Joshua 19:31 - This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.

Generated Verse: Joshua 19:31

What does "Joshua 19:31" mean?


This verse, Joshua 19:31, is the conclusion of a section in the Book of Joshua detailing the land allotted to the tribe of Asher. Let's break down its meaning:

"This is the inheritance...": This phrase signifies that what precedes it (in this case, the list of cities and villages mentioned in verses 24-30) constitutes the allocated territory, or "inheritance," specifically for the tribe of Asher. In ancient Israelite culture, land was a vital part of their identity, sustenance, and religious obligation. It was seen as a gift from God, and each tribe received a portion to possess and cultivate.
"...of the tribe of the children of Asher...": This clearly identifies the tribe to whom the inheritance belongs. Asher was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's son Asher.
"...according to their families...": This indicates that the overall tribal territory was further divided among the different families or clans within the tribe of Asher. This suggests a hierarchical structure within the tribe and that different family groups had specific areas within the larger tribal land to manage. It emphasizes the importance of familial ties and the inheritance of land within these family units.
"...these cities with their villages.": This refers to the specific locations that make up the tribal land. The inclusion of "villages" is important because it shows that the inheritance was not just about major cities but also included the surrounding rural areas that were crucial for agriculture and overall sustenance. This clarifies that the tribal land included both urban and rural settlements.

In summary, Joshua 19:31 acts as a summary statement, confirming that the described cities and villages, allocated according to family divisions, constitute the official land inheritance for the tribe of Asher within the larger division of the Promised Land. It underscores the systematic way in which the land was distributed among the tribes after the Israelite conquest of Canaan, emphasizing both the tribal and familial aspects of land ownership.

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