Joshua 19:46
And Me-jarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho.
Original Language Analysis
עִֽם
H5973
עִֽם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 7
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
הַגְּב֖וּל
with the border
H1366
הַגְּב֖וּל
with the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
Historical Context
Joppa was ancient Israel's primary Mediterranean port, though technically Philistine-controlled during much of Israel's history. Its natural harbor made it commercially and strategically vital. Solomon used Joppa to import Lebanese cedar for the temple (2 Chronicles 2:16).
Questions for Reflection
- How has God used your failures or compromised situations for greater kingdom purposes?
- What 'borders' in your life might God intend as gateways rather than barriers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Me-jarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho—Me-jarkon ('waters of Jarkon') references the Yarkon River north of modern Tel Aviv. Japho (Joppa, later Jaffa) was the port where Jonah fled from God (Jonah 1:3) and where Peter received the vision about Gentile inclusion (Acts 10:9-16).
That Joppa marked Dan's border proves prophetically significant. Jonah's flight from Joppa symbolized Israel's resistance to God's universal mission. Peter's vision there opened the gospel to Gentiles. Dan's territorial boundary became a gateway to world evangelism—God's purposes transcend human failures.