Joshua 19 37

Joshua 19:37 kjv

And Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor,

Joshua 19:37 nkjv

Kedesh, Edrei, En Hazor,

Joshua 19:37 niv

Kedesh, Edrei, En Hazor,

Joshua 19:37 esv

Kedesh, Edrei, En-hazor,

Joshua 19:37 nlt

Kedesh, Edrei, En-hazor,

Joshua 19 verses

Joshua 19 37 Meaning

Joshua 19:37 is a simple enumerative statement listing three towns: Kedesh, Edrei, and En-hazor. These specific localities are identified as part of the fourth border segment in the northern inheritance allotted to the tribe of Naphtali by lot, as detailed in the comprehensive record of the division of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. It serves as an unadorned historical record demonstrating the precise fulfillment of God’s covenant promises regarding the promised land.

Joshua 19 37 Context

Joshua chapter 19 concludes the detailed account of the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel, a central theme in the book of Joshua (chapters 13-21). Following the conquest campaigns, Joshua, with Eleazar the priest and the tribal leaders, distributed the territory by lot at Shiloh, according to the LORD's commands given through Moses. Verse 37 specifically lists three of the cities designated to the tribe of Naphtali, whose territory lay in the northern region of Canaan, bordered by Asher to the west, Zebulun and Issachar to the south, and extending eastward to the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee. This meticulous accounting underscores God’s faithfulness in providing a land for His people, fulfilling centuries-old promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Historically, this period marks the transition from nomadic life and conquest to settled, agricultural existence under tribal rule, establishing the foundational geopolitical reality for future Israelite history.

Joshua 19 37 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew: וְ (wê), a simple conjunction meaning "and" or "then." In this context, it connects the listed towns to the preceding enumeration of Naphtali’s allotted cities. It signals continuation within the same thought or list.

• Kedesh (קֶדֶשׁ): Transliterated from the Hebrew Qedesh. The root word means "holy," "sanctuary," or "set apart." This particular Kedesh, often specified as "Kedesh-Naphtali" or "Kedesh in Galilee," held significant roles.

  • Significance: It was designated as one of the six Cities of Refuge (Josh 20:7), where accidental manslayers could flee for protection, highlighting divine provision for justice and sanctuary. It was also one of the Levitical cities given to the sons of Gershon (Josh 21:32; 1 Chr 6:76), demonstrating the integration of religious leadership within the tribal territories. Later, it was the hometown of Barak, a prominent judge who, alongside Deborah, delivered Israel from Jabin, king of Hazor (Judg 4). Its name Holy underscores the idea that even designated cities in the land served a purpose reflecting God's character and law.

• Edrei (אֶדְרֶעִי): Transliterated from the Hebrew ʼEdreʻî. The name likely means "strong" or "mighty arm."

  • Significance: This Edrei in Naphtali is distinct from the more famous Edrei located in Bashan, east of the Jordan, where Moses defeated Og (Num 21:33; Deut 3:1). The Edrei in Naphtali is relatively obscure, mentioned only here as part of the land allocation. Its inclusion reflects the meticulous detail of the tribal allotments, ensuring every promised place, no matter how minor in the historical narrative, was recorded as part of the divine distribution. This illustrates that God's providence extends to all details of His plans, not just the famous ones.

• En-hazor (עֵין חָצוֹר): Transliterated from the Hebrew ʻÊyn Ḥaṣôr. This name literally translates to "Spring of Hazor" or "Fountain of Hazor."

  • Significance: The presence of "En" (spring/fountain) indicates the importance of water sources for ancient settlements. Hazor itself (which means "enclosed place" or "court") was a major Canaanite city in the region, later destroyed by Joshua (Josh 11:10-11). While this En-hazor is distinct and specifically part of Naphtali's territory, its name likely associates it with the prominent regional center. Its obscurity in biblical narrative, mentioned only here, further emphasizes the exhaustive and specific nature of the land allocation, underscoring that every named place was part of God’s meticulously laid out plan for Israel’s inheritance.

Joshua 19 37 Bonus section

The tribal territories described in Joshua laid the groundwork for future geopolitical and spiritual developments. The region of Naphtali, in particular, was strategic. Bordering Gentile nations and trade routes, it was often referred to as "Galilee of the Gentiles" (Isa 9:1), a place that experienced darkness but later saw great light with the ministry of Jesus Christ, fulfilling prophecy (Matt 4:15-16). Thus, even these ancient city lists implicitly connect to the broader sweep of redemptive history. The theme of inheriting the land for Israel foreshadows the New Testament concept of a spiritual inheritance for believers in Christ (Eph 1:11, 1 Pet 1:4), a guaranteed possession not of physical land but of salvation and all spiritual blessings in heavenly places.

Joshua 19 37 Commentary

Joshua 19:37, like many verses in this chapter, presents a list of names, seemingly mundane, yet deeply significant within the overarching narrative of God's covenant with Israel. These names, Kedesh, Edrei, and En-hazor, are not merely geographical markers; they are tangible proof of God's faithfulness in delivering on His ancient promises to give the land of Canaan to Abraham's descendants. Each town, however obscure some may appear in later history, was precisely foreordained within the divine distribution of tribal inheritances. Kedesh, specifically, bears witness to themes of divine sanctuary and justice as a city of refuge, and later as a crucial site for leadership during times of conflict. The inclusion of even the less prominent places highlights the meticulousness of God’s plan, assuring that every detail of His word is fulfilled. This careful enumeration testifies that God's Word does not return void, but accomplishes its intended purpose, serving as a reminder that divine promises, whether related to land, progeny, or salvation, are always true and precise.