Joshua 19:49
When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them:
Original Language Analysis
וַיְכַלּ֥וּ
When they had made an end
H3615
וַיְכַלּ֥וּ
When they had made an end
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
1 of 13
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
לִנְחֹל
for inheritance
H5157
לִנְחֹל
for inheritance
Strong's:
H5157
Word #:
2 of 13
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאָ֖רֶץ
of dividing the land
H776
הָאָ֖רֶץ
of dividing the land
Strong's:
H776
Word #:
4 of 13
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ
gave
H5414
וַיִּתְּנ֨וּ
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בִּן
the children
H1121
בִּן
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֧ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
נַֽחֲלָ֛ה
an inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלָ֛ה
an inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
Historical Context
Joshua's inheritance came by Israel's deliberate gift, not mere lot-casting. This honored his 40+ years of faithful service under Moses and as conquest leader. He received Timnath-serah by request, showing his humility—he could have claimed any city but chose modestly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does delaying personal gratification to serve others demonstrate Christlike leadership?
- What does Joshua's last-place inheritance teach about kingdom values versus worldly ambition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts—The monumental task concludes: all tribal territories allocated. The children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them—Israel honors their faithful leader. Joshua receives his portion last, after ensuring every tribe received theirs. His servant-leadership prioritizes others.
This models Christ, who though entitled to all, took the servant's place (Philippians 2:5-8). True leaders serve first, receive last. Joshua's deferred reward shows maturity: he waited until his mission was complete. This anticipates the heavenly reward: 'Well done, good and faithful servant' (Matthew 25:21) comes after faithful service, not before.