Translations
Original
Notes
Some of the towns given to the tribe of Simeon were also part of Judah’s land. This happened because Judah’s territory was too large for them (compare 17:14–18). Most of Simeon's territory became part of Judah before the end of the Old Testament period.
The allotment of land to the tribes on the west side of the Jordan describes what God intended for each tribe to possess.
The one narrating the story begins this section with Caleb receiving land and ends with Joshua receiving land (14:6–15; 19:49–51). Only Caleb and Joshua had shown faith in God that Israel could conquer the land (Numbers 13:30; 14:6–9).
As he had promised, God brought Israel into the land. Joshua then focused on dividing the land among Israel's tribes.
The tribal allowances made the covenant of the Israelites with God real. It showed the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Since God owned the land, giving it to the tribes was a gift. God gave them the land to live in and guided its distribution.
In these lists of tribal allowances, the author describes some borders in great detail, allowing them to be mapped. With others, they are less plainly defined.
Places
Balah: Town allotted to the tribe of Simeon Ezem: City allotted to Judah and Simeon Hazar-shual: Town allotted to Judah and Simeon
Glossary
Allotment of the Land Azem Balah Bilhah (Place) Ezem Hazar-Shual Joshua, Book of Judges, Book of Shiloh Simeon, Tribe of Token Tribe of Dan
Topics
Amam: Within the District Assigned to Simeon Azem: A City in the South of Judah--Also Called Ezem Baalah: A City in the South of Judah: Apparently Identical with Balah Balah: A City of the Territory of the Tribe of Simeon Bilhah: A Place in the Land of Simeon: Called Balah Bizjothjah: And Balah Ezem: Also Called Azem, a City of the Tribe of Simeon Hazar-Shual: A Town on the South of Judah the Tribe of Simeon: Bounds of Their Inheritance with Cities and Villages the Tribe of Simeon: Inheritance of, Within Judah Tribe of Simeon: Inheritance Allotted To