Joshua 19 8

Joshua 19:8 kjv

And all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.

Joshua 19:8 nkjv

and all the villages that were all around these cities as far as Baalath Beer, Ramah of the South. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.

Joshua 19:8 niv

and all the villages around these towns as far as Baalath Beer (Ramah in the Negev). This was the inheritance of the tribe of the Simeonites, according to its clans.

Joshua 19:8 esv

together with all the villages around these cities as far as Baalath-beer, Ramah of the Negeb. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Simeon according to their clans.

Joshua 19:8 nlt

including all the surrounding villages as far south as Baalath-beer (also known as Ramah of the Negev).
This was the homeland allocated to the clans of the tribe of Simeon.

Joshua 19 verses

Joshua 19 8 Meaning

Joshua 19:8 concludes the specific listing of cities within the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon. It specifies that Simeon's territory included "all the villages that were around these cities" mentioned in the preceding verses, and delineates the southernmost extent of their portion as stretching "to Baalath Beer, Ramah of the South." This verse, therefore, highlights the inclusion of all smaller, dependent settlements in addition to the major walled cities, thereby precisely defining the geographical boundaries of Simeon's God-given inheritance within the Promised Land.

Joshua 19 8 Context

Joshua chapter 19 describes the allotment of land to the remaining seven tribes of Israel after Judah and Joseph's descendants had received theirs. Specifically, Joshua 19:1-9 details the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon. The unique context for Simeon is that their portion was situated within the larger territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. This verse, Joshua 19:8, serves as a concluding summary, ensuring that all outlying villages associated with the core cities previously listed were also included in Simeon's lot. This precision reflects the divine attention to detail in the distribution of the Promised Land, confirming that God's promises of inheritance were meticulously fulfilled for each tribal family according to their clans. The listing of specific geographical points, like Baalath Beer and Ramah of the South, anchors the inheritance firmly in the known landscape of Canaan, signifying a concrete, physical possession.

Joshua 19 8 Word analysis

• and all the villages:

  • Hebrew: v'khol he'chaserim (וְכָל הֶחֲצֵרִים).
  • "Villages" (chaserim) typically refers to unfortified, open settlements or encampments, often dependent upon larger, walled cities for protection and services.
  • Significance: Highlights that the inheritance was not just major cities but also their surrounding agricultural and dwelling areas, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the land allocation. These chaserim were vital for sustaining the population and for farming.

• that were around these cities:

  • Emphasizes the geographic relationship between the smaller settlements and the central hubs listed in Jos 19:2-7 (Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar-Shual, Balah, Ezem, Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah, Ziklag, Beth-Marcaboth, Hazar-Susah, Beth-Lebaoth, Sharuhen, Ain, Rimmon, Ether, Ashan).
  • Significance: Ensures the practical extent of the inheritance, including both urban centers and their vital rural support structures. It shows careful and complete planning.

• to Baalath Beer:

  • Hebrew: ad ba'alath be'er (עַד בַּעֲלַת בְּאֵר).
  • Baalath (בַּעֲלַת): Means "mistress" or "possessor of."
  • Be'er (בְּאֵר): Means "well" or "spring." Thus, "Mistress of the Well" or "Lady of the Well."
  • Geographical marker indicating the southernmost boundary. This location was crucial as a source of water in the arid Negeb region. It is identified with Beer-Ramah (1 Sam 30:27, "Ramath of the Negeb") or Baalath Beer, Ramath (1 Chr 4:33).
  • Significance: Precise boundary point, vital for identifying the territory and indicative of the importance of water sources in defining settlements and their value. Its name might also have polemic implications, potentially recalling previous Canaanite Baal worship and marking its new association with Israelite inheritance under God's sovereignty.

• Ramah of the South:

  • Hebrew: Ramath-Negev (רָמַת נֶגֶב).
  • Ramah (רָמָה): Means "height" or "high place."
  • Negev (נֶגֶב): Refers to the arid, semi-desert region in the southern part of Canaan. "Of the South" helps distinguish this Ramah from other places of the same name.
  • Often seen as synonymous or closely related to Baalath Beer, functioning as another descriptor for the same significant landmark. It indicates the elevation or a prominent place in the southern region.
  • Significance: Another precise geographical marker emphasizing the clarity of the land boundaries. It points to a visible, prominent feature defining the southern border.

• "to Baalath Beer, Ramah of the South":

  • This phrase groups two descriptive names for what is likely the same general southern border location. The double naming provides a comprehensive and unambiguous designation, critical for defining the extent of a tribal territory. It points to a specific and identifiable point in the southern landscape, establishing a definitive end to Simeon's inheritance line. This emphasis on clear demarcation reflects the methodical nature of the land distribution, preventing future disputes over boundaries and ensuring that each tribe knew precisely what God had provided for them.

Joshua 19 8 Bonus section

The positioning of Simeon's inheritance "in the midst of the inheritance of the people of Judah" (Jos 19:1, 9) is unique and warrants special consideration. This arrangement can be seen as a fulfillment, in part, of Jacob's prophecy concerning Simeon and Levi in Gen 49:7, "I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel." While Levi was scattered throughout Israel due to their priestly duties and cities of refuge, Simeon's tribal territory was geographically intermingled with Judah, rather than being a distinct contiguous block of land like the other tribes. This reflects a less prominent status compared to larger tribes and perhaps a consequence of their sin at Peor and their reduced population, as documented in the Numbers censuses (Num 1:23; 26:14). However, despite this internal placement, their boundaries were still meticulously defined, demonstrating God's consistent provision for even the smallest or most "scattered" of His people, upholding the covenant. The historical and cultural context underscores that fixed boundaries were incredibly important in the ancient Near East, preventing disputes and signifying a stable and blessed possession.

Joshua 19 8 Commentary

Joshua 19:8 precisely outlines the comprehensive scope of Simeon's inheritance. Beyond just the named cities, it underscores that all the satellite villages associated with these cities were also part of Simeon's God-given territory. This attention to detail highlights the thoroughness of God's provision for His people and the meticulous execution of His plan by Joshua and Eleazar. The inclusion of unfortified settlements (villages) illustrates that the entire ecosystem of habitation—urban and rural, fortified and unfortified—was allocated, reflecting a practical approach to settling the land. The geographical markers "Baalath Beer" and "Ramah of the South" are crucial. These names were familiar landmarks in the arid Negeb region, confirming the exact southernmost limit of Simeon's allocation. Baalath Beer ("Mistress of the Well") likely signified a vital water source, emphasizing the practical value and habitability of the land. Ramah of the South further specified this location as an elevated point within the southern landscape. The specificity of these designations prevented ambiguity, reflecting God's order and intention to give His people a definite inheritance, even for a tribe like Simeon, whose reduced population meant their lot was within Judah's larger portion. It points to the divine faithfulness in fulfilling ancient promises.