Joshua 19 34

Joshua 19:34 kjv

And then the coast turneth westward to Aznothtabor, and goeth out from thence to Hukkok, and reacheth to Zebulun on the south side, and reacheth to Asher on the west side, and to Judah upon Jordan toward the sunrising.

Joshua 19:34 nkjv

From Heleph the border extended westward to Aznoth Tabor, and went out from there toward Hukkok; it adjoined Zebulun on the south side and Asher on the west side, and ended at Judah by the Jordan toward the sunrise.

Joshua 19:34 niv

The boundary ran west through Aznoth Tabor and came out at Hukkok. It touched Zebulun on the south, Asher on the west and the Jordan on the east.

Joshua 19:34 esv

Then the boundary turns westward to Aznoth-tabor and goes from there to Hukkok, touching Zebulun at the south and Asher on the west and Judah on the east at the Jordan.

Joshua 19:34 nlt

The western boundary ran past Aznoth-tabor, then to Hukkok, and touched the border of Zebulun in the south, the border of Asher on the west, and the Jordan River on the east.

Joshua 19 verses

Joshua 19 34 Meaning

This verse meticulously defines a segment of the tribal boundary of Naphtali, indicating its western turning point at the foothills of Aznoth-tabor. From there, it specifies the border's progression towards Hukkok, ultimately detailing its contiguous points of contact with the territories of Zebulun to its south, Asher to its west, and its eastern extension towards the Jordan River, aligning geographically with where Judah's eastern territories also lay. It's a precise geographical record of inherited land.

Joshua 19 34 Context

Joshua chapter 19 details the allocation of land by lot to the remaining seven tribes of Israel, including Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. Following the initial allotments to Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh, this chapter marks a crucial phase in fulfilling God's promise to give Israel the land of Canaan as an inheritance. Each description in this chapter, including that of Naphtali (vv. 32-39), emphasizes precision in delineating boundaries. These boundaries were divinely appointed through lots cast before the Lord at Shiloh (Josh 18:10), underscoring God's meticulous hand in providing the promised land to each tribe according to their numbers. Historically, establishing clear territorial boundaries was vital for social order, preventing disputes between clans and tribes, and ensuring economic stability for agricultural communities. Culturally, land was intricately linked to identity, livelihood, and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant, serving as tangible evidence of YHWH's faithfulness. This detailed delineation stood in stark contrast to the often fluid and contested territories of surrounding pagan nations, implicitly asserting YHWH's sovereign authority as the ultimate granter and owner of the land, thereby subtly countering polytheistic claims of local deities.

Joshua 19 34 Word analysis

• And then the boundary (וְנָסַב הַגְּבוּל – v'nasav haggevul):

  • v'nasav (וְנָסַב): Hebrew for "and turned" or "and went around." This implies a deliberate change in direction for the border line, indicating precision in mapping.
  • haggevul (הַגְּבוּל): The boundary, the border. A crucial legal and geographical concept signifying ownership and allocated territory. Its careful demarcation highlights the divine order.

• turned westward (יָמָּה – yammah):

  • Hebrew directional term meaning "towards the sea," which in the ancient Near East primarily referred to the Mediterranean Sea, thus indicating "westward."

• to Aznoth-tabor (אָזְנוֹת תָּבוֹר – aznot Tavor):

  • Literally "Ears of Tabor." This refers to geographical features, likely the foothills, spurs, or ridges of Mount Tabor. Mount Tabor is a prominent, isolated mountain in the Lower Galilee region, making it a natural and easily identifiable landmark for defining borders. The "ears" could suggest protrusions or lesser peaks.

• and went out from there (וְיָצָא מִשָּׁם – v'yatza' mishsham):

  • v'yatza' (וְיָצָא): And went out, proceeded. Indicates the trajectory of the boundary extending from the mentioned landmark.
  • mishsham (מִשָּׁם): From there. A specific point of origin for the subsequent border description.

• to Hukkok (אֶל־חֻקּוֹק – el Chukkok):

  • Hukkok: A town or location in the territory, serving as another precise geographical marker for the border's path. Its inclusion underscores the highly localized and accurate mapping being performed.

• and touched (וּפָגַע – uphaga'):

  • uphaga' (וּפָגַע): And it met, encountered, fell upon, reached, or touched. This significant verb emphasizes that Naphtali’s boundary was contiguous with the territories of other tribes. It denotes a definite point of contact and shared border. It implies established interaction points between tribal areas.

• Zebulun on the south (בִּזְבֻלוּן מִנֶּגֶב – bizvulun minnegev):

  • Confirms Zebulun's territory bordered Naphtali to its south. These immediate tribal neighbors formed natural alliances and interactions within Israel.

• and Asher on the west (וּבְאָשֵׁר מִמַּעֲרָב – uv'Asher mimma'arav):

  • Confirms Asher's territory bordered Naphtali to its west. Further illustrates the intricate inter-tribal land arrangement.

• and Judah on the east toward the Jordan (וּבִיהוּדָה הַיַּרְדֵּן מִזְרָחָה – uvihudah hayyarden mizrakhah):

  • This phrase is geographically intriguing, as the core territory of Judah lay much further south. Most scholarly interpretations suggest this does not imply a direct contiguous border segment between the main tribal allocations of Naphtali and Judah. Instead, it likely indicates that Naphtali's eastern boundary stretched toward the Jordan River (מִזְרָחָה - mizrakhah, "eastward," specifying direction), connecting or orienting toward the broader geographical zone of the Jordan Valley where Judah's vast eastern territories also lay. It specifies the direction and ultimate eastern extent, relating it to the general "Israelite land" which was also linked to Judah in the Jordan Valley, or could signify a shared orientation within the promised land toward this major water feature that often defined boundaries for many tribes in the east.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And then the boundary turned westward to Aznoth-tabor": Establishes a distinct directional change for the boundary, anchored by a key natural landmark, highlighting the detailed surveying and precise mapping inherent in the divine land distribution.
  • "and went out from there to Hukkok": Continues the specific trajectory, demonstrating a meticulous line drawn between two well-known geographical points, ensuring clear, indisputable claims to the land.
  • "and touched Zebulun on the south, and Asher on the west, and Judah on the east toward the Jordan": This tripartite declaration identifies Naphtali's key neighbors and geographical context. The verb "touched" underscores shared borders, implying a peaceful co-existence within God's ordered land allocation. It also positions Naphtali within the larger mosaic of tribal territories, demonstrating how each part of Israel contributed to the complete fulfillment of the land promise. The reference to Judah helps define the general eastward stretch of the land towards the Jordan within the context of Israel's total inheritance.

Joshua 19 34 Bonus section

The exact geographical identification of places like "Aznoth-tabor" and "Hukkok" has been subject to archaeological and historical debate, though scholars largely agree on their general locations within the Lower Galilee. The detailed descriptions like those in Joshua 19:34 serve not just as historical records, but as theological statements. They validate Israel's divine right to the land, distinguishing their occupation from mere human conquest. The fact that the boundary "turned" and "went out" (verbs implying deliberate movement and plotting) suggests an ordered, divinely surveyed process, not random expansion. The land's distribution was central to the Mosaic covenant, as disobedience would result in dispossession (Lev 26:33). Therefore, understanding these boundaries reinforces the theme of God's initial blessing and provision, foundational for Israel's identity and its relationship with YHWH.

Joshua 19 34 Commentary

Joshua 19:34, while seemingly a dry list of geographical points, is deeply significant. It demonstrates the meticulous fulfillment of God’s covenant promise to Abraham to give the land of Canaan to his descendants (Gen 12:7; 15:18). The precise boundary descriptions underscore divine order and God's faithfulness in allotting an inheritance to each tribe according to the sacred lot, ensuring peace and justice in the land. This precision was essential to avoid tribal conflict over territory, solidifying Israel's identity as a nation firmly rooted in God's gift. It speaks to God's careful provision, where every portion has its place and boundary, reminding us of His detailed attention to His people and His promises. Even the intricate detail of "touching" various tribal boundaries illustrates the interconnectedness and yet distinct identities within the covenant community, functioning together in the larger framework of God's plan.