The Word for Today with Ray: July 2026

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

The Portion of Judah Which was Simeon’s - Joshua 19:9

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families”, and in chapter nineteen and verse nine of Joshua we learn, “Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon” where we read,

Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon:

for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them.

The verse reads, “Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “out of the portion” which means “from the allotment, share and heritage” “of the children of Judah” or “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Judah whose name means ‘praised’ and was “the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob” “was the inheritance” which means “existed as the property, possession, share, portion and heritage” “of the children of Simeon” or “pertaining 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”. Joshua or the writer shared how the heritage pertaining to the offspring belonging to “Judah” existed as the share and portion belonging to the offspring of “Simeon”.

The verse continues, “for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them” Joshua or the writer added the words, “for the part” which means “because, since and on account that the portion or share” “of children of Judah” or “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Judah whose name means ‘praised’ and was the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob” “was too much for them” which means “existed as exceedingly great and abounding on behalf of them, the tribe of Judah”: “therefore the children of Simeon” or “then, wherefore and on this account 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” “had their inheritance of within the inheritance of them” which means “owned and possessed their, the tribe of Simeon’s, property, possession, share, portion and heritage belonging to them, the people of Simeon” . Joshua or the writer shared how the portion allotted to the offspring belonging to “Judah” was exceedingly more than they needed, and for this reason the offspring belonging to “Simeon” gained their portion and heritage in the midst of them.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how the portion and share of the promise land given to the “tribe of Simeon” was within the allotment provided to the “tribe of Judah”. “Judah” was given such a large area of land that they had more than they needed, so the people of “Simeon” received their inheritance within the midst of their territory. God provided these places to the people of Israel, and each “tribe” was to receive their area to raise their families in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (See Ephesians 6:4) God wants everyone to be in a personal relationship with Him 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 believe and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him wherever we are in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun”, 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".

The Villages about Baalathbeer and Ramath - Joshua 19:8

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 Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah, and Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah, and Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities and their villages. Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities and their villages”, and in chapter nineteen and verse eight of Joshua we learn about, “all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south” where we read,

And all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south.

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.

The verse reads, “And all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south.” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and all the villages” which means “and each, every, the whole and everyone of the settled abodes and towns” “that were round about the cities” or “that encircled and surrounded the dwelling places and places of waking” “to Baalathbeer” whose name means “mistress of the well” and was “a town in the south part of Judah, given to Simeon, which also bore the name of ‘Ramath-negeb'", “Ramah” whose name means “hill” and was “a town in Benjamin on the border of Ephraim about five miles (8 km) from Jerusalem and near to Gibeah” “of the south” which means “in the southern direction”. Joshua or the writer referred to every one of the settled abodes that surrounded the dwelling settled abodes known as “Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south.”

The verse goes on to say, “This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “this is the inheritance” which means “those cities exist as the property, possession, portion, share and heritage” “of the tribe” or “belonging to the clan or people group” “of the children of Simeon” which means “pertaining 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” or “in keeping with their, Simeon’s, clan, tribe and relatives. Joshua or the writer shared how the previously named “cities” and settled abodes existed as the portion and heritage belonging to the “tribe of Simeon”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover how every one of the settled abodes given to the “tribe of Simeon” surrounded the “cities” “to Baalathbeer, Ramath”. Each of these were locations where the people of “Simeon” would live and raise their families. They were to acknowledge and give praise and worship to Jehovah God who gave these provisions, and we are to live in a similar manner. God loves us so much “that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (See John 3:16) When we give our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead 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 give us the ability to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him as we bear witness to others of His glorious gospel and eternal provision. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn, “Out of the portion of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Ain, Remmon, Ether and Ashan - Joshua 19:7

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 Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah, and Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah, and Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities and their villages” , and in chapter nineteen and verse seven of Joshua we learn about, “Ain, Remmon, Ether, and Ashan” where we read,

Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities and their villages:

The verse reads, “Ain, Remmon, and Ether, and Ashan;” Joshua or the writer began with the word, “Ain” whose name means “spring” and was “one of the southernmost cities of Judah in the Nekeb and allotted to the tribe of Simeon and given to the priests”, “and Remmon” whose name means “pomegranate” and was “a town in the southern portion of Judah allotted to Simeon”, “and Ether” whose name means “abundant” and was “a town in the lowlands of Judah allotted to Simeon”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Ain, Remmon, Ether and Ashan” were dwelling places which were given to the “tribe of Simeon”.

The verse continues, “four cities and their villages:” Joshua or the writer added the words, “four cities” which means “four dwelling places or places of waking” “and their villages” or “alongside and accompanying their, the four cities’, settled abodes and towns”. Joshua or the writer shared how the “four” dwelling places along with their settled abodes were provided to the people of “Simeon”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how Jehovah God assigned four more dwelling places to the “tribe of Simeon”. “Ain, Remmon, Ether, and Ashan” became locations where the people of “Simeon” would live within the promise land, and they were to raise their families in these places according to God’s plan and purpose for their lives. God loves people, and He provides for us 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. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the power to live as witnesses to His glory and gospel all the days of our lives. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:12)

Next time we learn about, “all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalathbeer, Ramath of the south”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Bethlebaoth and Sharuhen - Joshua 19:6

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 Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah, and Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah” , and in chapter nineteen and verse six of Joshua we learn about, “Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen” where we read,

And Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities and their villages:

The verse reads, “And Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Bethlebaoth” whose name means “house of chariots” and was “a place in Simeon”, “and Sharuhen” whose name means “refuge of grace” and was “a city in Judah allotted to Simeon”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Bethlebaoth and Sharuhen” were added to the list of the names of the dwelling places provided to the people of “Simeon”.

The verse goes on to say, “thirteen cities and their villages:” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “thirteen cities” which means “thirteen dwelling places or places of waking” “and their villages” or “and their, the thirteen cities’, settled abodes and towns”. Joshua or the writer said there were “thirteen” dwelling places alongside their settled abodes and towns that were given to the “tribe of Simeon”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover two more of the placed that were provided to the people of the “tribe of Simeon” for a total of thirteen and their accompanying settled abodes. God knew exactly the territory they would need to live and provide for their families, and He knows that we need 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 give us the ability to live in a pleasing manner to Him wherever we are in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn about, “Ain, Remmon, Ether, and Ashan”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah - Joshua 19:5

And Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah,

The verse reads, “And Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Ziklag” whose name means “winding” and was “a town in the south of Judah, later allotted to Simeon; noted for its having been the city of David given to him by king Achish of Gath and his residence when he was joined by many of his mighty warriors and when he received word of the death of Saul”, “and Bethmarcaboth” or Beth-marcaboth whose name means “house of the chariots” and was “a place in Simeon”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Ziklag and Bethmarcaboth” were also among the “cities” allotted to the “tribe of Simeon”.

The verse continues, “… and Hazarsusah,” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and Hazarsusah” whose name means “horse village” and was “one of the cities allotted to Simeon in the extreme south of Judah and the place where Solomon kept horses”. Joshua or the writer added “Hazarsusah” to the list of places that were provided to the people of “Simeon”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover that “Ziklag, Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah” were added to the “cities” that became part of the inheritance of the “tribe of Simeon” within the promise land. God gave these places to them to bring up their families and to live in worship to Him. God 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 so when we yield our lives 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 in keeping with His perfect plan and will for us in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn about, “Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

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

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…

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

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…