This verse highlights the thorough listing of Naphtali’s towns, showing that every detail of the land promise was included and fulfilled.
And Adamah and Ramah and Hazor, (v.36). These three cities were allotted to the tribe of Naphtali as part of their inheritance in the Promised Land. Adamah is referenced only in this context, indicating it was likely a smaller settlement in northern Canaan. Ramah in Naphtali is not to be confused with other biblical towns named Ramah elsewhere in Israel; it was strategically positioned among the hills of Galilee. Hazor, however, was a major Canaanite stronghold, famously ruled by King Jabin centuries earlier and later subdued during the era of the Judges. This city of Hazor appears prominently in the story of Sisera’s defeat after harshly oppressing Israel (Judges 4-5), underscoring its historical significance as a primary seat of Canaanite power. Hazor’s location in northern Israel placed it on important trade routes, contributing to its prominence and military strength.
At the time the land was distributed (around the 15th to 14th century BC), Naphtali’s borders encompassed these cities in the region of Upper Galilee. According to later passages, Naphtali’s territory bore a unique blessing because Jesus spent much of His earthly ministry within these borders (Matthew 4:12-17). Prophecies in Isaiah foretold that “Galilee of the Gentiles” would see a great light (Isaiah 9:1-2), and that promise found fulfillment centuries after Joshua’s generation laid claim to cities like Hazor within Naphtali’s allotment. The inclusion of three distinct cities in one verse highlights the thoroughness of the territorial record and reminds readers of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His covenant promises.
By mentioning Adamah, Ramah, and Hazor together, Joshua’s account demonstrates how the tribe of Naphtali took possession of prominent strongholds as well as smaller settlements. In the larger biblical narrative, these locations illustrate God’s provision of a homeland for His people, set against the backdrop of centuries of conflict and divine deliverance. Naphtali’s inheritance helped pave the way for both Israel’s flourishing and the eventual coming of the Messiah’s ministry in Galilee.
Set to dark mode
Joshua 19:36 meaning
And Adamah and Ramah and Hazor, (v.36). These three cities were allotted to the tribe of Naphtali as part of their inheritance in the Promised Land. Adamah is referenced only in this context, indicating it was likely a smaller settlement in northern Canaan. Ramah in Naphtali is not to be confused with other biblical towns named Ramah elsewhere in Israel; it was strategically positioned among the hills of Galilee. Hazor, however, was a major Canaanite stronghold, famously ruled by King Jabin centuries earlier and later subdued during the era of the Judges. This city of Hazor appears prominently in the story of Sisera’s defeat after harshly oppressing Israel (Judges 4-5), underscoring its historical significance as a primary seat of Canaanite power. Hazor’s location in northern Israel placed it on important trade routes, contributing to its prominence and military strength.
At the time the land was distributed (around the 15th to 14th century BC), Naphtali’s borders encompassed these cities in the region of Upper Galilee. According to later passages, Naphtali’s territory bore a unique blessing because Jesus spent much of His earthly ministry within these borders (Matthew 4:12-17). Prophecies in Isaiah foretold that “Galilee of the Gentiles” would see a great light (Isaiah 9:1-2), and that promise found fulfillment centuries after Joshua’s generation laid claim to cities like Hazor within Naphtali’s allotment. The inclusion of three distinct cities in one verse highlights the thoroughness of the territorial record and reminds readers of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His covenant promises.
By mentioning Adamah, Ramah, and Hazor together, Joshua’s account demonstrates how the tribe of Naphtali took possession of prominent strongholds as well as smaller settlements. In the larger biblical narrative, these locations illustrate God’s provision of a homeland for His people, set against the backdrop of centuries of conflict and divine deliverance. Naphtali’s inheritance helped pave the way for both Israel’s flourishing and the eventual coming of the Messiah’s ministry in Galilee.