Joshua 19:1-51

SIMEON WITHIN JUDAH'S BOUNDARIES

(vs.1-9)

Because Judah's inheritance was so large, Simeon was given a possession within Judah's borders. Simeon means "hearkening," for the one whose habit is to listen to God will certainly praise Him, thus having title to an inheritance within Judah ("praise"). No separating borders are mentioned for Simeon, and God has definite reason for this, but a number of cities with their surrounding villages are listed as belonging to Simeon. Certainly all of these also have spiritual significance which will yield blessing for those who are concerned and enabled to search it out.

ZEBULON'S INHERITANCE

(vs.10-16)

Zebulon means "dwelling." So that in Israel this implied a permanent abode in the presence of God, a good reminder for us today, for "he who abides (or dwells) in love abides in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16). The boundaries of Zebulon are not as clearly defined as natural thought would expect, but this itself indicates a spiritual lesson needful for us. Dwelling with God does not need definition, but spiritual enjoyment and exercise. God's presence is certainly a place of greatest joy for the believer, but also of serious concern that He should be honored in every detail of our conduct.

The area of Zebulon's possession was north of Manasseh. Twelve cities and their villages are noted as belonging to Zebulon (v.15), a picture of his representing all 12 tribes in the virtuous character of dwelling with God.

ISSACHAR'S POSSESSION

(vs.17-31)

Issachar means "there is reward." Believers at the judgment seat of Christ will receive reward for what they have done for the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:10), so that this tribe appears to emphasize what outward works should be, not simply our inward character. Again, its borders are not clearly defined, as though indicating we should not limit our good works, which are to be exercised toward all mankind, specially those of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). The east border, however, was the Jordan River (v.22), a reminder that death will be the end of any opportunity to earn reward for good work done.

THE INHERITANCE OF ASHER

(vs.24-31)

Asher means "happy," which surely implies that in our present inheritance "in heavenly places in Christ" we have every reason for rejoicing, so that this is another lovely feature of Christian character as illustrated by the tribes of Israel. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, Rejoice." Not that joy is to be an object, for it is "in the Lord," thus plainly making the Lord the Object, but joy will be the spontaneous result of contemplating Him.

NAPHTALI'S TERRITORY

(vs.32-39)

Naphtali means "my wrestlings," so that this adds the lesson of overcoming in conflict. In this matter too Naphtali represents all Israel, for in one very real respect every true believer is an overcomer. "Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5:5). The victory that overcomes the world is not our works, but our faith (1 John 5:4). All Israel were overcomers in their overcoming in general the enemies of the land, though in practice they were not by any means always overcomers. Thus believers are all overcomers in principle, and ought to be also in daily practice, for we should be concerned about details as well as overcoming in general.

Naphtali was north of Zebulon and east of Asher (v.34), so that its territory was in the far north of the land, as was Asher, including a number of fortified cities.

DAN'S INHERITANCE

Dan's name means "judge." This reminds us that "the saints will judge the world" and will judge even "angels" (1 Corinthians 6:2). We shall do this as identified with Christ when He takes His great authority. Paul uses this to press upon the Corinthians their responsibility of judging grievances in their assembly rather than allowing such matters to be taken before the courts of the world. Yet also, if we are to ever judge others, we must first learn to judge ourselves, as the Lord Jesus insists in Matthew 7:5: "First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Let us consider seriously that, before we shall have part with the Lord Jesus in judging the world, we shall first be manifested before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). Only in having rightly judged ourselves will we be in any proper condition to judge the world.

The inheritance of Dan was near to the sea-coast, west of Ephraim and Benjamin, and north of Judah. But later, in Judges 18:1 we learn that Dan had not possessed what he was entitled to, so that, after sending spies to the north of the land, who found the Sidonians living in peace without fortifications or armaments, six hundred men from Dan journeyed there and attacked the inhabitants, killing them and burning their city Laish (Judges 18:27), then rebuilding the city for themselves, calling it Dan. Thus the tribe of Dan is thereafter referred to as at the extreme north of the land. Laish is the same as Leshem, noted in verse 47, this verse referring to the conquest of Judges 18:1. Though the area described in verses 41-46 was Dan's proper inheritance, it seems that they retained little possession of this.

Though Dan's place among the tribes as referring to judgment is an honourable one, yet his after history was contrary to the truth of his position. Dan was the first to introduce idolatry publicly in their tribe (Judges 18:30). How solemnly this teaches us that, when we are privileged to be in the place of judging for God, we may so assume such authority for ourselves that it amounts to idolatry!

JOSHUA'S INHERITANCE

(vs.49-51)

All the tribes having been given their territory, now we read of that which was given to Joshua. His name is the same as Jesus (in Greek), meaning "Jehovah is Savior," so that Joshua is a type of Christ as the Leader and Completer of faith. "If others have their particular possessions, how appropriate that Christ should have Timnath Serah, which means "an abundant portion." This surely causes believing hearts to rejoice, that the One who is supremely worthy receives that which delights His great heart of love. It is His voice we hear in Psalms 16:6, "The lines have fallen unto Me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance." In Ephesians 1:18 Paul expresses in prayer his desire that believers might "know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" etc. Those who are redeemed by His blood and their hearts purified by faith, form His inheritance, which is so valuable and glorious to Him.