Thoughts on the readings for June 2nd (Joshua 19, Isaiah 25, Hebrews 8, 9)

Joshua 19 tells of the inheritances of Simeon, Zebulon, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and Dan; as well as Joshua’s personal allocation. Simeon was the second eldest of Israel’s sons so this allotment was to be the next chosen by lot. Verses 1-9 describe the territories and cities given to Simeon. These portions are in the Negev – the southern part of Canaan. Verses 10-16 outline Zebulon’s allotted lands and the twelve cities in that portion. Verses 17-23 describe Issachar’s allocation and the sixteen cities within this allotment. Verses 24-31 tell of Asher’s portion in the north of the land like Zebulon’s allotment and also of Naphtali. Those two tribes were the subjects of enlightenment by the gospel message, spoken of in Isaiah 9 and preached by our Lord Jesus Christ during his ministry, which was chiefly in Galilee. The city of Cabul, mentioned in verse 27, was given by king Solomon to Hiram, king of Tyre. Hiram saw them as a disagreeable present. Verses 32-39 speak of Naphtali’s inheritance with its nineteen cities. Verses 40-48 tell of Dan’s lands. In the numbering of the sealed disciples from each tribe (Revelation 7) we find that Dan is omitted. Possibly as Dan became a source of idolatry and apostacy within the Promised Land.Verses 49-51 reveal Joshua’s inheritance in the hill country of Ephraim, which Joshua had requested from Moses and was granted by Yahweh’s command.