biblical geography.
Practical Application
For believers today, Joshua 19:8, along with the broader narrative of land distribution, serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous care and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Just as He precisely allocated land to each tribe, He has a specific plan and purpose for each individual and community. Our "inheritance" in Christ, though spiritual rather than geographical, is equally secure and divinely appointed (Ephesians 1:11). This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign design, even when our circumstances or "placement" seem unique or challenging, knowing that He works all things together for good according to His perfect will.
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