Joshua 19

v1-9: Simeon's lot was within the inheritance given to Judah's descendants. Even though what was allotted belonged to them, "the men of Judah did not oppose" it being taken away from them, nor did they "insist on it when it seemed that another tribe needed what they could spare." We are reminded "that we must consider the needs of others, not only our own," and that those who have plenty should look to "supply the lack of others."

v10-48: In the places allotted to the remaining tribes, it is worth noting that some of the places would feature later in Israel's history and Christ's life and ministry. Included in Zebulun's territory was Mount Carmel where God showed his power over Baal in Elijah's time, and Nazareth which was where our "Saviour spent so much of his time on earth." The area given to Issachar had a number of places which would become significant during the days of the Judges and Kings of Israel. Jezreel was "where Ahab's palace was, and near it Naboth's vineyard." Shunem was home to the Shunammite "who received Elisha." Also within Issachar's allotted land was "Mount Gilboa, on which Saul and Jonathan were killed," and the "Kishon River, on the banks of which... Sisera was beaten by Deborah and Barak." From Asher, the only notable person we read of, "was the prophet Anna, who was a constant resident in the temple at the time of [Christ's] birth." Naphtali's territory included "Capernaum and Bethsaida... where Christ did so many miracles." Finally, providence arranged that Dan, "this populous and powerful tribe" would be placed in a position where they would be "best able to deal with the troublesome neighbours, the Philistines, as was discovered in Samson's life."

v49-51: The chapter finishes with the land allotted to Joshua, which provide two lessons for church leaders. Firstly, Joshua "was content to remain unsettled until he saw everyone else settled first... He wanted it to be seen that in everything he did he sought the good of his country." Likewise, leaders should "serve the welfare of the community before satisfying their own particular good." Secondly, Joshua was given his inheritance by the Israelites. "He would not take it for himself without the people's agreement and approval." The best kind of leadership is not forced upon the people but approved of and supported by them.