Joshua 19 3

Joshua 19:3 kjv

And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem,

Joshua 19:3 nkjv

Hazar Shual, Balah, Ezem,

Joshua 19:3 niv

Hazar Shual, Balah, Ezem,

Joshua 19:3 esv

Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem,

Joshua 19:3 nlt

Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem,

Joshua 19 verses

Joshua 19 3 Meaning

Joshua 19:3 details three specific towns – Hazar-Shual, Balah, and Ezem – which were allocated as part of the inheritance for the tribe of Simeon. This verse contributes to the meticulous record of land distribution in the Book of Joshua, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by providing them with a secure dwelling place in the land of Canaan. For Simeon, specifically, it marks their allocated space within the larger territory of Judah, indicating a dependent or integrated position rather than a distinct, separate inheritance.

Joshua 19 3 Context

Joshua chapter 19 describes the allocation of land for the remaining six tribes of Israel, in addition to Simeon, following the initial major distributions to Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh. The entire process of land division is recorded as a fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, establishing Israel as a settled nation in the Promised Land.

Verse 3 specifically pertains to the tribe of Simeon's inheritance. The unique context for Simeon is that their inheritance was drawn "within the inheritance of the children of Judah" (Joshua 19:9). This means Simeon did not receive a distinct, self-contained territory, but rather a collection of cities and their surrounding villages carved out from the vast territory initially assigned to Judah. This arrangement reflects Jacob's prophecy concerning Simeon (and Levi) in Genesis 49:7, that they would be "scattered in Israel." Due to their diminished numbers (notably after the incident at Peor in Numbers 25 and 26), Simeon’s portion was smaller, consisting primarily of towns rather than large continuous tracts of land, fitting their role as a less prominent tribe. This communal and shared dwelling within Judah’s bounds highlights God's sovereign distribution, aligning even the physical allocation of land with prior prophetic declarations and tribal circumstances. The meticulous listing of town names like Hazar-Shual, Balah, and Ezem emphasizes the precision and detail with which God's plan for the settlement of His people was carried out.

Joshua 19 3 Word analysis

• Hazar-Shual (חֲצַר שׁוּעָל - Ḥaṣar Shū‘āl):

  • Word Level: This Hebrew name means "Court of the Fox" or "Settlement of the Jackal."
  • Significance: The name suggests a place possibly known for foxes or jackals, perhaps indicating a less developed or rural area at the time. Its inclusion points to the thoroughness of the land division, accounting for every type of settlement. It also appears in Josh 15:28 as part of Judah's initial lot, further illustrating Simeon's inheritance coming out of Judah's. Its mention in 1 Chron 4:28 indicates its continued recognition.
  • Group Level: When grouped with the other towns, it reinforces the concept of precise, divinely orchestrated land allocation down to individual settlements, emphasizing the reality of the promised land's possession.

• Balah (בָּלָה - Bālāh):

  • Word Level: This Hebrew name can mean "worn out," "decayed," or "perished." In Josh 15:29, a very similar place, Bilhah (בִּלְהָה), is listed within Judah’s inheritance, leading some to consider it an alternate spelling or even the same town with a slight textual variant.
  • Significance: The literal meaning of "worn out" is noteworthy given Simeon's overall decline as a tribe, potentially being a subtle linguistic reflection of their diminished state as per Jacob's prophecy (Gen 49:7). This does not necessarily mean the town itself was literally decaying, but the name adds a layer of depth to the tribal identity being allocated this land. It's a specific named location chosen by lot by God for this tribe.
  • Group Level: These names signify actual places. Their mention highlights the specificity of the divine command and its faithful execution, down to minor, possibly obscure, towns. This attests to God's precise fulfillment of promises.

• Ezem (עֶצֶם - ‘Eṣem):

  • Word Level: This Hebrew word primarily means "bone," but can also imply "strength," "essence," or "substance" (like the "bone" of something representing its core). It also appears in 1 Chron 4:29 within a list of Simeon's towns.
  • Significance: The meaning "bone" or "strength" could be an interesting counterpoint if the other town was "worn out," creating a subtle textual dynamic. Alternatively, it simply denotes a geographical marker, like "Bone-place." As a proper noun, it identifies another distinct settlement assigned to Simeon. Its repetition across accounts validates its historical existence and Simeon's occupation.
  • Group Level: The listing of specific towns serves as concrete evidence of God’s complete and detailed provision. The land was not a generic grant but consisted of tangible cities, each with its own identity, becoming a possession for Simeon as per divine will, ensuring their ability to dwell and sustain themselves as a people.

Joshua 19 3 Bonus section

The tribal inheritance of Simeon within Judah serves as a profound biblical illustration of several principles:

• Prophetic Fulfillment: Jacob's curse-blessing in Genesis 49:7 for Simeon and Levi—"I will scatter them in Israel"—finds its specific manifestation here. While Levi was scattered among the tribes as priests, Simeon was settled within Judah, eventually dwindling and losing its distinct tribal identity in later biblical narratives. This verse provides the precise physical evidence of this scattering.
• Divine Sovereignty in Detail: The use of lots for land distribution (Josh 14:2; 18:10) underscored that the exact allocation of every town, including Hazar-Shual, Balah, and Ezem, was under God's control, not mere human arbitration. This solidified the theological principle that YHWH was the true possessor and giver of the land.
• The Land as an Expression of Covenant: Each town listed, however small, represented a piece of the inheritance that directly materialized God's covenant with Abraham. This physical dwelling was essential for Israel's identity and its ability to function as God's chosen nation in the world.
• Practical Implications: The enclaved position of Simeon within Judah suggests practical benefits in terms of mutual support and shared resources, while also hinting at Simeon's reduced population and political significance following their prominent role in the plague at Peor (Numbers 25), which drastically reduced their numbers (Numbers 26:14).

Joshua 19 3 Commentary

Joshua 19:3 is a small, seemingly insignificant detail within the extensive lists of tribal inheritances, yet it speaks volumes about God's faithfulness and meticulous planning. It demonstrates the precise fulfillment of God's ancient promises to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan. For Simeon, specifically, these town allocations highlight their unique and somewhat subdued position within Israel, reflecting the prophecy of Jacob concerning their future "scattering" (Gen 49:7). Receiving a list of specific towns like Hazar-Shual, Balah, and Ezem, located within Judah's territory, instead of a distinct land block, underscored Simeon's dependence and eventual integration or absorption. The detailed naming of even seemingly minor places emphasizes God's comprehensive oversight of every aspect of His covenant, down to individual habitations. It affirms that God orchestrates human destinies and provides a place for His people, demonstrating His sovereignty over even geographic distributions and historical developments. This precise, divinely orchestrated allotment contrasts sharply with any notion of land being merely conquered by human strength; it was a gift given by lot.