Joshua 19:41
And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Ir-shemesh,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֖י
H1961
וַיְהִ֖י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
גְּב֣וּל
And the coast
H1366
גְּב֣וּל
And the coast
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
נַֽחֲלָתָ֑ם
of their inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלָתָ֑ם
of their inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
Historical Context
Zorah and Eshtaol lay in the Shephelah (foothills) between the mountains and coastal plain—contested territory between Israelites and Philistines. This borderland produced Samson, whose life exemplified the tension between calling and compromise that plagued Dan.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you navigate the tension between engaging your culture and avoiding compromise?
- What does Samson's story teach about great gifting unaccompanied by spiritual discipline?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Ir-shemesh—Dan's territory begins with Zorah and Eshtaol, famous as Samson's home region (Judges 13:2, 25). Samson judged Israel from Dan, embodying both the tribe's potential and its tragic flaws—great strength compromised by moral weakness.
Ir-shemesh ('city of the sun') again shows Canaanite sun-worship heritage. That Dan's territory contained multiple sun-worship sites (Beth-shemesh, Ir-shemesh) may have contributed to their later idolatry. Environment influences spirituality—believers must guard against cultural compromise (Romans 12:2).