Joshua 19:29
And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:
Original Language Analysis
וְשָׁ֤ב
turneth
H7725
וְשָׁ֤ב
turneth
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 15
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
הַגְּבוּל֙
And then the coast
H1366
הַגְּבוּל֙
And then the coast
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
4 of 15
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עִ֖יר
city
H5892
עִ֖יר
city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
5 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
מִבְצַר
and to the strong
H4013
מִבְצַר
and to the strong
Strong's:
H4013
Word #:
6 of 15
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender
וְשָׁ֤ב
turneth
H7725
וְשָׁ֤ב
turneth
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
8 of 15
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
הַגְּבוּל֙
And then the coast
H1366
הַגְּבוּל֙
And then the coast
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
וְיהָי֧וּ
H1961
וְיהָי֧וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
11 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
תֹֽצְאֹתָ֛יו
and the outgoings
H8444
תֹֽצְאֹתָ֛יו
and the outgoings
Strong's:
H8444
Word #:
12 of 15
(only in plural collective) exit, i.e., (geographical) boundary, or (figuratively) deliverance, (actively) source
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:2 Samuel 5:11And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.
Historical Context
Tyre sat on a rocky island offshore, making it virtually impregnable until Alexander the Great built a causeway in 332 BC. Its maritime dominance, skilled craftsmen, and trade networks made it the ancient world's commercial superpower. Achzib (later called Ecdippa) marked the coastal boundary, a strategic location controlling coastal routes between Phoenicia and Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Asher's border at "the strong city Tyre" illustrate that God sometimes places His people next to powerful worldly systems without expecting them to conquer or control those systems?
- What does Tyre's dual role—trading partner and object of divine judgment—teach about engaging with secular institutions?
- How do God-given boundaries ("outgoings") in your calling or capacity protect you from overextension while maximizing fruitfulness within defined limits?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre—The boundary reaches Tyre (צֹר Tzor, "rock"), the fortified (מִבְצָר mivtzar, fortified, strong) Phoenician capital that rivaled Zidon in wealth and influence. Tyre's later king Hiram would partner with Solomon in temple construction (1 Kings 5), while Ezekiel 26-28 pronounces devastating judgment against Tyrian pride. Asher's border touching this "strong city" placed them adjacent to one of antiquity's most powerful city-states.
And the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib—The territory ends at the Mediterranean (הַיָּם hayam, the sea), with Achzib marking the coastal terminus. The phrase "outgoings" (תוֹצְאֹתָיו totze'otav, exits, boundaries) emphasizes defined limits. Even blessed Asher had boundaries; abundant grace doesn't mean limitless territory. God's generosity includes appropriate limits that prevent overextension and maintain distinct tribal identities.