Joshua 13 24

Joshua 13:24 kjv

And Moses gave inheritance unto the tribe of Gad, even unto the children of Gad according to their families.

Joshua 13:24 nkjv

Moses also had given an inheritance to the tribe of Gad, to the children of Gad according to their families.

Joshua 13:24 niv

This is what Moses had given to the tribe of Gad, according to its clans:

Joshua 13:24 esv

Moses gave an inheritance also to the tribe of Gad, to the people of Gad, according to their clans.

Joshua 13:24 nlt

Moses had assigned the following area to the clans of the tribe of Gad.

Joshua 13 verses

Joshua 13 24 Meaning

This verse formally introduces the allocation of territory to the tribe of Simeon. It emphasizes that their inheritance was precisely determined by the casting of lots, affirming God's divine guidance and specific provision for each family within the tribe. It signifies the commencement of Simeon's territorial description after the broader instructions for land division.

Joshua 13 24 Context

Joshua chapter 13 transitions from the account of Israel's military conquests under Joshua to the intricate process of land distribution among the tribes. The preceding verses establish that Joshua, now old, is tasked by God to divide the land even for areas yet to be fully subdued. This highlights God's sovereignty over the entire territory and His faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises. Chapters 15-19 then detail the specific boundaries and cities for each tribe, starting with Judah in chapter 15, then continuing with other tribes. Verse 24 marks the specific point where the narrator turns to describe the territory granted to the tribe of Simeon, laying the foundation for the subsequent verses (Josh 13:25-33) that enumerate their towns and specific characteristics of their allotment, particularly their placement within Judah's larger territory. Historically, this act fulfills God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 12, 15) that his descendants would possess the land of Canaan, establishing Israel's identity as a settled nation under divine providence.

Joshua 13 24 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew waw (וְ), connecting this distribution to the ongoing process, implying a sequential and continuous action of land allocation after Judah's, and foreshadowing Simeon's listing in chapter 19.
• the lot: Hebrew goral (גּוֹרָל). This term signifies a method of determining outcomes through chance, but in a biblical context, it frequently indicates divine intervention and direction. It underscores that the land was not claimed arbitrarily or by human strategy, but was appointed by God. It affirms God's meticulous care and sovereignty over every aspect of His people's lives and inheritance.
• of the tribe: Hebrew matteh (מַטֶּה). Literally "rod" or "staff," by extension refers to a clan or tribal division. This highlights the established structure of the twelve tribes of Israel, tracing their lineage back to Jacob's sons, foundational to their national identity and land ownership.
• of the children of Simeon: Hebrew b'nei Shim'on (בְּנֵי שִׁמְעוֹן). "Sons of Simeon." This is the common biblical way to identify a tribe by its patriarchal founder. Simeon was Jacob's second son by Leah. His future scattering among Israel was prophesied by Jacob (Gen 49:7), which aligns with their land being an enclave within Judah, not a distinct, large contiguous territory.
• according to their families: Hebrew le'mishpekhotam (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם). This phrase signifies the precise and equitable nature of the land division. The allocation was not just to the tribe as a whole, but was further subdivided to ensure that each family group within Simeon received its proper portion based on the census conducted earlier (Numbers 26). This reflects divine order and justice, ensuring every Israelite household had an inherited share in the Promised Land.
• The lot of the tribe of the children of Simeon: This phrase unit directly connects the divine allocation method (lot) to the specific recipient (Simeon). It emphasizes the systematic and God-ordained process by which each tribal inheritance was determined, asserting that the distribution was just and authorized.

Joshua 13 24 Bonus section

• The allocation by lot for each tribe was a deliberate theological statement that the land belonged to Yahweh, and He, not human decision, determined the division. This process reinforced the Israelites' dependence on God's will.
• The fact that Simeon's territory was explicitly "within the inheritance of the children of Judah" (Joshua 19:1) is crucial to understanding their unique status. It highlights that they did not receive a geographically independent area but towns and enclaves interspersed among Judah's settlements, further distinguishing their lot.
• The precise description "according to their families" speaks to the divine principle of lineage and inheritance (Numb. 26:54). Each family knew its assigned portion, preventing future disputes over boundaries and ensuring long-term stability and identity for generations.
• The meticulous accounting of cities and villages for each tribe emphasizes God's comprehensive knowledge and control, contrasting sharply with the chaotic land appropriations seen in other ancient Near Eastern societies.

Joshua 13 24 Commentary

Joshua 13:24 functions as a brief, administrative statement signaling the precise beginning of Simeon's territorial details. Though concise, its implications are profound. The phrase "the lot... according to their families" asserts divine orchestration in the distribution of the land. It means that the location and extent of Simeon's inheritance were not arbitrary or subject to human debate, but rather God's sovereign design was at work. This specific mention of Simeon, followed by the detail in Joshua 19:1-9 that their inheritance was within Judah's lot, powerfully illustrates the fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy concerning Simeon and Levi being "scattered in Israel" (Genesis 49:7). Thus, this verse subtly reinforces the faithfulness of God in executing His ancient promises and judgments, bringing order to the tribal inheritances even as it brings ancient prophecies to fruition through His direct, divinely guided method. The meticulous family-by-family allocation underscores God's personal attention and provision for each lineage of His people.