And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.

JOSHUA 19:40KJV
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Joshua 19:40 (KJV)

What does Joshua 19:40 mean?

Joshua 19:40 states that the seventh portion of land, determined by casting lots, was assigned to the tribe of Dan according to their family groups. This verse marks the beginning of the description of Dan’s inheritance among the tribes of Israel as they divided the Promised Land.

Joshua is narrating the process of dividing the land among the tribes of Israel after their conquest of Canaan. The “lot” refers to a method used to fairly distribute territory, and the tribe of Dan is now receiving its share. This verse sets up the detailed boundaries and cities that will be listed for Dan in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 19:40

  • "seventh" (שְּׁבִיעִי, shevi‘i): This word shows the order in which the land was distributed, emphasizing that Dan was the seventh tribe to receive its territory, highlighting an organized and impartial process.
  • "lot" (גּוֹרָל, goral): This term refers to the method of allocation, often understood as drawing or casting lots, which was seen as a way to let God decide the outcome rather than human preference.
  • "tribe" (מַטֶּה, matteh): The word for tribe here also means "staff" or "branch," picturing each tribe as a distinct branch of the family of Israel, reinforcing their unique identity within the nation.
  • "families" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot): This word underlines that the inheritance was not just for the tribe as a whole but was divided further among its extended family groups, ensuring each family received a portion.

Why Joshua 19:40 matters

  • Joshua 19:40 clarifies that the land was distributed in a specific, orderly sequence, not by favoritism or human choice, but by a process seen as guided by God.
  • The verse highlights the importance of family structure within Israel, showing that inheritance and identity were tied to both tribe and extended family.
  • This verse connects to the larger narrative of Joshua, where each tribe’s inheritance is carefully recorded, demonstrating the fulfillment of God’s promises to the ancestors of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Dan” Hebrew H1835 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 2 Samuel 17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

“lot” Hebrew H1486 · used in 67 verses

  • Leviticus 16:8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
  • Joshua 19:24 And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.

“seventh” Hebrew H7637 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Leviticus 23:16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.
  • 1 Kings 18:44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.