Joshua 19:14
Then the border circled around the north side of Neah to Hannathon and ended at the Valley of Iphtah-el.
Then the border
The term "border" in this context refers to the territorial boundaries assigned to the tribes of Israel. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "גְּבוּל" (gevul), which signifies a limit or boundary. This reflects the divine allocation of land, emphasizing God's sovereignty in determining the inheritance of each tribe. The concept of borders in the biblical narrative often symbolizes God's order and provision, ensuring that each tribe has its designated place within the Promised Land.

curved northward
The phrase "curved northward" indicates a change in direction, suggesting a specific and intentional delineation of territory. The Hebrew root for "curved" is "סָבַב" (sabab), meaning to turn or go around. This directional change highlights the precision with which God instructed the Israelites to divide the land, ensuring clarity and fairness in the distribution. It also serves as a reminder of the meticulous care God takes in guiding His people, both in physical and spiritual journeys.

to Hannathon
Hannathon is identified as a location within the tribal allotment. The name "Hannathon" is derived from the Hebrew "חַנָּתוֹן" (Channathon), which may mean "gracious" or "favored." This reflects the grace of God in providing for His people. Archaeological evidence suggests that Hannathon was a significant settlement during the biblical period, underscoring the historical reality of the biblical narrative and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel.

and ended
The phrase "and ended" signifies the conclusion of the border's description. The Hebrew word "תַּמָּה" (tamam) means to complete or finish. This completion of the boundary line symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience to His commands in order to receive His blessings.

at the Valley of Iphtah-el
The "Valley of Iphtah-el" marks a geographical landmark within the tribal territory. The name "Iphtah-el" is derived from the Hebrew "יִפְתָּח־אֵל" (Yiphtach-el), which can be translated as "God opens" or "God will open." This name reflects the belief in God's providence and the opening of new opportunities and blessings for His people. The valley, as a fertile and strategic location, symbolizes the abundance and sustenance that God provides. Historically, valleys were crucial for agriculture and settlement, reinforcing the idea of God's provision and care for His people in the land He has given them.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hannathon
A town mentioned in the territory of the tribe of Zebulun. Its exact location is uncertain, but it is part of the northern boundary of Zebulun's inheritance.

2. Valley of Iphtah-el
A valley marking the end of the northern boundary of Zebulun's territory. The name suggests a place of opening or expansion, possibly indicating a fertile or significant area.

3. Zebulun
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's son Zebulun. This passage describes part of the land allotted to them in the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment
The detailed description of land boundaries in Joshua 19:14 is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the tribes of Israel. Just as God was faithful to Zebulun, He remains faithful to His promises to us today.

Significance of Boundaries
The specific boundaries given to each tribe remind us of the importance of recognizing and respecting the boundaries God sets in our lives. These boundaries are for our protection and blessing.

Inheritance and Identity
The land allotted to Zebulun was part of their identity and inheritance. As believers, we have a spiritual inheritance in Christ that defines our identity and purpose.

Community and Cooperation
The division of land required cooperation among the tribes. In the body of Christ, we are called to work together, respecting each other's roles and gifts.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the detailed description of Zebulun's boundaries in Joshua 19:14 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises? Can you identify areas in your life where you have seen God's faithfulness?

2. What can we learn from the concept of boundaries in this passage, and how can we apply this understanding to setting healthy boundaries in our personal lives?

3. How does the inheritance of the tribe of Zebulun relate to our spiritual inheritance in Christ? What steps can you take to better understand and embrace your spiritual inheritance?

4. In what ways can the cooperation among the tribes of Israel in dividing the land inspire us to foster unity and cooperation within our church communities?

5. Reflect on the blessings associated with the land of Zebulun as described in Genesis 49:13 and Deuteronomy 33:18-19. How can these blessings encourage us to seek God's blessings in our own lives and communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:13
This verse contains Jacob's blessing to Zebulun, prophesying that Zebulun will dwell by the seashore and be a haven for ships. This connection highlights the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land inheritance.

Deuteronomy 33:18-19
Moses' blessing to Zebulun speaks of their joy in their going out and the abundance of the seas. This ties into the geographical location and the blessings associated with their land.

Joshua 19:10-16
The broader context of Zebulun's inheritance, detailing the specific boundaries and cities included in their portion.
A Too Extensive Earthly PortionW. Seaton.Joshua 19:1-51
Self the Last to be ConsideredW. Seaton, M. A.Joshua 19:1-51
The Leader DisinterestedW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 19:1-51
People
Allon, Anath, Asher, Dagon, Dan, Danites, Eleazar, Elon, Heleb, Hepher, Hosah, Israelites, Issachar, Japhia, Jezreel, Joshua, Naphtali, Nun, Rehob, Serah, Shema, Shimron, Shual, Simeon, Simeonites, Timnah, Zebulun, Zidon
Places
Achshaph, Achzib, Adami-nekeb, Aijalon, Ain, Allammelech, Amad, Anaharath, Aphek, Ashan, Aznoth-tabor, Baalath, Baalath-beer, Balah, Beersheba, Bene-berak, Beten, Beth-anath, Beth-dagan, Beth-emek, Beth-lebaoth, Bethlehem, Beth-marcaboth, Beth-pazzez, Beth-shemesh, Bethul, Cabul, Carmel, Chesulloth, Chinnereth, Chisloth-tabor, Dabbesheth, Daberath, Dan, Ebez, Ebron, Edrei, Ekron, Elon, Eltekeh, Eltolad, En-gannim, En-haddah, Eshtaol, Ether, Ezem, Gath-hepher, Gath-rimmon, Gibbethon, Gibeah, Hali, Hammath, Hammon, Hannathon, Hapharaim, Hazar-shual, Hazar-susah, Hazor, Heleph, Helkath, Horem, Hormah, Hosah, Hukkok, Idalah, Ir-shemesh, Ithlah, Jabneel, Japhia, Jehud, Jezreel, Jokneam, Joppa, Jordan River, Kanah, Kattath, Kedesh, Kishion, Lakkum, Leshem, Mahalab, Me-jarkon, Migdal-el, Mishal, Moladah, Nahalal, Neah, Negeb, Neiel, Rabbith, Rakkath, Rakkon, Ramah, Rehob, Remeth, Rimmon, Sarid, Shaalabbin, Shahazumah, Sharuhen, Sheba, Shiloh, Shimron, Shion, Shunem, Sidon the Great, Tabor, Timnah, Timnath-serah, Tyre, Ummah, Valley of Iphtahel, Yiron, Zaanannim, Zer, Ziddim, Ziklag, Zorah
Topics
Border, Boundary, Circled, Compasseth, El, Ended, Ending, Ends, Goes, Goings, Hannathon, Han'nathon, Iphtah, Iphtahel, Iph'tahel, Iphtah-el, Jiphthahel, Jiphthah-el, Limits, Line, North, Northwards, Outgoings, Round, Thereof, Turns, Valley
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 19:1-47

     7266   tribes of Israel

Joshua 19:1-48

     5235   boundary

Library
Tiberias.
All the Jews declare, almost with one consent, that this was a fortified city from ancient times, even from the days of Joshua, and was the same with Rakkath, of which mention is made, Joshua 19:35. "Rakkath is Tiberias," say the Jerusalem Gemarists. And those of Babylon say the same, and that more largely: "It is clear to us that Rakkath is Tiberias." And when, after a few lines, this of Rabbi Jochanan was objected, "When I was a boy, I said a certain thing, concerning which I asked the elders,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Chammath. Ammaus. The Warm Baths of Tiberias.
Chammath and Rakkath are joined together, Joshua 19:35. For they were very neighbouring cities; Rakkath is Tiberias,--and Chammath, the town Ammaus, in Josephus. Of their neighbourhood, the Jerusalem Talmudists write thus: "The men of a great city may walk" (on the sabbath) "through a whole small city" (which was within a sabbath-day's journey); "but the inhabitants of a small city walk not through a whole great city." And then follows, "Formerly the men of Tiberias walked through all Chammath; but
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Some Other Towns Near Tiberias. Beth-Meon. Caphar Chittaia. Paltathah.
Among the towns, neighbouring upon Tiberias, Tarichee is especially commemorated in Josephus, a city thirty furlongs distant from Tiberias: you will find in him the history and mention of it very frequent. In the Talmudists we meet with other names also. I. Beth-Meon. "The men of Tiberias, who went up to Beth-Meon to be hired for workmen, were hired according to the custom of Beth-Meon: the men of Beth-Meon, who went down to Tiberias to be hired, were hired according to the custom of Tiberias." This
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
(Jerusalem and Bethlehem, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 1-12. ^a 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem [It lies five miles south by west of Jerusalem, a little to the east of the road to Hebron. It occupies part of the summit and sides of a narrow limestone ridge which shoots out eastward from the central chains of the Judæan mountains, and breaks down abruptly into deep valleys on the north, south, and east. Its old name, Ephrath, meant "the fruitful." Bethlehem means "house of bread." Its modern
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Within what Tribe the Lake of Gennesaret Was.
By comparing the maps with the Talmudic writers, this question ariseth: for there is not one among them, as far as I know, which does not altogether define the sea of Gennesaret to be without the tribe of Naphthali; but the Talmudists do most plainly place it within. "The Rabbins deliver: The sea of Tiberias is in the portion of Naphtali; yea, it takes a full line for the nets on the south side of it: as it is said, 'Possess the sea and the south,' Deuteronomy 33:23." The Gloss is; "(Naphtali) had
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The First Sign --The Marriage in Cana.
"And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and Jesus also was bidden, and His disciples, to the marriage. And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto Him, They have no wine. And Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two
Marcus Dods—The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Emmaus. Kiriath-Jearim.
"From Beth-horon to Emmaus it was hilly."--It was sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem.--"To eight hundred only, dismissed the army, (Vespasian) gave a place, called Ammaus, for them to inhabit: it is sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem." I inquire, whether this word hath the same etymology with Emmaus near Tiberias, which, from the 'warm baths,' was called Chammath. The Jews certainly do write this otherwise... "The family (say they) of Beth-Pegarim, and Beth Zipperia was out of Emmaus."--The
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
Subdivision D. The Transfiguration. Concerning Elijah. (a Spur of Hermon, Near Cæsarea Philippi.) ^A Matt. XVII. 1-13; ^B Mark IX. 2-13; ^C Luke IX. 28-36. ^c 28 And it came to pass about eight days { ^a six days} ^c after these sayings [Mark agrees with Matthew in saying six days. Luke qualifies his estimate by saying "about." But if we regard him as including the day of the "sayings" and also the day of the transfiguration, and the other two as excluding these days, then the three statements
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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