Joshua 19 5

Joshua 19:5 kjv

And Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah,

Joshua 19:5 nkjv

Ziklag, Beth Marcaboth, Hazar Susah,

Joshua 19:5 niv

Ziklag, Beth Markaboth, Hazar Susah,

Joshua 19:5 esv

Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susah,

Joshua 19:5 nlt

Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susah,

Joshua 19 verses

Joshua 19 5 Meaning

This verse details three specific cities—Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, and Hazar-susah—that were part of the tribal inheritance allotted to Simeon within the promised land of Canaan. It serves as a meticulous record of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel concerning their dwelling and possession of the land.

Joshua 19 5 Context

Joshua chapter 19 details the allocation of land for six of the twelve tribes of Israel: Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. This verse specifically addresses the cities granted to the tribe of Simeon. Notably, Simeon's inheritance (verses 1-9) was not a contiguous, separate block of territory but was situated "in the midst of the inheritance of the people of Judah" (Joshua 19:9). This arrangement, likely due to Judah's original allotment being too vast, served as a partial fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy in Genesis 49:7, where Simeon and Levi were prophesied to be "scattered in Israel." The meticulous listing of cities in Joshua underscores the orderly, precise, and divine nature of the land distribution, fulfilling the ancient promises made to Abraham regarding the possession of Canaan by his descendants. Historically and culturally, land was fundamental to a tribe's identity, economic well-being, and social structure in ancient Israel. These detailed city lists were vital legal and religious documents affirming divine providence and ensuring tribal boundaries. They also serve as an indirect polemic against local Canaanite deities by demonstrating the sovereign power of the Lord who justly divides nations and assigns territories according to His divine plan.

Joshua 19 5 Word analysis

• and: (Heb. וְ, wə-) A simple conjunction, connecting the enumeration of cities in the inheritance list. It emphasizes a continuation and completeness in the inventory.
• Ziklag: (Heb. צִקְלָג, Tsiqlag) The origin of the name is uncertain, possibly related to "winding" or "twisting." While a relatively minor town in Joshua's time, its mention here is highly significant for its later historical role. It became David's personal city when he was fleeing Saul (1 Sam 27:6) and was later famously raided and burned by the Amalekites, prompting David to pursue and recover what was lost (1 Sam 30:1-26). It also had inhabitants post-exile (Neh 11:28), demonstrating its long-term significance and re-population.
• Beth-marcaboth: (Heb. בֵּית הַמַּרְכָּבוֹת, Bêṯ hammǎrḵābōṯ) Translates literally as "House of the Chariots" or "Place of Chariots." This name strongly suggests a location of military importance, likely an arsenal or depot for chariots. It could imply strategic infrastructure inherited from the Canaanites, or a location identified for its potential military utility for the Israelites. Its specific inclusion highlights the detail with which these territories were described and perceived for their assets.
• and: (Heb. וְ, wə-) Another simple conjunction, continuing the list of allotted cities.
• Hazar-susah: (Heb. חֲצַר סוּסָה, Ḥăṣar Sūsāh) Meaning "Village of Horses" or "Courtyard of Horses." This name, similar to Beth-marcaboth, indicates an area associated with the breeding, keeping, or trading of horses, likely for military purposes (e.g., pulling chariots). In 1 Chronicles 4:31, it is called Hazar-susim (plural "horses"), reinforcing its connection to a substantial horse operation. Together with Beth-marcaboth, these names paint a picture of strategic points possibly relating to transportation or warfare in the allocated territory.

• Words-Group Analysis: * "and Ziklag, and Beth-marcaboth, and Hazar-susah": This sequence lists specific urban centers part of Simeon's inheritance. The careful naming of each city underscores the tangible, literal fulfillment of God's land promises. The specialized names of Beth-marcaboth and Hazar-susah indicate former Canaanite military or economic sites, which Israel now possessed. The inclusion of Ziklag, later critical to David's early kingship, shows God's sovereign hand in seemingly minor details having far-reaching consequences in redemptive history. This listing, within the wider context of Simeon's lot being inside Judah's territory, implicitly connects to Jacob's prophecy about Simeon being scattered, showing its precise fulfillment in a land grant that was distinct yet dependent.

Joshua 19 5 Bonus section

The extensive listing of towns throughout Joshua, including those in Simeon's inheritance, served not only as a record of fulfilled promise but also as a legal charter for the tribes. It precisely delineated their boundaries and holdings, minimizing future inter-tribal disputes over land ownership. The level of geographical detail presented in Joshua's allotment chapters is remarkable, signifying the practical and spiritual importance placed on the inheritance. Scholars who have studied the ancient Near Eastern land deeds confirm this style, lending strong support to the biblical account's historical context. The strategic importance implied by the names Beth-marcaboth and Hazar-susah reminds the reader that the "rest" spoken of in Joshua was not passive; Israel was to steward and, if necessary, defend their God-given territory. These place names stand as silent witnesses to the blend of military and agricultural life in Canaan, now transitioned under divine ownership and Israelite stewardship.

Joshua 19 5 Commentary

Joshua 19:5 precisely identifies three cities—Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, and Hazar-susah—as part of Simeon's inheritance in the promised land. This verse contributes to the meticulously detailed accounts of land distribution in Joshua, reinforcing God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The exact enumeration of these places underscores the divine order and specificity in the land division, overseen by Joshua and Eleazar. The names Beth-marcaboth ("House of Chariots") and Hazar-susah ("Village of Horses") suggest these were locations with pre-existing strategic or military significance, potentially linked to chariot forces or horse husbandry from the former Canaanite inhabitants, now inherited by Israel. Ziklag holds a particularly important future in biblical narrative, notably as a city given to David during his flight from Saul (1 Sam 27:6), later becoming his headquarters and the site of a pivotal victory over the Amalekites (1 Sam 30). This highlights how even specific minor cities within a tribal allotment contribute to God's larger providential plan. Simeon's unique allocation within Judah's larger territory, rather than as a wholly distinct block, also reflects the partial fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy regarding Simeon's dispersion within Israel (Gen 49:7), demonstrating the multifaceted nature of divine prophecies and their precise historical realization.