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…

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