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Joshua 19:28 meaning

This verse highlights how God’s covenant care extends into every boundary line of His people’s lives.

and Ebron and Rehob and Hammon and Kanah, as far as Great Sidon. (v.28) This description comes as part of the boundary lines for the tribe of Asher under Joshua’s leadership, distributed around 1399 BC when the Israelites entered the Promised Land. Joshua, who succeeded Moses and led Israel’s conquest, allocated the land as an inheritance for each tribe, fulfilling the promise God had made to Abraham centuries earlier (Genesis 12:7). In this verse, the scripture lists four towns—Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah—then marks off the territory stretching “as far as Great Sidon.” Sidon was a significant Phoenician port city on the Mediterranean coast, founded by Canaanites, and is referenced in other passages for its maritime commerce and strong fortifications. Although Sidon stood firmly outside Israel’s full control (Judges 1:31), it served as an important landmark in defining Asher’s northern boundary.When the text highlights Rehob, it points to a location also mentioned during the spies’ exploration of the Promised Land (Numbers 13:21). The precise site of Rehob remains uncertain, but it was understood to mark the region northward, likely near the upper reaches of Galilee.Consequently, the mention of these towns underscores how God meticulously established boundaries for each tribe. The overall land assignment reinforced the covenant promise, showing God’s design in every detail of Israel’s new home.

Ebron and Hammon appear only in these tribal lists, indicating smaller communities that contributed to Asher’s claim. Meanwhile, Kanah was likely a water source or valley that formed another natural boundary. Lastly, the phrase as far as Great Sidon (v.28) sets the tribe’s northernmost reach. Even though Sidon itself remained under Phoenician influence, its inclusion in the boundary list demonstrated Israel’s expanded horizon and served as a reminder that God’s dominion and purposes extended beyond the immediate borders of Israel.

God’s faithfulness in apportioning the land to His people is evident as every tribe received its inheritance according to His will.

Joshua 19:28