Joshua 19:28
And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon;
Original Language Analysis
וּרְחֹ֖ב
and Rehob
H7340
וּרְחֹ֖ב
and Rehob
Strong's:
H7340
Word #:
2 of 7
rechob, the name of a place in syria, also of a syrian and an israelite
וְקָנָ֑ה
and Kanah
H7071
וְקָנָ֑ה
and Kanah
Strong's:
H7071
Word #:
4 of 7
kanah, the name of a stream and of a place in palestine
עַ֖ד
H5704
עַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
5 of 7
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Cross References
Judges 1:31Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:Joshua 11:8And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephoth-maim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.
Historical Context
Zidon (Sidon) was one of the ancient world's most important port cities, famous for purple dye, glassmaking, and seafaring. Its wealth and cultural influence made it both an economic opportunity and spiritual threat to Israel. The Phoenicians' naval dominance and trade networks brought prosperity but also introduced Baal and Asherah worship that repeatedly corrupted Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you navigate the tension of living "up to great Zidon"—engaging with worldly systems for provision while avoiding spiritual compromise?
- What does Asher's proximity to Phoenician wealth teach about the unique challenges that come with economic opportunity and cultural influence?
- How should Christians view territorial or sphere-of-influence boundaries: as rigid divisions or as flexible spaces requiring wisdom and faithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon—The northern boundary reaches to great Zidon (צִידוֹן רַבָּה Tzidon rabbah), the major Phoenician city that symbolized maritime commerce and pagan culture. This Hebron differs from the southern city given to Caleb; multiple cities shared names throughout Israel. Kanah (קָנָה qanah, "reed") possibly refers to a stream with reeds, while Rehob means "broad place" or "marketplace."
Asher's inheritance extending to Zidon fulfilled Genesis 49:13's prophecy about Zebulun dwelling at the "haven of the sea" and bordering Zidon, though here it's Asher reaching the great Phoenician city. The territorial overlaps in prophetic blessings show how God's promises transcend rigid boundaries—what matters is corporate blessing, not tribal competition. Israel's northernmost reach to Zidon positioned them at the edge of the pagan world, requiring maximum faithfulness.