Joshua 19 7

Joshua 19:7 kjv

Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities and their villages:

Joshua 19:7 nkjv

Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan: four cities and their villages;

Joshua 19:7 niv

Ain, Rimmon, Ether and Ashan?four towns and their villages?

Joshua 19:7 esv

Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan ? four cities with their villages,

Joshua 19:7 nlt

It also included Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan ? four towns with their villages,

Joshua 19 verses

Joshua 19 7 Meaning

Joshua 19:7 details a specific part of the tribal inheritance of Simeon, listing four particular cities—Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan—along with their surrounding villages, which were allotted to them from the territory of Judah. This verse forms part of the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel regarding their inheritance in the land of Canaan, specifically demonstrating the meticulous division of the land by lot under Joshua's leadership.

Joshua 19 7 Context

Joshua chapter 19 concludes the account of the division of the land among the Israelite tribes, following the conquest of Canaan. After the major tribes (Judah, Ephraim, Manasseh) received their large territories, this chapter details the allotments for the remaining seven tribes: Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. Each tribal inheritance was determined by lot at Shiloh, emphasizing divine direction in the distribution.

Simeon's inheritance is particularly noteworthy. Unlike most tribes which received a contiguous block of land, Simeon's allocation was entirely "within the inheritance of the children of Judah" (Josh 19:1). This situation arose because Judah's portion was so extensive that it was "too large for them" (Josh 19:9), allowing Simeon's portion to be carved out of it. This peculiar arrangement reflects the diminished size and political significance of the tribe of Simeon, a historical development consistent with Jacob's prophetic words in Genesis 49:7, which spoke of Simeon and Levi being "scattered in Jacob and dispersed in Israel" due to their violent actions. Thus, Joshua 19:7, by listing cities like Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan as part of Simeon's within-Judah inheritance, perfectly illustrates this unique tribal destiny within the larger context of God's covenantal faithfulness to distribute the Promised Land.

Joshua 19 7 Word analysis

• Ain: (Hebrew: עין, 'Ayin) Meaning "eye" or "spring." This name is common in place names, typically indicating the presence of a natural water source, which was vital in arid regions. While numerous locations bear this name, this particular "Ain" in Judah's territory signifies an important, perhaps strategic, well or spring essential for the inhabitants and their livestock. Its presence reflects the practical needs of tribal settlement.
• Rimmon: (Hebrew: רִמּוֹן, Rimmon) Meaning "pomegranate." Pomegranates were a valuable fruit in ancient Israel, symbolizing fertility and abundance. A city named Rimmon could indicate the local prominence of these fruit trees. It's often associated with En-Rimmon ("spring of the pomegranate"), further connecting it to water sources, although in Josh 19:7 it's just "Rimmon."
• Ether: (Hebrew: עֶתֶר, 'Ether) Meaning "abundance." Less is known about this specific site, as it is not mentioned frequently elsewhere in the Bible apart from land lists (Josh 15:42, 19:7; 1 Chr 4:32). Its meaning might imply a fertile area, although this is speculative. The naming itself underscores the detailed cataloging of towns in the land distribution records.
• Ashan: (Hebrew: עָשָׁן, 'Ashan) Meaning "smoke." This name could suggest a volcanic area (though unlikely in Judah) or a site known for a kiln or for some signal fires, or perhaps where burning occurred. It is mentioned elsewhere (Josh 15:42; 1 Chr 4:32) and in some contexts linked with "Chor-Ashan." Its appearance in both Judah's and Simeon's lists reinforces the intertwined nature of their territories.
• four cities with their villages: This phrase specifies the exact number of cities listed and underscores the nature of ancient settlements. A "city" (עָרִים, 'arim) in biblical context could range from a fortified town to a smaller unfortified settlement, but always served as a center for the surrounding agricultural areas. "Villages" (חֲצֵרֵיהֶן, chatzerim) refer to dependent, unfortified hamlets, outlying farmsteads, or temporary encampments that relied on the central city for protection, markets, and services. The inclusion of "villages" signifies that the tribes received not just isolated towns, but entire administrative and economic units, encompassing their surrounding agricultural lands and pastures necessary for sustenance and livelihood. This detailed enumeration emphasizes the precise and comprehensive nature of the land allocation process under God's instruction, leaving no ambiguity about the extent of Simeon's claim within Judah's territory.

Joshua 19 7 Bonus section

The specific locations of these cities remain subjects of scholarly discussion and archaeological inquiry, but the general area is understood to be in the Negeb region, the southern part of Judah. Some of these cities, like Ain and Rimmon, appear in lists of Judah's inheritance as well (Josh 15:32, 42), before being explicitly given to Simeon in chapter 19, suggesting a deliberate and nuanced process of land reassignment based on tribal needs and perhaps even census data that revealed the tribes' differing sizes. This intermingling of territories not only fulfilled prophecy but also had long-term implications for the tribe of Simeon, which over time appears to have been largely absorbed into Judah, losing much of its distinct tribal identity in later Israelite history, contrasting with tribes that maintained distinct geographic territories and strong communal identities.

Joshua 19 7 Commentary

Joshua 19:7 provides a precise detail in the mosaic of Israel's land distribution, listing four specific cities (Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan) allotted to the tribe of Simeon. This verse is not just a geographical marker; it's a testament to the meticulous fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel. The unusual placement of Simeon's inheritance entirely "in the midst of the inheritance of the people of Judah" (Josh 19:1), rather than a contiguous block, finds its roots in Jacob's prophecy concerning Simeon's future dispersion (Gen 49:7). Thus, this seemingly simple list of cities vividly illustrates how divine decree, even one flowing from a father's judgment, shapes the destiny and spatial arrangement of a people. The mention of "villages" signifies the full agricultural and living capacity given, reinforcing God's provision beyond just fortified centers. It highlights the divine precision in providing sustenance for His people, down to every homestead. The verse subtly conveys God's unwavering faithfulness, where even tribal weaknesses or prophetic curses do not negate the larger covenant of land inheritance.