Joshua 19 26

Joshua 19:26 kjv

And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reacheth to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath;

Joshua 19:26 nkjv

Alammelech, Amad, and Mishal; it reached to Mount Carmel westward, along the Brook Shihor Libnath.

Joshua 19:26 niv

Allammelek, Amad and Mishal. On the west the boundary touched Carmel and Shihor Libnath.

Joshua 19:26 esv

Allammelech, Amad, and Mishal. On the west it touches Carmel and Shihor-libnath,

Joshua 19:26 nlt

Allammelech, Amad, and Mishal. The boundary on the west touched Carmel and Shihor-libnath,

Joshua 19 verses

Joshua 19 26 Meaning

Joshua 19:26 meticulously details a portion of the geographical boundary allocated to the tribe of Asher in the Promised Land. It specifies that Asher's territory extends from locations such as Amad and Mishal, stretching westward towards Mount Carmel, and continuing to a distinct coastal stream known as Shihor-libnath. This verse, therefore, marks key landmarks defining the southern or southwestern extent of Asher's inherited territory.

Joshua 19 26 Context

Joshua 19 is part of the extensive section (chapters 13-21) dedicated to detailing the tribal allotments of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Following the initial conquest under Joshua, these chapters serve as the administrative record of God's covenant faithfulness in providing an inheritance to His people, just as He promised Abraham centuries earlier. Specifically, Joshua 19 details the territories assigned to Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. Verse 26, therefore, is a precise geographical marker within the description of Asher's northern coastal inheritance, clarifying its southern and western extent relative to neighboring tribes like Manasseh and major landmarks such as Mount Carmel. This meticulous cataloging underlines the divine order and precision in fulfilling prophecies and covenant promises, transforming spiritual assurances into tangible, surveyed land.

Joshua 19 26 Word analysis

• And Amad (וְעֲמָד - ve-'Amad): Word Level: 'Amad is a place name, possibly meaning "standing" or "pillar," suggesting a prominent marker. Its exact location is debated by scholars and has not been definitively identified in modern archaeology. Significance: Represents a specific, known (at the time) geographical point on the eastern/southern border of Asher. Its inclusion highlights the specificity and detailed nature of the land demarcation.
• And Mishal (וּמִשְׁאָל - u-Mish'al): Word Level: Mishal (also sometimes rendered Mashal or Misheal) is another place name. The root sha'al means "to ask" or "to beg," potentially implying a place of petition or significance. Significance: It was later designated as a Levitical city (Josh 21:30, 1 Chr 6:74), indicating its importance as a settled location. Its mention here anchors another specific point on the tribal boundary.
• and reacheth (וְיָגַע - ve-yaga'): Word Level: From the verb naga' (נגע), meaning "to touch," "reach," "extend to." Significance: This verb precisely defines the extent and direction of Asher's boundary from the previously mentioned inland points (Amad, Mishal) towards the western coast. It marks a continuous, surveyed line.
• to Carmel (לְכַרְמֶל - le-Karmel): Word Level: Karmel means "orchard" or "garden land," referring to Mount Carmel. It's one of the most distinctive and fertile mountain ranges in ancient Israel. Significance: Mount Carmel served as a highly prominent and unmistakable geographical landmark. Its mention firmly places the boundary line on a well-known feature, symbolizing a rich and desirable part of Asher's inheritance. It also becomes a site of significant prophetic events later (1 Kgs 18).
• westward (יָמָּה - yamah): Word Level: Literally "to the sea," referring to the Mediterranean Sea. The sea was considered the western boundary for the land of Israel. Significance: Clearly specifies the direction of the border extension, emphasizing its coastal orientation and connection to the vast sea, indicating Asher's possession of a significant coastline.
• and to Shihorlibnath (וְשִׁיחֹור לִבְנָת - ve-Shiḥor Livnath): Word Level: This is a compound place name. Shihor (שִׁיחֹור): Generally means "dark" or "black" and refers to a stream or wadi. While often associated with the Nile River (Isa 23:3, Jer 2:18), here it refers to a local coastal stream or river that was likely dark due to sediment or water flow. Libnath (לִבְנָת): Derived from the root lavan (לבן), meaning "white" or "shining," or possibly refers to the "Styrax" (storax) tree known for white blossoms. Significance: The name "Shihor-libnath" is evocative, possibly describing a "dark stream of whiteness," perhaps due to white stones in its bed, white cliffs surrounding it, or the Styrax trees along its banks. It designates the terminal point of this border segment, marking Asher's southern coastal boundary, likely separating it from the territory of Manasseh in that area. It serves as a unique and memorable natural landmark.

• Amad and Mishal to Carmel westward: This phrase indicates a clear geographical progression. It implies a trajectory from inland points, possibly marking the southeastern or eastern extent of Asher's border, then sweeping westward across the territory, heading towards the coast. The "westward" clarifies the direction relative to the major landmarks. This linear description aids in mental mapping for the original audience.
• Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath: This specifies the critical coastal section of the border. Reaching Carmel marks the general area of the western extent, but then Shihor-libnath pinpoints the precise coastal terminus of this border segment. It highlights Asher's access to the coast, a valuable strategic and economic asset.

Joshua 19 26 Bonus section

The challenges in modern archaeological identification of sites like Amad, Mishal, and particularly Shihor-libnath highlight the fluidity of ancient boundaries and place names over millennia. While the text implies precise surveys were made, the exact identification of every natural feature named has been lost to time or subject to scholarly debate. This particular verse describes a part of Asher's border that effectively secured for them a portion of the rich coastal plain of Israel, highly desirable for agriculture and trade. Despite this rich inheritance, the narrative of the Judges period (Judges 1:31-32) paints a picture of Asher failing to drive out many Canaanite inhabitants within their allocated land, illustrating a significant shortfall in fulfilling their divinely appointed task. This serves as a sober reminder that while God's promises are steadfast, their full realization often depends on human faithfulness and obedience. The specificity of geographical terms reflects God's tangible commitment, rooting His spiritual promises in the physical reality of the land given to Israel.

Joshua 19 26 Commentary

Joshua 19:26 provides intricate details of tribal geography, emphasizing God's precise and faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises to provide land for His people. This seemingly mundane boundary description served as a crucial legal and administrative document for ancient Israel, establishing their God-given right to the land against any rival claims. The mention of distinct landmarks like Mount Carmel (a fertile region and later site of prophetic power) and the unique Shihor-libnath (a coastal stream) underscores the tangible, measurable reality of this divine inheritance. While God provided bountiful land to Asher, historical accounts in Judges indicate the tribe's failure to fully possess and cleanse their territory of the native inhabitants, highlighting that divine provision necessitates human obedience and perseverance for the complete enjoyment of blessings. The precise border details served as a constant reminder of what was promised and what should have been fully possessed.