Joshua 19 19

Joshua 19:19 kjv

And Haphraim, and Shihon, and Anaharath,

Joshua 19:19 nkjv

Haphraim, Shion, Anaharath,

Joshua 19:19 niv

Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath,

Joshua 19:19 esv

Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath,

Joshua 19:19 nlt

Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath,

Joshua 19 verses

Joshua 19 19 Meaning

Joshua 19:19 lists three towns—Haphraim, Shihon, and Anaharath—that constituted a portion of the territory allotted to the tribe of Issachar. This verse highlights the precise and meticulous fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Israel regarding their land inheritance in Canaan. Each named location represents a tangible, demarcated piece of the divine provision, demonstrating God's faithfulness to establish His people in the land He swore to give them.

Joshua 19 19 Context

Joshua 19:19 is situated within the latter part of the book of Joshua, which meticulously details the division of the promised land among the Israelite tribes. Specifically, chapter 19 describes the territories assigned to the remaining seven tribes after the first five had received their portions. Verses 17-23 delineate the inheritance of the tribe of Issachar, specifying its boundaries and listing the cities within its lot. The immediate preceding verses (19:17-18) name other significant towns and the boundary lines for Issachar. This precise cataloging, including seemingly minor towns like Haphraim, Shihon, and Anaharath, underscores the meticulous fulfillment of God's long-standing promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants this land. Historically, the distribution by lot affirmed God's sovereign hand in establishing the twelve tribes in their respective homelands, countering any perception of chaotic seizure or arbitrary allocation. The land was not merely property but a central element of their covenant identity and a place for the full realization of their relationship with Yahweh.

Joshua 19 19 Word analysis

• and (וְ, ve): A simple Hebrew conjunctive particle, "and," indicating a continuation of the preceding list of cities within Issachar's territory (e.g., Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem in v.18). Its repeated use in these lists emphasizes the thoroughness and extensiveness of the inventory, demonstrating that every piece of the promised inheritance was precisely accounted for. It shows an uninterrupted, complete list of divinely appointed locations.

• Haphraim (הַפְרַיִם, Ha-prayim):

  • Hebrew noun, a proper place name. The exact etymology is uncertain, though some suggest connections to words implying "two wells" or related to the tribal name "Ephraim," although it's part of Issachar's territory. Its precise archaeological identification remains debated among scholars, though it's typically placed within the Jezreel Valley or its vicinity.
  • Significance: As a named town, it signifies a specific, tangible point within the geographical boundaries granted by divine allocation. The inclusion of such a detail emphasizes the real, physical fulfillment of God's promise. It served as a landmark for the original audience, rooting the spiritual promise in a concrete reality.

• and (וְ, ve): Again, a conjunctive "and," maintaining the enumerative style. It signifies the addition of another distinct geographical point to the allotted land, highlighting the completeness of the detailed inventory provided to the tribe.

• Shihon (וְשִׁיאוֹן, ve-Shi-on):

  • Hebrew noun, a proper place name. Its meaning is speculative; some suggest "desolation" or "ruin," while others connect it to "heap" or "terror." Traditionally, it is believed to be located near Mount Tabor.
  • Significance: Like Haphraim, Shihon reinforces the specific nature of the land distribution. Its inclusion further highlights the precision with which God's people received their inheritance, not as a general claim but as a carefully defined territory with identifiable settlements. These names collectively form a geographical snapshot of Issachar's divinely appointed dwelling place.

• and (וַ, va): A shortened form of the conjunctive "and," common before certain Hebrew letters (here, aleph). It performs the same function as the previous "and," continuing the list.

• Anaharath (וַאֲנַחֲרַת, va-Anaharath):

  • Hebrew noun, a proper place name. The root is unclear, but suggestions have included meanings like "gorge" or "narrow passage." It is commonly identified with a site near Shunem, east of the Jezreel Valley.
  • Significance: This third named town in the verse further solidifies the historical and geographical authenticity of the narrative. The detailed listing of place names in Joshua, including those whose modern identifications are certain, corroborates the scriptural account of the precise and systematic settlement of the Promised Land by divine decree, providing a tangible testimony to God's precise fulfillment of His covenant.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "and Haphraim, and Shihon, and Anaharath,": This phrase, characterized by its repetitive conjunctive "and," acts as an inventory, enumerating specific urban centers within the tribal boundary. This methodical listing underscores the meticulousness of the land apportionment, illustrating that the inheritance was not a vague grant but a precisely defined territory, parcel by parcel. It communicates God's profound attention to detail and His exhaustive provision for His people. This detail, down to naming specific, likely smaller, towns, highlights the thoroughness of God's covenant faithfulness, assuring the original audience (and subsequent generations) that every facet of His promises would be fully realized. Such precise geographical detailing also subtly contrasts with general claims to land in the ancient Near East, establishing Israel's claim as unique due to divine, meticulously organized sanction.

Joshua 19 19 Bonus section

The act of dividing the land by lot, which dictated which tribe received which portion, including towns like Haphraim, Shihon, and Anaharath, was understood by ancient Israelites not as a matter of chance but as a direct revelation of God's sovereign will (Prov 16:33). This process reinforced the theological conviction that the land was truly God's gift and not something merely conquered by human strength or cunning. The comprehensive lists of towns and boundaries found in Joshua also had a significant legal and administrative function in ancient Israel, serving as definitive documents for land ownership, taxation, and tribal identity, thereby integrating theological truth with practical societal structure. Moreover, the failure of many tribes to fully dispossess the inhabitants within their assigned territories, as highlighted in subsequent books like Judges, demonstrates the critical role of human obedience in realizing the full scope of God's complete provision, even when the divine gift is explicitly given and defined.

Joshua 19 19 Commentary

Joshua 19:19, despite its brevity and seemingly mundane list of names, serves as a powerful testament to the precise fulfillment of God's covenant promises. It signifies that God's word is not vague but concrete, detailed, and utterly dependable. The mention of Haphraim, Shihon, and Anaharath as part of Issachar's inheritance emphasizes the exhaustive nature of God's provision—every part of the promised land was allocated, down to specific towns. This meticulousness instills confidence in the historical veracity of the account and, more profoundly, in the unfailing faithfulness of God. It shows that God does not merely fulfill promises in principle, but in tangible, observable reality. For ancient Israel, these names represented security, identity, and the very ground on which they would live out their covenant with God. For believers today, it resonates with the comprehensive and specific nature of God's spiritual promises in Christ, assuring us that our inheritance, though unseen, is just as certain and meticulously provided for.