March 28

Joshua 19-21 (biblegateway.com)

Claiming the Promise: The Final Land Allotments and God’s Faithful Provision

Judah, Ephraim, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were the first to receive land west of the Jordan because of their past acts of faith. However, the remaining seven tribes—Benjamin, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, Simeon, and Dan—were slower to conquer and take possession of their allotted land. As the land allotment process continued in Joshua 18, the first lot was assigned to Benjamin, with the remaining six tribes receiving their inheritance in Joshua 19.

Joshua 19 continues the division of the Promised Land among the remaining six tribes of Israel. The land was distributed by casting lots before the Lord at Shiloh, ensuring that each tribe received their God-ordained inheritance. (see map)

The first allotment in this chapter was given to Simeon, but rather than receiving a separate portion, their inheritance was taken from within Judah’s land because Judah’s portion was too large (v. 1, 9). This fulfilled Jacob’s prophecy in Genesis 49:7, where Simeon was foretold to be scattered among Israel due to their past sins. This reminds us that sin has long-term consequences, but God’s grace still provided for Simeon. No boundary description is given for Simeon, only a list of cities and their villages (v. 2-8). These cities stretch west to east along the southern reaches of Judahite territory.

The next lot was for Zebulun, whose territory was located in northern Canaan. The land stretched toward the Mediterranean Sea and included Bethlehem (a different Bethlehem, not the one where Jesus was born). Zebulun’s land was strategically placed near major trade routes, aligning with Jacob’s prophecy in Genesis 49:13 that Zebulun would “dwell at the shore of the sea and become a haven for ships” (v. 10-16). This reflects how God places His people where they can be most effective. Today, God sovereignly positions believers in jobs, churches, and communities for His purpose.

Issachar’s land was situated between Zebulun and Manasseh, containing the Valley of Jezreel (one of the most fertile areas in Israel). Important cities in Issachar’s territory included Shunem, where Elisha later raised a boy from the dead in 2 Kings 4:8-37, and Mount Tabor (v. 17-23). Issachar’s land was agriculturally rich, fulfilling Jacob’s prophecy that Issachar would be a “strong donkey” (Genesis 49:14-15), meaning they would be hardworking farmers.

Asher’s land was along the Mediterranean coast, from Mount Carmel to Tyre and Sidon (modern-day Lebanon) (v. 24-31). This coastal region was important for trade and commerce. Asher was blessed with fertile land and prosperity (Deuteronomy 33:24-25), yet they later struggled to fully drive out the Canaanites (Judges 1:31-32). This reminds us that blessings can be wasted if we do not fully trust and obey God. Where in our lives do we allow distractions or worldly influences to prevent us from fully following God?

Naphtali’s land was located in northern Israel. Adjacent to Asher on the east, Naphtali had the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee as its eastern boundary (v. 32-39). While not highly significant as a region in the Old Testament period, Naphtali occupied lands that were important in New Testament history. This area would later become important in Jesus’ ministry, as Capernaum was in Naphtali’s region (Matthew 4:13-16). Isaiah the prophet contrasted Naphtali’s early gloom (due to Assyrian invasion) with its glory when Christ would be there (Isaiah 9:1-2). This teaches that God has long-term plans for His people, even when they do not immediately see them. Are we trusting that God’s plans for our future are greater than what we can see today?

Dan received land along the Mediterranean, near Philistine territory, including Joppa (modern Tel Aviv). However, they struggled to hold their land after part of the territory was lost to the Amorites (Judges 1:34). This led most of the tribe to later migrate to the far north and conquer Leshem (v. 40-48). Here they settled in the city of Leshem (Laish) opposite the northern sector of Naphtali and named it Dan (Judges 18).

Finally, Joshua himself received his inheritance—Timnath-Serah in Ephraim’s land—as a reward for his faithful service (v. 49-51). Joshua waited until all the tribes received their land before claiming his own. This reflects Jesus, our greater Joshua, who prepares an inheritance for us. Are we willing to put others first and trust that God will reward us in His time?

Joshua 19 demonstrates God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and the importance of taking hold of our spiritual inheritance. Some tribes, like Naphtali and Zebulun, embraced their blessings, while others, like Dan, struggled with obedience and faith. The story of Joshua receiving his land reminds us that God honors faithfulness and that our ultimate inheritance is in Christ. Finally, Joshua 19 reminds us that God has a purpose for where He places us, and when we step forward in faith, we experience the fullness of His promises.

In Joshua 20, God commands Joshua to establish six cities of refuge where those who committed accidental manslaughter could flee for protection. This fulfilled an earlier command from Numbers 35:9-15 and Deuteronomy 19:1-13, ensuring that justice was upheld while also preventing unjust revenge. These cities served as places of safety for individuals who unintentionally caused someone’s death, shielding them from the avenger of blood—a family member of the deceased seeking retribution (v. 1-3). However, these cities were not meant to be a way to escape justice; rather, they provided a fair trial before the congregation (v. 4-6). If the person was found guilty of intentional murder, they would face appropriate punishment, but if found innocent, they could remain in the city until the death of the high priest, after which they were free to return home.

The six cities of refuge were distributed throughout Israel  (see map) to be easily accessible: Kedesh (in Naphtali, north), Shechem (in Ephraim, central), and Hebron (in Judah, south) on the west side of the Jordan, and Bezer (in Reuben, south), Ramoth (in Gad, central), and Golan (in Manasseh, north) on the east side (v. 7-9). These cities were not just for Israelites but also for foreigners dwelling among them (v. 9), showing that God’s justice extended to all people. Theologically, the cities of refuge foreshadow Christ, who is our ultimate refuge from sin and judgment. Just as the accidental killer could flee to these cities for protection, sinners today can flee to Jesus for forgiveness and salvation.

This passage highlights several key lessons. First, God values justice and mercy—while punishment for sin is necessary, He also provides protection for the innocent. Second, accessibility to refuge is crucial—just as these cities were placed within reach of all Israelites, God makes salvation available to all who seek Him. Third, deliverance is found in the high priest—the killer’s freedom was tied to the death of the high priest, just as believers are freed from sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus, our ultimate High Priest.

In application, this chapter challenges us to seek God as our refuge, extend mercy to others, and recognize Christ as our ultimate place of safety. Are we trusting in Him as our refuge, or are we still trying to handle our failures and sins on our own? Like the cities of refuge, Christ stands open to all, ready to receive, protect, and restore those who come to Him.

The leaders of the tribe of Levi now stepped forward and laid claim to the towns which had been promised to them by Moses (Num. 35:1-8). Joshua 21 details the distribution of these 48 towns with pasturelands, including the six towns of refuge. Instead of being given separate cities, the Levites were allotted cities within the other tribes’ lands. The Levites were set apart for the service of God, responsible for teaching the law, leading worship, and maintaining the Tabernacle. Since their role was spiritual rather than agricultural, God provided for them through tithes and offerings rather than land ownership (Numbers 18:20-24).

The chapter begins with the heads of the Levite families approaching Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the tribal leaders to claim their cities (v. 1-3). The land was divided among the three main Levite clans: the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites. The Kohathites, who included the priestly family of Aaron, received 48 cities total, with 13 cities specifically assigned to the priests in the territories of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin (v. 4-5, 9-19). These cities included Hebron, which was previously given to Caleb, though he retained its surrounding fields (v. 13-14). The Gershonites received 13 cities in Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and part of Manasseh (v. 6, 27-33), while the Merarites were assigned 12 cities in Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun (v. 7, 34-40).

This distribution ensured that Levites were spread throughout Israel, allowing them to teach God’s Word and maintain spiritual leadership across all the tribes. Their placement among the people symbolized that God’s presence and instruction were to remain central in the nation. Additionally, six of the Levite cities were designated as Cities of Refuge (v. 13, 21, 27, 32, 36, 38), reinforcing their role in promoting justice and mercy.

The chapter concludes with a powerful declaration of God’s faithfulness: “Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers… Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.” (v. 43-45). This statement emphasizes that God keeps His promises completely—just as He fulfilled His covenant with Israel, He remains faithful to His promises today.

Joshua 19-21 highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, as the land was fully distributed among the tribes and the cities of refuge were established. Despite the challenges Israel faced, God provided them with a homeland and gave them rest from their enemies. Just as God was faithful to Israel, He remains faithful to us today. However, receiving His blessings requires both obedience and trust. Are there areas in your life where you need to step forward in faith and claim what God has given you? Like the Israelites, we are called to fully trust in God’s provision, knowing that His promises never fail. Let this be a reminder to rest in His faithfulness, walk in obedience, and trust Him completely.

Map - Division of the land to the Tribes

Map - The Cities of Refuge