Joshua 19 12

Joshua 19:12 kjv

And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up to Japhia,

Joshua 19:12 nkjv

Then from Sarid it went eastward toward the sunrise along the border of Chisloth Tabor, and went out toward Daberath, bypassing Japhia.

Joshua 19:12 niv

It turned east from Sarid toward the sunrise to the territory of Kisloth Tabor and went on to Daberath and up to Japhia.

Joshua 19:12 esv

From Sarid it goes in the other direction eastward toward the sunrise to the boundary of Chisloth-tabor. From there it goes to Daberath, then up to Japhia.

Joshua 19:12 nlt

In the other direction, the boundary went east from Sarid to the border of Kisloth-tabor, and from there to Daberath and up to Japhia.

Joshua 19 verses

Joshua 19 12 Meaning

This verse precisely describes a segment of the tribal boundary for Zebulun, specifying its eastward progression. It starts from Sarid, moves towards the vicinity of Chisloth-tabor, continues to Daberath, and then ascends to Japhia. It details geographical markers for the tribe's allotted inheritance, emphasizing the meticulous division of the Promised Land as commanded by God.

Joshua 19 12 Context

Joshua 19 is part of a larger section (chapters 13-21) detailing the meticulous division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. This process fulfilled God's ancient covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Gen 12:7; 15:18; 17:8). Chapter 19 specifically records the allotments for the remaining six tribes: Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan, following the allocation to Judah, Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin. This division was carried out under the leadership of Joshua and Eleazar the priest, with lots cast at the Tabernacle in Shiloh (Josh 18:1). The description in verse 12 for Zebulun's boundary underscores the geographical precision and divine order in securing each tribe's rightful and distinct inheritance. Land ownership was crucial for tribal identity, economic sustenance, and as a tangible fulfillment of God's faithfulness to His people.

Joshua 19 12 Word analysis

• Then: Connects this segment of the boundary description to the previously mentioned starting point or segment (Josh 19:11).
• from Sarid: Hebrew: שָׂרִיד (Sarid). A geographical landmark marking the initial point for this specific stretch of Zebulun's southern boundary. Sarid's exact modern location is debated but it was clearly a well-known point in ancient Israel.
• eastward: Hebrew: קֶדֶם (qedem). Denotes direction, emphasizing the boundary's movement towards the rising sun. This directional precision was vital for accurately delineating territories in ancient times.
• toward the sunrise: Hebrew: מִזְרָח (mizrach). Reinforces the eastward direction, further emphasizing the precision of the description by referencing a natural celestial marker. This common ancient descriptor aids in understanding geographical orientation.
• it goes: Hebrew: יָצָא (yatza'), meaning "goes out" or "extends." This verb indicates the continuous flow or extension of the boundary line from one point to the next.
• to the border of Chisloth-tabor: Hebrew: חִסְלֹת תָּבוֹר (Chisloth Tavor). "Chisloth" possibly means "flank" or "slope," referring to a town near the prominent Mount Tabor. This indicates the boundary reached the vicinity or outer edge of a place associated with the mountain, a significant landmark in northern Israel.
• and goes out: Hebrew: יָצָא (yatza'). Repetition of the verb to show continuation of the boundary line's extension.
• to Daberath: Hebrew: דָּבְרָת (Daberath). A town name, possibly meaning "pasturage" or "word/oracle." It served as another key landmark along the boundary line. It signifies precise points along the border, demonstrating careful surveying.
• and ascends: Hebrew: עָלָה (alah), meaning "goes up" or "ascends." This verb suggests a change in elevation or terrain, indicating that the boundary line moved uphill to the next marker. This adds topographical detail, illustrating the land's actual contours.
• to Japhia: Hebrew: יָפִיעַ (Yaphia'), meaning "to shine forth" or "to radiate." This final town in the described sequence acts as another distinct boundary marker, solidifying the mapped line.

• "Then from Sarid eastward toward the sunrise": This phrase precisely establishes the starting point and specific cardinal direction for this section of Zebulun's territorial limit. It highlights the ordered and methodical approach to land distribution guided by God.
• "it goes to the border of Chisloth-tabor, and goes out to Daberath": This segment outlines the linear progression of the boundary through clearly identifiable points. The use of distinct town names (or locations related to prominent landmarks like Mount Tabor) confirms the accuracy and verifiability of the demarcation for the original audience.
• "and ascends to Japhia": The final part of the phrase indicates not just continued movement but also a change in elevation, providing a more comprehensive topographical description of the boundary. This attention to detail underscores the thoroughness with which God’s people were blessed with their inheritance.

Joshua 19 12 Bonus section

The mention of "Chisloth-tabor" (border of Tabor) is significant as Mount Tabor (Har Tabor) itself is a prominent, isolated mountain in the Galilee region, historically significant (e.g., Deborah and Barak's victory in Judges 4). Its inclusion as a boundary marker attests to its recognition and importance as a geographical reference point. The detailed surveys and naming of these towns for the tribal borders illustrate the high value placed on inherited land and the divine validation of these divisions. This exactness was crucial in ancient society to prevent disputes and to reinforce the tribal system divinely instituted. Zebulun's inheritance, despite these internal land boundaries, also prophetically included access to the sea (Gen 49:13), suggesting future economic opportunities related to maritime trade, which played out in Israel's history. These specific geographical accounts serve as a foundational anchor for later biblical events, including the ministry of Jesus in "Galilee of the Gentiles" (Isa 9:1-2; Matt 4:12-16), a region encompassing much of Zebulun's ancient territory.

Joshua 19 12 Commentary

Joshua 19:12 offers a detailed geographical description of a specific segment of Zebulun's tribal boundary, characteristic of the extensive land division recorded in Joshua. This verse, with its precise place names and directional indicators, illustrates God's meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises to provide land for His people (Gen 12:7; Josh 21:43). The inclusion of seemingly mundane geographical details underscores the reality and permanence of the inheritance God bequeathed. It highlights the divine order and practical provision for each tribe, establishing their identity, security, and a place from which to worship God and carry out His commands. It reminds us that God is faithful in His detailed provisions.