Joshua 19:25
Their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph,
Their territory included
This phrase introduces the specific allotment of land given to the tribe of Asher. The Hebrew word for "territory" is "nachalah," which signifies an inheritance or possession. In the context of the Promised Land, it underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The division of the land among the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and the realization of His covenant. It serves as a reminder that God provides for His people, granting them a place to dwell and prosper.

Helkath
Helkath is one of the cities within the territory of Asher. The name "Helkath" means "portion" or "field" in Hebrew, which may symbolize the portion of land that God has specifically set aside for His people. Archaeologically, while the exact location of Helkath is uncertain, it is believed to be in the northern region of Israel, reflecting the geographical diversity and richness of the land allotted to Asher. This city, like others in the list, represents the tangible blessings and responsibilities that come with God's provision.

Hali
Hali is another city within Asher's inheritance. The name "Hali" is thought to mean "necklace" or "ornament," suggesting beauty and value. This could metaphorically represent the beauty of the land and the preciousness of God's gifts to His people. Historically, the cities of Asher were known for their fertile lands and access to the sea, which provided economic opportunities and sustenance. Hali, therefore, is a symbol of the abundance and grace bestowed upon the tribe.

Beten
Beten, meaning "belly" or "womb" in Hebrew, may symbolize fertility and life. This city within Asher's territory could represent the nurturing aspect of the land, providing sustenance and growth for the tribe. The imagery of a womb also evokes the idea of new beginnings and the birth of a nation in the Promised Land. Beten, like the other cities, is a testament to the life-giving power of God's promises and the hope for future generations.

Achshaph
Achshaph is another city in the territory of Asher. The name "Achshaph" means "sorcery" or "enchantment," which might reflect the spiritual challenges faced by the Israelites as they settled in the land. Historically, Canaan was a land filled with diverse cultures and religious practices, some of which were contrary to the worship of Yahweh. The inclusion of Achshaph in Asher's territory serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual vigilance and the call to remain faithful to God amidst external influences. It highlights the ongoing spiritual battle and the importance of upholding God's commandments in every aspect of life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Helkath
A town allotted to the tribe of Asher. Its name means "portion" or "inheritance," reflecting the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel.

2. Hali
Another town within the territory of Asher. The specific historical significance of Hali is less documented, but it contributes to the understanding of the geographical boundaries of Asher's inheritance.

3. Beten
A town in Asher's territory. The name Beten can be associated with "belly" or "womb," possibly indicating a fertile area.

4. Achshaph
A city that was part of the inheritance of Asher. It was previously mentioned in Joshua 11:1 as a city whose king joined a coalition against Israel.
Teaching Points
Understanding Inheritance
The division of land among the tribes of Israel is a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Just as the Israelites received their inheritance, believers today have an inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:11).

Significance of Place
Each town and city mentioned in the Bible has historical and spiritual significance. Studying these places helps us appreciate the depth of God's Word and His plans for His people.

God's Sovereignty in Allocation
The specific allocation of land to each tribe demonstrates God's sovereignty and wisdom. He knows what is best for each of His people, and His plans are perfect.

Community and Belonging
The detailed description of territories emphasizes the importance of community and belonging. Asher's inheritance was not just land but a place for the tribe to thrive and fulfill God's purposes.

Spiritual Warfare and Victory
The mention of Achshaph, a city once opposed to Israel, reminds us of the spiritual battles we face. Just as Israel overcame their enemies, we are called to stand firm in faith and claim victory through Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the allocation of land to the tribe of Asher reflect God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can understanding the historical and geographical context of biblical places enhance our study of Scripture?

3. How can the concept of inheritance in Joshua 19:25 be related to our spiritual inheritance in Christ?

4. What lessons can we learn from the specific towns and cities mentioned in Asher's territory about God's provision and care?

5. How does the account of Achshaph's opposition and eventual inclusion in Israel's territory encourage us in our spiritual battles today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 11:1
Achshaph is mentioned as part of a coalition against Israel, showing the historical context of the land before it was conquered and allotted to the tribes.

Genesis 49:20
Jacob's blessing to Asher speaks of abundance and prosperity, which can be connected to the fertile lands described in Asher's inheritance.

Deuteronomy 33:24-25
Moses' blessing to Asher highlights strength and favor, which can be seen in the strategic and fertile locations within their territory.
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
Achshaph, Ach'shaph, Acshaph, Beten, Border, Hali, Helkath, Included, Limit, Territory
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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