The Word for Today with Ray

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

The Inheritance of Naphtali - Joshua 19:39

In the book of Joshua, we learned how the people of Israel were receiving their territory within the promise land, “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 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, and the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth, and Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor, and Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor, and Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh; nineteen cities with their villages”, and in chapter nineteen and verse thirty-nine of Joshua we learn how, “This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali” where we read,

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

the cities and their villages.

The verse reads, “This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “this is the inheritance” which means “this, the above mentioned cities, existed as the property, possession, share, portion and heritage”, “of the tribe” or “belonging to the clan or people group”, “of the children of Naphtali” which means “pertaining to 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 tribe of Naphtali’s, kindred, kinsmen and relatives”. Joshua or the writer reiterated that the above mentioned locations were the portion of the promise land that was given to the “tribe of Naphtali”.

The verse continues, “… the cities and their villages.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “the cities” which means “the dwelling places and places of waking” “and their villages” or “and their, the cities’, settled abodes and towns”. Joshua or the writer referred to the dwelling places accompanied by their settled abodes that were given to the people of “Naphtali”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn that the above mentioned “cities” and settled abodes were the portion of territory within the promise land that was provided to the people of “Naphtali”. God provides for His people, and when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised from the dead after three days, He made provision 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 lead us step by step as we live before His eyes. (See Proverbs 15:3; John 3:16)

Next time we learn how, “the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan”, 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".

Iron, Migdalel, Horem, Bethanath, and Bethshemesh - Joshua 19:38

In the book of Joshua, we learned how the people of Israel were receiving their allotments within the promise land, “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 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, and the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth, and Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor, and Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor”, and in chapter nineteen and verse thirty-eight of Joshua we learn about, “Iron, Migdalel, Horem, Bethanath, and Bethshemesh” where we read,

And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh;

nineteen cities with their villages.

The verse reads, “And Iron, and Migdalel, Horem, and Bethanath, and Bethshemesh;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Iron” whose name means “fearing” and was “a city in Naphtali; site unknown”, “and Migdalel” whose name means “tower of God” and was “one of the fortified towns in Naphtali”, “Horem” whose name means “sacred” and was “one of the fortified towns in Naphtali” “and Bethanath” whose name means “house of response (or affliction)” and was “a place in Naphtali”, “and Bethshemesh” whose name means “house of the sun or sun-temple” and was “a town in Naphtali". Joshua or the writer shared how “Iron, Migdalel, Horem, Bethanath and Bethshemesh” were “towns” within the territory allotted to the “tribe of Naphtali”.

The verse goes on to say, “nineteen cities with their villages.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “nineteen cities” which means “nineteen dwelling places or places of wakening”, “with their villages” which means “alongside and accompanied by their, the cities’, settled abodes and towns”. Joshua or the writer said the above mentioned “cities” were part of the “nineteen” locations accompanied by their settled abodes that were given to the people of “Naphtali”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn about five more “cities”, “Iron, Migdalel, Horem, Bethanath and Bethshemesh” which were among “nineteen cities” that were accompanied by their settled abodes that were given to the “tribe of Naphtali”. God’s provision for the people of “Naphtali” was being demonstrated, and their part was to simply receive His gift and live within it. In other words, God deserves all the glory and credit for what He has done. The same may be said for His plan of salvation for mankind. “God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son (Jesus), that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (See John 3:16) When we trust in, rely upon and cling to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to live according to that truth so we receive all He has for us in this life and in Heaven with Him. (See Ephesians 3:20)

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

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Kedesh, Edrei and Enhazor - Joshua 19:37

In the book of Joshua, we learned how the people of Israel were receiving their inheritance within the promise land, “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 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, and the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth, and Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor”, and in chapter nineteen and verse thirty-seven of Joshua we learn about, “Kedesh, Edrei, and Enhazor” where we read,

And Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor,

The verse reads, “And Kedesh, and Edrei, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Kedesh” whose name means “holy place” and was “a fortified Canaanite city allotted to Naphtali”, “and Edrei” whose name means “goodly pasture” and was “a chief city of Bashan, north of Jabbok river”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Kedesh and Edrei” were included in the “cities” allotted to the “tribe of Naphtali”.

The verse continues, “… and Enhazor,” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and Enhazor” whose name means “fount of Hazor” and was “one of the fenced cities in the territory of Naphtali”. Joshua or the writer shared how the fortified city of “Enhazor” was added to the places where the people of “Naphtali” would live.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover three more “cities” that were given to the “tribe of Naphtali”. “Kedesh, Edrei, and Enhazor” were locations where the people of “Naphtali” would raise their families in the nurture and admonition of Jehovah God. (See Ephesians 6:4) God wants us to use our location to give Him honor, praise and worship, and when we receive His Son Jesus who came into the world to die 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 put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to help us live in a manner that is pleasing and honoring to Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn about, “Iron, Migdalel, Horem, Bethanath, and Bethshemesh”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Adamah, Ramah and Hazor - Joshua 19:36

In the book of Joshua, we learned how the people of Israel were receiving their allotments within the promise land, “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 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, and the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth”, and in chapter nineteen and verse thirty-six of Joshua we learn about, “Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor” where we read,

And Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor,

The verse reads, “And Adamah, and Ramah, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Adamah” whose name means “the earth” and was “a city in Naphtali”, “and Ramah” whose name means “hill” and was “a fortified city in Naphtali”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Adamah” and the fortified city of “Ramah” were part of the inheritance for the people of “Naphtali”.

The verse goes on to say, “… and Hazor,” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and Hazor” whose name means “castle” and was “a royal city of northern Palestine allotted to Naphtali”. Joshua or the writer added “Hazor” to the list of the “cities” that were allotted to the “tribe of Naphtali”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn about three more cities, “Adamah, Ramah and Hazor” that became part of the territory within the promise land that was allotted to the “tribe of Naphtali”. God was providing for His people Israel just as He promised, and each of these tribes, including Naphtali, were receiving God’s designated portion of land in which they were to raise their families while worshiping Him. God wants all of us to be in a personal intimate relationship with Him, and this was made possible by Him sending His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raising Him 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 in keeping with that truth so we will bless Him wherever we are located in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; 17:28; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn about, “Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Fenced Cities - Joshua 19:35

In the book of Joshua, we learned how the tribes of Israel were being given their territories within the promise land, “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 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”, and in chapter nineteen and verse thirty-five of Joshua we learn how, “the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth” where we read,

And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth,

The verse reads, “And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the fenced cities” which means “and the fortified and stronghold dwelling places and places of wakening” “are Ziddim” whose name means “the declivities” and was “a fortified town in the territory of Naphtali”, “Zer” whose name means “flint” and was “a fortified town in Naphtali, probably in the area of the Sea of Galilee”. Joshua or the writer shared how the fortified dwelling places of “Ziddim and Zer” were also included in the territory given to the people of “Naphtali”.

The verse continues, “… and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth,” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and Hammath” whose name means “hot spring” and was “one of the fortified cities in the territory allotted to Naphtali”, “Rakkath” whose name means “shore” and was “a fortified city in Naphtali”, “and Chinnereth” or Cinneroth whose name means “harps” and was “a town and district in Naphtali near the Sea of Galilee”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Hammath, Rakkath and Chinnereth” were among the “cities” given to the “tribe of Naphtali”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how there were “stronghold cities” that were part of the territory given to the “tribe of Naphtali”. “Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath and Chinnereth” were all fortified, and they became places where the people of “Naphtali” would raise their families and live in the presence of God. God loves people, and He provides for them. He provided for us when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for our sins and was raised from the dead after three days. When we have faith and trust in Him, we will be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to live according to that truth in a manner that blesses Him and us wherever we are in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn about, “Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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…

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…