The Word for Today with Ray

Monday, July 27, 2026

Turning Toward Aznothtabor - Joshua 19:34

In the book of Joshua, we learned how the territory within the promise land was being given to the tribes of Israel, and “the sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families. And their coast was from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakum; and the outgoings thereof were at Jordan”, and in chapter nineteen and verse thirty-four of Joshua we learn, “then the coast turns westward to Aznothtabor” where we read,

And then the coast turns westward to Aznothtabor, and goes out from there to Hukkok, and reaches to Zebulun on the south side, and reaches to Asher on the west side, and to Judah upon Jordan toward the sunrising.

The verse reads, “And then the coast turns westward to Aznothtabor, and goes out from there to Hukkok, and reaches to Zebulun on the south side, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and then the coast” which means “and at that place the edge, circuit and boundary” “turns westward” or “rotates and revolves to a western direction” “to Aznothtabor” whose name means “peaks of Tabor” and was “a pair of hills on Naphtali’s border”, “and goes forth from there” which means “and proceeds and extends separate and apart from there, Aznothtabor” “to Hukkok” whose name means “appointed” and was “a town on the boundary of Naphtali” “and reaches to Zebulun” or “and stretches forth and extends to Zebulun whose name means ‘exalted’ and was the tenth of the sons of Jacob, sixth and last of Leah; progenitor of Zebulun” “on the south side” which means “in the southern direction”. Joshua or the writer shared how the edge of the land given to the “tribe of Naphtali” rotated in a western direction to “Aznothtabor” and proceeded apart from that place to “Hukkok” and was extended to “Zebulun” in the southern direction.

The verse goes on to say, “… and reaches to Asher on the west side, and to Judah upon Jordan toward the sunrising.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and reaches to Asher” which means “and stretches forth and extends to Asher whose name means ‘happy’ and was the tribe descended from Asher” “on the west side” or “upon the edge in the western direction”, “and to Judah” which means “and to Judah whose name means “praised” and was “the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob” “upon Jordan” or “on Jordan whose name means ‘descender’ and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)” “toward the sunrising” which means “in the eastern direction of the coming up of the sun”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary of the territory given to the “tribe of Naphtali” extended to “Asher” in the western direction and to “Judah” on the “Jordan” river in the east where the sun comes up in the morning.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn more about the border that surrounded the land given to the people of “Naphtali”. “Aznothtabor, Hukkok, to Zebulun and Asher in the west to Judah and in the western direction on the Jordan in the east” were to be places where Jehovah God would be first in the lives of the people of “Naphtali”. As they lived and worshiped God in these places, they would be blessed by Him, and in a similar manner when we receive God's Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the grave after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and bless us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so our lives are blessed while we live in a manner that is pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth”, 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".

Heleph and Other Towns - Joshua 19:33

In the book of Joshua, we learned how the territory within the promise land was being distributed to the people of Israel, and “the sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families”, and in chapter nineteen and verse thirty-three of Joshua we learn how, “their coast was from Heleph” and other cities where we read,

And their coast was from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel, unto Lakum; and the outgoings thereof were at Jordan:

The verse reads, “And their coast was from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and their coast” which means “and their, the tribe of Naphtali’s, edge, border and boundary” “was from Heleph” or “existed separate and apart from Heleph whose name means ‘exchange’ and was the place from which the boundary of Naphtali started, site unknown”, “from Allon” which means “separate and apart from Allon whose name means ‘great tree or oak’ and was “city in Naphtali” “to Zaanannim” or Zaanannim or Zaanaim whose name means “removings” and was “a place in Naphtali near Kedesh”, “and Adami” whose name means “man of Adar” and was “a pass or fortified place in Naphtali”, “Nekeb” whose name means “cavern” and was “one of the towns on the boundary of Naphtali”, “and Jabneel” whose name means “God causes to build” and was “a town in Naphtali on the boundary in upper Galilee”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Heleph, Allon, Zaanannim, Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel” were all boundaries to the land allotted to the people of “Naphtali”.

The verse continues, “… unto Lakum; and the outgoings thereof were at Jordan:” Joshua or the writer added the words, “unto Lakum” whose name means “fortification” and was “a town on the northern border of Naphtali”: “and the outgoings thereof” or “and the ends and extremities belonging to Naphtali” “were at Jordan” which means “existed at Jordan whose name means ‘descender’ and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)”. Joshua or the writer share how “Lakum” whose extremities existed at the Jordan river and was also part of the territory given to the people of “Naphtali”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover seven “cities” that were part of the territory that was given to the people of “Naphtali”. God fulfilled His word when He gave them this land. In like manner, God will fulfill His promise to forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. He made the promise, and our part is to trust in, rely upon and cling to Him as our “Savior and Lord”. Let all who read these words surrender themselves to Jesus, and watch God fulfill His promises in our lives. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:12; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn, “then the coast turns westward to Aznothtabor”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Lot for Naphtali - Joshua 19:32

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families. And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph. And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reaches to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath, and turns toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reaches to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goes out to Cabul on the left hand, and Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon, and then the coast turns to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turns to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib, Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty and two cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages”, and in chapter nineteen and verse thirty-two of Joshua we learn how, “the sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali” where we read,

The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali,

even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.

The verse reads, “The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali,, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “the sixth lot” which means “the sixth portion, share and allotment” “came out to the children” or “proceeded forth and was assigned to the offspring and progeny” “of Naphtali” whose name means “wrestling” and was “the sixth son of Jacob and the second by Bilhah the handmaid of Rachel”. Joshua or the writer shared how the “sixth” portion of territory within the promise land was assigned to the offspring belonging to “Naphtali”.

The verse goes on to say, “… even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “even for the children of Naphtali” which means “indeed and also on behalf of the offspring and progeny belonging to Naphtali whose name means ‘wrestling’ and was the sixth son of Jacob and the second by Bilhah the handmaid of Rachel” “according to their families” or “in keeping with their, the people of Naphtali’s, kinsmen, kindred and relatives”. Joshua or the writer emphasized that the “sixth” portion of land was given to the offspring and progeny belonging to “Naphtali” and their relatives.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover the next in line of the people of Israel, the “tribe of Naphtali”, that was to receive their inheritance in the promise land from Jehovah God through Joshua. God loves the people of Israel, and He loves us. He gives to us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the grave 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 who will guide us into all truth and help us to live in a pleasing manner before Him wherever we are in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “their coast was from Heleph” and other cities, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Inheritance of Asher - Joshua 19:31

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families. And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph. And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reaches to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath, and turns toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reaches to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goes out to Cabul on the left hand, and Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon, and then the coast turns to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turns to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib, Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty and two cities with their villages”, and in chapter nineteen and verse thirty-one of Joshua we learn, “this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher” where we read,

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families,

these cities with their villages.

The verse reads, “This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “this is the inheritance” which means “the above mentioned territories existed as the property, possession, share, portion and heritage” “of the tribe” or “belonging to the clan and people group” “of the children of Asher” which means “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Asher whose name means ‘happy’ and was the tribe descended from Asher” “according to their families” or “in keeping with their, the people of Asher’s, kinsmen, kindred and relatives”. Joshua or the writer shared how the above mentioned “cities” and their settled abodes existed as the portion or share of the promise land that was given to the “tribe of Asher” and their relatives.

The verse continues, “… these cities with their villages.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “these cities” which means “the previously mentions 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 said the above mentioned dwelling places and settled abodes were allotted to the “tribe of Asher”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how God promised He would provide for the people of Israel, and He did through the tribe of Asher. God also promised anyone who will put their faith and trust in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days as their “Savior and Lord” that He would forgive their sins, grant them everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within them to guide them into all truth and to empower them to live according to that truth so they may be pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “the sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Ummah, Aphek and Rehob - Joshua 19:30

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families. And their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph. And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reaches to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath, and turns toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reaches to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goes out to Cabul on the left hand, and Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon, and then the coast turns to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turns to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib”, and in chapter nineteen and verse thirty of Joshua we learn how the border included, “Ummah, Aphek, and Rehob” where we read,

Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty and two cities with their villages.

The verse reads, “Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob:” Joshua or the writer began with the word, “Ummah” whose name means “union” and was “one of the cities of Asher; also probably 'Acco' even so and indeed”, “and Aphek” ‘whose name means ‘enclosure’ and was a city in territory of Asher”, “and Rehob” whose name means “broad place” and was “a town in Asher”. Joshua or the writer said “Ummah, Aphek and Rehob” were part of the territory that was allotted to “Asher”.

The verse goes on to say, “twenty and two cities with their villages.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “twenty and two cities” which means “twenty-two dwelling places or places of waking” “with their villages” or “alongside and accompanied by their, the twenty two cities’, settled abodes and towns”. Joshua or the writer shared how there were “twenty-two” dwelling places accompanied by their settled abodes that were that were part of the inheritance given to the people of Asher.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn about three more “cities” that were added to the territory given to the “tribe of Asher”. “Ummah, Aphek and Rehob” were among the “twenty two” dwelling places and their settled abodes that were provided to the people of “Asher”. God loves to give to people, and when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days, He gave us the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and to be equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and to help us live in a manner that pleasing to Him all the days of our lives. (See John 3:16: 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Ramah and Tyre - Joshua 19:29

And then the coast turns to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turns to Hosah;

and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:

The verse reads, “And then the coast turns to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turns to Hosah;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and then the coast” which means “and at that time and place the edge, boundary and border”, “turns to Ramah” or “revolves and rotates to Ramah whose name means ‘hill’ and was a landmark on the boundary of Asher, apparently between Tyre and Zidon”, “and to the strong city Tyre” which means “and to the mighty, powerful and fortified dwelling place named Tyre or Tyrus whose name means ‘a rock’ and was the Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast ”, “and the coast” or “and the edge, boundary and border” “turns to Hosah” which means “rotates and revolves to Hosah whose name means ‘refuge’ and was a place in Asher, site unknown”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary rotates to “Ramah” and to the powerful and fortified dwelling place called “Tyre” where the boundary rotates to “Hosah”.

The verse continues, “and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and the outgoings thereof” which means “and the end and extremities of the city of Hosah” “are at the seas” or “exists in the location of the large bodies of waters” “from the coast” or “separate and apart from the border or boundary” “to Achzib” whose name means “deceit” and was “a town in Asher by the Sea of Galilee”. Joshua or the writer said the extremities of the bordering town of “Hosah” were at the large body of water, the Mediterranean Sea, and separate and apart from the boundary of the sea to “Achzib”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see more about the boundary of the territory that was assigned to the “tribe of Asher”. “Ramah, Tyre, Hosah and Achzib” were “cities” along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and we can imagine how blessed the people of “Asher” were with their portion of land. God loves the people of Israel, and they were to be the nation through whom the entire world would be blessed. (See Genesis 12:3) God sent His Son Jesus into the world through the people of Israel, from the tribe of Judah, to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we believe and trust in Him as our personal “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 give us the ability to live as His witnesses in the world to others who have not received His salvation yet. (See John 3:16; 16;13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how the border of Asher included, “Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Hebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah - Joshua 19:28

And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even unto great Zidon;

The verse reads, “And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Hebron” whose name means “alliance” and was “a city of Judah located in the mountains twenty miles (32 km) south of Jerusalem and twenty miles (32 km) north of Beersheba”, “and Rehob” whose name means “broad place” and was “a town in Asher”, “and Hammon” whose name means “warm springs” and was “a town in Asher, apparently not far from Zidon-rabbah”, “and Kanah” whose name means “reed” and was “a stream flowing into the Mediterranean Sea that marked the boundary between Ephraim on the south and Manasseh on the north”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Hebron, Rehob, Jammon and Kanah” were also given to the people of “Asher”.

The verse goes on to say, “… even unto great Zidon;” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “even unto” which means “indeed and also to” “great Zidon” or “numerous and abounding Zidon whose name means ‘hunting’ and was ancient Phoenician city, on Mediterranean coast north of Tyre”. Joshua or the writer shared how the border of the territory allotted to the “tribe of Asher” extended to the massive “city” of “Zidon”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover five more locations that were within the area given to the people of “Asher” within the promise land. “Hebron, Rehob, Hammon, Kanah and Zidon” were added to the list of places where the “tribe of Asher” would live and raise their families in the presence of Jehovah God. God knows our location in the world as well, and because He loves us, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days. When we yield to His Son Jesus 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 to give us the ability to live according to that truth in a manner that is pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “the coast turns to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…