The Word for Today with Ray

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah - Joshua 19:4

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah. And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah, and Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem,” , and in chapter nineteen and verse four of Joshua we learn about, “Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah” where we read,

And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,

The verse reads, “And Eltolad, and Bethul, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Eltolad” whose name means “God’s generations” and was “a city in southern Judah”, “and Bethul” whose name means “God destroys or man of God or dweller in God” and was “a town of Simeon in the south (also spelled 'Bethuel')”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Eltolad, and Bethul” were among the locations allotted to the “tribe of Simon” even as Jehovah God had promised to the people of Israel.

The verse goes on to say, “… and Hormah,” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and Hormah” whose name means “devotion” and was “a town of the Canaanites, conquered by Joshua, allotted to Judah, and located in the south of Judah”. Joshua or the writer included “Hormah” in the cities that were provided for the people of “Simeon” within the promise land.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover another three dwelling places that were granted to the “tribe of Simeon”. God loved the people of “Simeon”, and as He gave them this land, they would be blessed to live and raise their families within it and to worship Him. God loves us as well, and He has given us His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days so 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 give us the ability to live as witnesses of Him within the world wherever we may be. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn about, “Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah”, 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".

Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem - Joshua 19:3

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah. And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah” , and in chapter nineteen and verse three of Joshua we learn about, “Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem” where we read,

And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem,

The verse reads, “And Hazarshual, and Balah, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Hazarshual” or Hazar-shual, whose name means “jackal village” and was “a place in Simeon within southern Judah” “and Balah” whose name means “waxed old” and was “a place in Simeon”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Hazarshual and Balah” were added to the list of “cities” that were given to the “tribe of Simeon”.

The verse continues, “… and Azem,” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and Azem” or “Ezem” whose name means “bone” and was “a city in the Nekeb of Judah afterwards allotted to Simeon”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Azem” was also included in the “cities” that were allotted to the people of “Simeon” in the promise land.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn the names of three more of the dwelling places that were provided for the “tribe of Simeon” within the promise land. “Hazarshual, Balah, and Azem” were locations where the people of Simeon would raise their families and worship Jehovah God. God loves people, and when He gave us His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and was resurrected from the dead after three days, He made the way through belief and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord” 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 according to that truth within the places He gives us in this world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:12; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn about, “Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Beersheba, Sheba and Moladah - Joshua 19:2

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah” , and in chapter nineteen and verse two of Joshua we learn how, “they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah” where we read,

And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,

The verse reads, “And they had in their inheritance …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and they had” or “and they, the offspring belonging to the tribe of Simeon, owned, possessed and kept” “in their inheritance” which means “within their, the tribe of Simeon’s, possession, property, share, portion and heritage” the following cities. Joshua or the writer shared how the “tribe of Simeon” possessed within their portion the following cities.

The verse goes on to say, “… Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,” Joshua or the writer continued with the word, “Beersheba” whose name means “well of the sevenfold oath” and was “a city at the south edge of Israel”, “or Sheba” whose name means “seven” and was “a town in Simeon”, “and Moladah” whose name means “birth or race” and was “a town in the south of Canaan allocated to Judah then reallocated to Simeon”. Joshua or the writer said, “Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah” were part of the locations which were provided to the “tribe of Simeon”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how the people of “Simeon” received as a part of their portion in the promise land the dwelling places of “Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah”. God’s promise to the people of Israel was being fulfilled people group by people group and “tribe by tribe”. God wants to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, and when we yield to 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 empower us to live according to that truth so we may live in a manner that is pleasing to Him wherever He places us within the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; 17:28; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn about, “Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Lot to Simeon - Joshua 19:1

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, ”the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz, and Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah, and Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages: Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth, and Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah, and Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah. And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families”, and in chapter nineteen and verse one of Joshua we learn how, “the second lot came forth to Simeon” where we read,

And the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.

The verse reads, “And the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the second lot” or “and the following or second in line portion, recompense or retribution” “came forth to Simeon” which means “proceeded upon Simeon whose name means ‘heard’ and was the second son of Jacob by his wife Leah and progenitor of the tribe of Simeon”, “even for the tribe” or “also and indeed on behalf of the clan or people group” “of the children of Simeon” or “belonging to the offspring and progeny belonging to Simeon whose name means ‘‘heard’ and was the second son of Jacob by his wife Leah and progenitor of the tribe of Simeon” “according to their families” which means “in keeping with their, the people of Simeon’s, kindred, kinsmen and relatives”. Joshua or the writer shared how the “second” portion of land was delineated toward the “tribe of Simeon”, their offspring and relatives.

The verse continues, “and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and their inheritance” which means “and their, the tribe of Simeon’s, possession, property, portion, share and heritage” “was within the inheritance” or “was in the possession, property, portion, share and heritage” “of the children of Judah” which means “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Judah whose name means ‘praised” and was the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob”. Joshua or the writer said the portion or heritage provided to the “tribe of Simeon” existed in the portion of heritage provided to the offspring belonging to the “tribe of Judah”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we begin to learn about the allotment that was given to the “tribe of Simeon” within the promise land. Their “inheritance” was within the territory provided to the “tribe of Judah”, and we shall learn more about their portion in the next few verses. For now let us consider that one by one and tribe by tribe God was providing for the people of Israel even as He promised, (See Genesis 17:7-8)and He will do the same for us when we receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days as our personal “Savior and Lord”. God loves us, and when we yield to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and help us live in a manner that is pleasing to Him wherever we are in the world. (See Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Zelah, Eleph and Jebusi - Joshua 18:28

In the book of Joshua, we learned, ”Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz, and Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah, and Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages: Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth, and Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah, and Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah”, and in chapter eighteen and verse twenty-eight of Joshua we learn about, “Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem” where we read,

And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

The verse reads, “And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Zelah” whose name means “a rib” and was “a city in Benjamin containing the family burial place of Saul”, “Eleph” whose name means “thousand” and was “a city in the territory of Benjamin”, “and Jebusi” whose name means “descendants of Jebus” and was “descendants of the third son of Canaan who lived in or around the site of Jebus, the early name for Jerusalem”, “which is Jerusalem” or “that exists as Jerusalem whose name means ‘teaching of peace’ and is the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split”, “Gibeath” whose name means “hill” and was “a city of Benjamin”, “and Kirjath” whose name means “city of forests” and was “a city on the northern boundary of Judah and on the western and southern boundaries of Benjamin”. Joshua or the writer added “Zelah, Eleph, Jebusi - Jerusalem, Gibeath and Kirjath” to the list of “cities” that were assigned to the “tribe of Benjamin”.

The verse goes on to say, “fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “fourteen cities” which means “fourteen dwelling places or places of waking” “with their villages” or “alongside and accompanied by their, the fourteen cities’, settled abodes and towns”. Joshua or the writer shared how there were “fourteen” dwelling places accompanied by their settled abodes that were given to the clan of “Benjamin”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn about more of the locations that were designated as living quarters for the “tribe of Benjamin”. God provided these places within the promise land even as He said, and He has given us promises as well. God said He would forgive the sins and grant eternal life to everyone 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. (See John 3:16; 1 John 1:9) God is faithful to keep His word, and even as the people of “Benjamin” received their inheritance, so we too may gain that which God has promised to all who believe. (See Titus 1:2)

Next time we begin a new chapter and learn how, “the second lot came forth to Simeon”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Monday, July 20, 2026

Rekem, Irpeel, and Taralah - Joshua 18:27

In the book of Joshua, we learned, ”Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz, and Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah, and Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages: Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth, and Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah”, and in chapter eighteen and verse twenty-seven of Joshua we learn about, “Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah” where we read,

And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,

The verse reads, “And Rekem, and Irpeel, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Rekem” whose name means “variegation” and was “a town in Benjamin; site unknown”, “and Irpeel” whose name means “God will heal” and was “a city in Benjamin; site unknown”. Joshua or the writer added “Rekem and Irpeel” to the dwelling places that were allotted to the “tribe of Benjamin”.

The verse continues, “… and Taralah, …” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and Taralah” whose name means “reeling” and was “a city in the territory of Benjamin”. Joshua or the writer included “Taralah” in the list of the names of the “cities” that were given to the people of “Benjamin”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn the names of three more places that were to be occupied by the people of “Benjamin” within the promise land. Boundary by boundary and “city by city” places to live were being allotted to the “tribe of Benjamin”. These places were to be used by their people to live, raise their families and worship God. God provided for them, and their acknowledgment of Him was a glorious thank you to what He gave. We too may be thankful to God for providing His Only Begotten Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When believe 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 to guide us into all truth and to help us live in a pleasing, thankful and worshipful manner before Him. (See John 3:16: 16:13; Acts 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn about, “and Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Mizpeh, Chephirah, and Mozah - Joshua 18:26

In the book of Joshua, we learned, ”Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz, and Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah, and Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages: Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth”, and in chapter eighteen and verse twenty-six of Joshua we learn about, “Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah” where we read,

And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,

The verse reads, “And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Mizpeh” whose name means “watchtower” and was “a city in the district of the Shephelah or lowlands of Judah”, “and Chephirah” whose name means “lioness” and was “a city of the Gibeonites subsequently assigned to the tribe of Benjamin”. Joshua or the writer included “Mizpeh and Chephirah” in the list of dwelling places allotted to the “tribe of Benjamin”.

The verse goes no to say, “… and Mozah,..” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and Mozah” whose name means “fountain” and was “one of the towns in Benjamin; site unknown”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Mozah” was also added to the places of waking given to the people of “Benjamin” in the promise land.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover three more places that were allotted to the “tribe of Benjamin” within the promise land. “Mizpeh, Chephirah, and Mozah” were locations where the people of “Benjamin” would raise their families in the fear and admonition of the Lord. (See Ephesians 6:4) God gives us our place in the world to live, breathe and have an opportunity to worship Him. He gave His Only Begotten Son Jesus to be crucified for our sins and raised Him from the dead after three days, so 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 our lives will be pleasing to Him wherever we are in the world. (See Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn about, “Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…