The Word for Today with Ray

Thursday, July 23, 2026

Hapharaim, Shion, and Anaharath - Joshua 19:19

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families. And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem”, and in chapter nineteen and verse nineteen of Joshua we learn about , “Hapharaim, Shion, and Anaharath” where we read,

And Hapharaim, and Shion, and Anaharath,

The verse reads, “And Hapharaim, and Shion,…” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Hapharaim” whose name means “two pits” and was “a place in Issachar”, “and Shion” whose name means “ruin” and was “a town of Issachar located near Mount Tabor”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Hapharaim and Shion” were dwelling places given to the “tribe of Issachar”.

The verse continues “… and Anaharath,” Joshua or the writer added the words, and Anaharath” whose name means “the groaning of fear” and was “a city in Issachar”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Anabarath” was added to the list of places of waking allotted to the people of “Issachar”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Hapharaim, Shion, and Anaharath” were among the “cities” given to the “tribe of Issachar”. Each of these places were known by Jehovah God and distributed to the people of “Issachar”. God loves the people of Israel, and each of the tribes within Israel was to receive territory within the promise land. (See Genesis 12:3) God loves us too, and He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the grave after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to live according to that truth so we will give Him praise and honor wherever He places us within the world. (See John 3:16; 16;13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn about, “Rabbith, Kishion, and Abez”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Jezreel, Chesulloth and Shunem - Joshua 19:18

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families”, and in chapter nineteen and verse eighteen of Joshua we learn how , “their border was toward Jezreel, Chesulloth, and Shunem” where we read,

And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,

The verse reads, “And their border was toward Jezreel, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and their border” which means “and their, the people of Issachar’s, edge, circuit and boundary” “was toward Jezreel” or “proceeded to Jezreel whose name means ‘God sows’ and was a descendant of the father or founder of Etam of Judah”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary to the territory given to the people of “Issachar” proceeded to “Jezreel”.

The verse goes on to say, “… and Chesulloth, and Shunem,” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and Chesulloth” whose name means “flanks” and was “a town in Issachar near Jezreel also known as Chisloth-tabor, “and Shunem” whose name means “double resting place” and was “a city in Issachar, located five miles (8 km) south of Mount Tabor”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Chesulloth and Shunem” were added to the locations given to the “tribe of Issachar”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover more about the boundary of the land given to the people of “Issachar”. Their “border” went to “Jezreel, Chesulloth and Shunem”, and within these places they would raise their families in the nurture, admonition and worship of Jehovah God. God loves people, and He proved His love when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and help us to live in a manner that blesses us and is pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16;16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn about, “Hapharaim, and Shion, and Anaharath”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Fourth Lot to Issachar - Joshua 19:17

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “This is the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their families, these cities with their villages”, and in chapter nineteen and verse seventeen of Joshua we learn how , “the fourth lot came out to Issachar” where we read,

And the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families.

The verse reads, “And the fourth lot came out to Issachar, …” The verse begins with the words, “and the fourth lot” which means “and the fourth portion, share or allotment” “came out to Issachar” or “proceeded forth and was assigned to Issachar whose name means ‘there is recompense’ and was the ninth son of Jacob and the fifth by Leah his first wife and the progenitor of a tribe by his name”. Joshua or the writer shared how the “fourth” apportionment of territory went to the people of “Issachar”.

The verse continues, “… for the children of Issachar according to their families.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “for the children of Issachar” which means “on behalf of the offspring and progeny belonging to Issachar whose name means “‘there is recompense’ and was the ninth son of Jacob and the fifth by Leah his first wife and the progenitor of a tribe by his name” “according to their families” or “in keeping with their, the children of Issachar’s, kindred, kinsmen and relatives”. Joshua or the writer shared how the “inheritance” provided to the offspring of “tribe of Issachar” included their relatives.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how the “fourth” allotment of territory within the promise land went to the people of “Issachar” and their relatives. God made sure to keep His word about giving the promise land to the people of Israel, and tribe by tribe and family by family, He fulfilled His word. God loves people, and He provides for the just and the unjust. (See Matthew 5:45) He desires to have a personal relationship with everyone through His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be resurrected from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so we may live as His witnesses wherever we are in the world. (See John 3:16: 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Inheritance of Zebulun - Joshua 19:16

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families” which included how “the border compasses it on the north side to Hannathon: and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel. And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages”, and in chapter nineteen and verse sixteen of Joshua we learn about , “the inheritance of the children of Zebulun” where we read,

This is the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their families,

these cities with their villages.

The verse reads, “This is the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their families, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “this is the inheritance” which means “the list above exists as the possession, property, share, portion and allotment” “of the children of Zebulun” or “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Zebulun whose name means ‘exalted’ and was “the tenth of the sons of Jacob, sixth and last of Leah; progenitor of the tribe of Zebulun” “according to their families” which means “in keeping and aligned with their, the people of Zebulun’s, kindred, kinsmen and relatives”. Joshua or the writer shared how the above mentioned “cities” and their settled abodes existed as the portion given to the offspring of “Zebulun” and their relatives.

The verse goes on to say, “… these cities with their villages.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “these cities” which means “these, the above mentioned, dwelling places and places of waking” “with their villages” or “alongside and accompanied by their, the cities’, settled abodes and towns”. Joshua or the writer shared how the above mentioned dwelling places and their towns were part of the “inheritance” provided to the “tribe of Zebulun”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how the above mentioned dwelling places and their settled abodes were the share and portion of the promise land God said He would give to the people of Israel. (See Genesis 12:3) God is faithful and true, and when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the grave after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live in keeping with that truth in whatever place He desires in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn how, “the fourth lot came out to Issachar”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Kattath, Nahallal, Shimron, Idalah and Bethlehem - Joshua 19:15

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families” which included how “the border compasses it on the north side to Hannathon: and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel”, and in chapter nineteen and verse fifteen of Joshua we learn how the border included, “Kattath, Nahallal, Shimron, Idalah and Bethlehem” where we read,

And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem:

twelve cities with their villages.

The verse reads, “And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Kattath” whose name means “small” and was “a town in Zebulun”, “and Nahallal” or Nahalal or Nahallal or Nahalol whose name means “pasture” and was “one of the cities of Zebulun given to the Merarite Levites”, “and Shimron” whose name means “watch-height” and was “a Canaanite royal city allotted to Zebulun”, “and Idalah” whose name means “memorial of God” and was “a town in Zebulun between Shimron and Bethlehem, site unknown”, “and Bethlehem” whose name means “house of bread” and was “a city in Judah, birthplace of David and a place in Zebulun”. Joshua or the writer included the “cities” of “Kattath, Nahallal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem” in the number of places that were allotted to the people of “Zebulun”.

The verse continues, “twelve cities with their villages.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “twelve cities” which means “twelve dwelling places or places of wakening” “with their villages” or “alongside and accompanied by their, the twelve cities’, settled abodes and towns” . Joshua or the writer shared how there were “twelve” dwelling places accompanied by their settled abodes that were given to the “tribe of Zebulun”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn about more of the dwelling places provided for the people of the “tribe of Zebulun”. “Kattath, Nahallal, Shimron, Idalah and Bethlehem” were among the “twelve” dwelling places and their settled abodes that were given to them. God provided for the people of “Zebulun”, and He will provide His salvation from sins and eternal life to everyone who puts their faith and trust in His Son Jesus who died on the cross and was raised from the dead after three days. God loves people, and He proved His love toward us when He sent His Son Jesus to be the “Savior and Lord” of all mankind. (See John 3:16; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Next time we learn about, “the inheritance of the children of Zebulun”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

North to Hannathon - Joshua 19:14

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families: and the border of their inheritance was unto Sarid. And their border went up toward the sea, and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam. And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goes out to Daberath, and goes up to Japhia. And from there passes on along on the east to Gittahhepher, to Ittahkazin, and goes out to Remmonmethoar to Neah”, and in chapter nineteen and verse fourteen of Joshua we learn how the border, “compasses it on the north side to Hannathon” where we read,

And the border compasses it on the north side to Hannathon:

and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel:

The verse reads, “And the border compasses it on the north side to Hannathon:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the border” which means “and the edge, circuit and boundary” “compasses it” or “encircles and surrounds it, the territory given to the people of Zebulun” “on the north side” which means “in the northern edge or extremity” “to Hannathon” whose name means “gracious” and was “a town in Zebulun”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary to the land given to the “tribe of Zebulun” also surrounded the area in the northern direction to “Hannathon”.

The verse goes on to say, “and the outgoings thereof are in the valley of Jiphthahel:” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and the outgoings thereof” which means “and the ends and extremities belonging to the territory given to Zebulun” “are in the valley of Jiphthahel” or “exist within the vale, lowland and low country belonging to Ziphthahel whose name means ‘God opens’ and was a valley between Zebulun and Asher; location uncertain”. Joshua or the writer said the extremities belonging to the territory provided to the people of “Zebulun” existed within the vale or lowland belonging to “Ziphthahel”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn more about the boundary of the land which was allotted to the people of “Zebulun”. The edge around the property in the northern direction went to “Hannathon”, and the extremities of the land were within the lowland belonging to “Jiphthahel”. Each of these boundaries were designed by Jehovah God, and He was ultimately responsible for the delivery of this land. God loves the people of Israel, and each tribe was to receive their assigned areas. This is similar to the salvation from sin that He offers to every person through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to empower us to live according to that truth so both God and we are blessed by the lives that we live. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:12; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn about, “Kattath, and Nahallal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Gittahhepher to Ittahkazin - Joshua 19:13

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families: and the border of their inheritance was unto Sarid. And their border went up toward the sea, and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam. And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goes out to Daberath, and goes up to Japhia”, and in chapter nineteen and verse thirteen of Joshua we learn how the border, “from there passes on along on the east to Gittahhepher, to Ittahkazin” where we read,

And from there passes on along on the east to Gittahhepher, to Ittahkazin,

and goes out to Remmonmethoar to Neah;

The verse reads, “And from there passes on along on the east to Gittahhepher, to Ittahkazin, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and from there” which means “and separate and apart from Chislothtabor, Daberath and Japhia” “passes on along on the east” or “the border leads, marches and traverses in an eastward direction” “to Gittahhepher” whose name means “winepress of digging” and was “the home town of Jonah on the border of Zebulun", “to Ittahkazin” whose name means “time of the judge” and was “one of the landmarks of the boundary of Zebulun; site unknown”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary to the land given to the “tribe of Zebulun” traversed in an eastward direction to “Gittahhepher and Ittahkazin”.

The verse continues, “… and goes out to Remmonmethoar to Neah;” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and goes out to Remmonmethoar” which means “and proceeds forward to Remmonmethoar or Rimmon whose name means ‘pomegranate’ and was a town in the southern portion of Judah allotted to Simeon” “to Neah” whose name means “shaking” and was “a boundary mark of the territory of Zebulun; site unknown”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary to the territory given to the people of “Zebulun” also proceeded “to Remmonmethoar” and “Neah”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover more about the “border” to the land that was allotted to the “tribe of Zebulun”. God provided these locations within the promise land just the way He said, and because He is always faithful, He will keep His promise to forgive the sins and grant eternal life to everyone who puts their faith and trust in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him, God will give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to keep that truth so our lives are a witness and blessing before Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn how the border, “compasses it on the north side to Hannathon”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…