Joshua 19 42

Joshua 19:42 kjv

And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, and Jethlah,

Joshua 19:42 nkjv

Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Jethlah,

Joshua 19:42 niv

Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah,

Joshua 19:42 esv

Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah,

Joshua 19:42 nlt

Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah,

Joshua 19 verses

Joshua 19 42 Meaning

This verse is a succinct geographical listing, part of the extensive and highly detailed distribution of the Promised Land to the twelve tribes of Israel. Specifically, it enumerates three cities—Shaalabbin, Aijalon, and Jethlah—which were allotted as part of the inheritance given to the tribe of Dan. These lists are more than mere administrative records; they are affirmations of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, granting them specific territories in the land of Canaan.

Joshua 19 42 Context

Joshua chapter 19 concludes the detailed account of the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel, a central theme of the Book of Joshua. Chapters 13 through 19 meticulously record the specific territorial inheritances, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham (Gen 12:7; 15:18-21). Following the major victories and the initial surveys, the remaining land was divided by lot, supervised by Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the tribal heads (Josh 14:1). Joshua 19:40-48 specifically outlines the allotment for the tribe of Dan. This verse (19:42), by listing Shaalabbin, Aijalon, and Jethlah, provides specific geographical markers within Dan's initial designated territory. However, the subsequent verses (19:47-48) and the Book of Judges (Judg 1:34; 18) reveal that the Danites faced significant challenges in fully dispossessing the inhabitants of their allocated land, eventually leading many to seek a new, uncontested territory much further north, near the source of the Jordan River. Thus, these lists of towns not only represent a divine grant but also serve as a backdrop for the narrative of Israel's faithfulness, or lack thereof, in claiming their full inheritance.

Joshua 19 42 Word analysis

• And: Hebrew "וְ" (ve-), a simple conjunction. It connects these towns to the preceding list (Josh 19:41) as part of Dan's larger allotment, indicating continuation and completeness of the designated cities.
• Shaalabbin: Hebrew "שַׁעַלַבִּין" (Sha'alabbin). A proper noun, likely derived from "שׁוּעָל" (shu'al), meaning "fox" or "jackal." This suggests "place of foxes/jackals." Its mention signifies a concrete, identifiable location given to Dan. It appeared in Judg 1:35 in relation to the Amorites.
• and: Hebrew "וְ" (ve-). Connects the following town, continuing the catalog.
• Aijalon: Hebrew "אַיָּלוֹן" (Ayyalon). A proper noun, likely derived from "אַיָּל" (ayyal), meaning "deer" or "gazelle," thus "place of deer/gazelle field." Located in the Shephelah (foothills), it is famously mentioned in Josh 10:12 where Joshua commands the sun and moon to stand still over the Valley of Aijalon. This verse reiterates its significant inclusion in Israelite territory.
• and: Hebrew "וְ" (ve-). Another connective conjunction.
• Jethlah: Hebrew "יִתְלָה" (Yitlâh). A proper noun. The meaning is debated, possibly related to "תָּלָה" (talâ), "to hang," suggesting "lofty place" or "suspended." Its exact location is less certain than Shaalabbin and Aijalon. Its inclusion underscores the comprehensiveness of the divine allotment, extending to less prominent places.
• "And Shaalabbin, and Aijalon, and Jethlah,": This concise list highlights the methodical and divine precision in the land's distribution. It signifies God's complete provision and adherence to His promises, giving specific, identifiable territories. The use of repetitive conjunction "and" emphasizes each distinct entity, stressing the inclusiveness of the inheritance granted to Dan.
• The specific names of the towns: The presence of names like Shaalabbin (foxes/jackals) and Aijalon (deer/gazelles) connect the divine gift of the land to its natural characteristics, reflecting the tangible, real-world geography given to the Israelites. While the meanings of the names might offer incidental imagery, their primary significance lies in identifying specific historical and geographical places.

Joshua 19 42 Bonus section

The cities listed in this verse, particularly Aijalon, are noteworthy for their strategic location in the Shephelah, a fertile lowlands region acting as a buffer between the hill country of Judah/Benjamin and the coastal plain dominated by the Philistines. This made Dan's initial inheritance highly valuable but also highly contested. The strategic significance of Aijalon is underlined by its repeated mention in biblical history, notably in Joshua's battle (Josh 10:12) and later as a fortified city during the period of the divided monarchy (2 Chr 11:10). The inclusion of these specific cities in Dan's lot also subtly foreshadows the struggles that the tribe would face. Their assigned land, though divinely given, required active, faithful warfare to secure. The fact that the narrative so quickly moves from this detailed allotment to the Danites being pressed into the hill country (Judg 1:34) and eventually migrating (Judg 18) profoundly underscores the difference between divine provision and human responsibility in taking hold of that provision. This tension between God's promise and human response is a recurring theme throughout Israel's history, exemplified starkly by the tribe of Dan.

Joshua 19 42 Commentary

Joshua 19:42, a seemingly simple geographical entry, serves as a crucial point within the narrative of Israel's inheritance. It affirms God's faithfulness in providing a land, down to specific towns, to the tribe of Dan. These lists throughout Joshua chapter 19 are more than a survey; they are a divine act of covenant fulfillment, underscoring the truth that the Lord kept His promise to Abraham's descendants (Gen 12; 15). The verse meticulously details Dan's original portion, a strategically important region bordering Judah, Benjamin, and the Philistine plain. However, this divine grant did not automatically translate into full possession. The historical reality immediately following this peaceful allocation shows that the Danites struggled severely to dislodge the indigenous populations from this fertile land (Judg 1:34). This initial failure ultimately led to Dan's famous migration north to establish a new home, illustrating that God's gift required human faith, courage, and obedience to be fully realized. Thus, while Josh 19:42 records God's perfect provision, the subsequent biblical narrative provides a powerful lesson on the conditional aspect of receiving and holding onto blessings—the need for sustained faithfulness in the face of challenges.