Bible Commentaries
Joshua 19

Verses 1-51

In this chapter we have the account of the distribution of the remainder of the land among the last six tribes- Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan.

Now that all had been provided, Joshua was given a special portion. Moreover, he was given what he asked.

The time and the nature of his choice are alike revelations of the character of the man. As to time, he did not ask for a possession until all had been supplied. He was content to wait, taking only when others had received. Then as to the nature of his choice. He asked for Timnathserah in the hill country of Ephraim. In doing so he chose a city which was hardly a city until it became his. It will be remembered that when Ephraim had complained, Joshua had charged them to go to the mountains and possess their possessions. Now when his opportunity came, he proved that he was prepared to act for himself on the advice he had given. To that very hill country he went, and there is a splended ring of resoluteness in his character in the statement, "He built the city, and dwelt therein."

Thus the conquered country was now divided, and the division was made under the superintendence of Eleazar the priest, Joshua the leader, and the heads of the tribes of the nation. All this, moreover, was done at the door of the Tent of Meeting and in recognition of those great principles of religious life which lay at the heart of the national life.