Joshua 19:50
Joshua 19:50 in Multiple Translations
as the LORD had commanded. They gave him the city of Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, as he requested. He rebuilt the city and settled in it.
According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein.
according to the commandment of Jehovah they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah in the hill-country of Ephraim; and he built the city, and dwelt therein.
By the orders of the Lord they gave him the town for which he made request, Timnath-serah in the hill-country of Ephraim: there, after building the town, he made his living-place.
Following the Lord's command, they gave him the town he requested—Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. He rebuilt the town and settled there.
According to the worde of the Lord they gaue him the citie which hee asked, euen Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim: and hee built the citie and dwelt therein.
by the command of Jehovah they have given to him the city which he asked, Timnath-Serah, in the hill-country of Ephraim, and he buildeth the city and dwelleth in it.
According to the LORD’s commandment, they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in the hill country of Ephraim; and he built the city, and lived there.
According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt in it.
According to the commandment of the Lord, the city which he asked for, Thamnath Saraa, in mount Ephraim: and he built up the city, and dwelt in it.
They allotted to him Timnath-Serah. Yahweh had said that he could have whatever city he wanted, and that was the city that he chose. It was in the hilly region which was allotted to the tribe of Ephraim. Joshua rebuilt the city and lived there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 19:50
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 19:50 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַל
פִּ֨י
יְהוָ֜ה
נָ֣תְנוּ
ל֗/וֹ
אֶת
הָ/עִיר֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
שָׁאָ֔ל
אֶת
תִּמְנַת
סֶ֖רַח
בְּ/הַ֣ר
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
וַ/יִּבְנֶ֥ה
אֶת
הָ/עִ֖יר
וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב
בָּֽ/הּ
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פִּ֨י
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms
יְהוָ֜ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
נָ֣תְנוּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
ל֗/וֹ
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עִיר֙
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
שָׁאָ֔ל
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
תִּמְנַת
Timnath Chereç
H8556
Timnath-heres
N-proper
סֶ֖רַח
Timnath Chereç
H8556
Timnath-heres
N-proper
בְּ/הַ֣ר
har
H2022
mountain
Prep | N-ms
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
וַ/יִּבְנֶ֥ה
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָּֽ/הּ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 19:50
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פִּ֨י
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
יְהוָ֜ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
נָ֣תְנוּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
ל֗/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עִיר֙
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
שָׁאָ֔ל
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
תִּמְנַת
Timnath Chereç
H8556
"Timnath-heres"
N-proper
Timnath-serah, or portion of the sun, was a city in the mountains of Ephraim where Joshua was buried, given to him as an inheritance, as told in the book of Joshua.
Definition: Timnath-heres (or Timnath-serah) = "portion of the sun" or "abundant portion" a city given to Joshua as a inheritance in the mountains of Ephraim on the north of the hill of Gaash where he was buried Also named: tim.nat se.rach (תִּמְנַת סֶ֫רַח "Timnath-serah" H8556B)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Timnath-heres, Timnath-serah. See also: Joshua 19:50; Joshua 24:30; Judges 2:9.
סֶ֖רַח
Timnath Chereç
H8556
"Timnath-heres"
N-proper
Timnath-serah, or portion of the sun, was a city in the mountains of Ephraim where Joshua was buried, given to him as an inheritance, as told in the book of Joshua.
Definition: Timnath-heres (or Timnath-serah) = "portion of the sun" or "abundant portion" a city given to Joshua as a inheritance in the mountains of Ephraim on the north of the hill of Gaash where he was buried Also named: tim.nat se.rach (תִּמְנַת סֶ֫רַח "Timnath-serah" H8556B)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Timnath-heres, Timnath-serah. See also: Joshua 19:50; Joshua 24:30; Judges 2:9.
בְּ/הַ֣ר
har
H2022
"mountain"
Prep | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
"Ephraim"
N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
וַ/יִּבְנֶ֥ה
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בָּֽ/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Joshua 19:50
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 19:50 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 19:50
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 19:50
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 19:50
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 19:50
- Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 19:50
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 19:50
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 19:50
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 19:50
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 19:50
Context — Joshua’s Inheritance
48This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Dan, including these cities and their villages.
49When they had finished distributing the land into its territories, the Israelites gave Joshua son of Nun an inheritance among them,
50as the LORD had commanded. They gave him the city of Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, as he requested. He rebuilt the city and settled in it.
51These are the inheritances that Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families distributed by lot to the tribes of Israel at Shiloh before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. So they finished dividing up the land.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 24:30 | And they buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. |
| 2 | Judges 2:9 | They buried him in the land of his inheritance, at Timnath-heres in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 7:24 | His daughter was Sheerah, who built Lower and Upper Beth-horon, as well as Uzzen-sheerah. |
Joshua 19:50 Summary
This verse tells us that Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, was given a city called Timnath-serah as a special gift from God, just like the Lord had promised. Joshua then rebuilt the city and made it his home, which shows us that God is faithful to provide for His people and give them a place to rest, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:9-10. This reminds us that God is always faithful to His promises, and we can trust in His provision for our lives, just like Joshua did. By trusting in God's faithfulness, we can find rest and peace in Him, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Joshua given a city as an inheritance?
Joshua was given the city of Timnath-serah as an inheritance because the Lord had commanded it, as a reward for his faithful service as the leader of the Israelites, similar to how Caleb was given Hebron as seen in Joshua 14:13-14.
What is the significance of the city of Timnath-serah?
The city of Timnath-serah, also known as Timnath-heres, holds significance as it was given to Joshua and he rebuilt it, making it a symbol of God's provision and promise to His faithful servants, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:9-10.
Why did Joshua rebuild the city of Timnath-serah?
Joshua rebuilt the city of Timnath-serah in order to settle in it, making it his home, and this act of rebuilding is a testament to God's faithfulness in providing for His people, as seen in Exodus 6:8.
What can we learn from Joshua's example in this verse?
We can learn from Joshua's example that God is faithful to provide for His people and reward their faithfulness, as seen in Matthew 25:23, and that we should trust in His promises and provision for our lives.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has provided for me in my life, and how can I show my gratitude to Him?
- How can I, like Joshua, trust in God's faithfulness and promises in my life, especially when faced with challenges and uncertainties?
- What does it mean to 'rebuild' and 'settle' in my spiritual life, and how can I apply this principle in my daily walk with God?
- In what ways can I, like Joshua, be a faithful servant of God and receive His rewards and blessings?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 19:50
According to the word of the Lord,.... Or mouth of the Lord; either according to the oracle of Urim and Thummim, which Eleazar consulted on this occasion; or according to what the Lord had said to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 19:50
According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein. They gave him the city which he asked.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 19:50
According to the word of the Lord; as God promised or commanded; either, first, formerly, as may be gathered from ; where we read that the Lord said something unto Moses concerning me, Caleb, and thee, Joshua; though only what is said to Caleb be there expressed, the other not being to his purpose there; for Joshua having showed the same courage and faithfulness which Caleb did, did doubtless receive equal encouragement and comfort from God at that time. Or, secondly, now at this time by Eleazar. Timnath-serah, called Timnath-heres, . He built, i.e. repaired and enlarged it, in which sense Nebuchadnezzar is said to have built Babylon, .
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 19:50
Joshua 19:50 According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, [even] Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein.Ver. 50. Even Timnathserah.] Called also Timnathheres in Judges 2:9; that is, the figure of the sun, because, belike, there the sun had been worshipped: another Heliopolis. And he built the city.] An old ruinous city, but by him repaired and beautified, that there he might spend and end his days. “ Regum aequabat opes animis. ” And well he might have engraven over his gates that distich of Ennius concerning Scipio - “ Si fas (caedendo / cedendo) caelestia scandere cuiquam, Mi soli caeli maxima porta pater."
Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 19:50
(49, 50) When they had made an end . . . gave an inheritance to Joshua . . . according to the word of the Lord they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah in mount Ephraim (Kefr Hâris, sheet 14).—Historically and typically the fact is noticeable. (a) Historically. Joshua waited for his own inheritance until the last. He sought not his own interest, but that of the people. He asked no kingdom for himself or his family, only a city, which he built, and dwelt therein. (6) Typically. “They gave him the city which he asked, according to the word of the Lord.” What does this mean in the case of the true Joshua? “Ask of me, and I shall give thee the nations for thine inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for thy possession.” He must reign till God hath put all enemies under His feet. Then, and not till then, will He take His own personal inheritance, and be subject to Him that put all things under Him. Timnath-serah means an abundant portion, a portion of abundance. Though small, it was enough for Joshua. It will be enough for his Antitype, when “He shall see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied.” It is afterwards called Timnath-heres, the portion of the Sun. “His going forth is from the end of heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it, and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 19:50
Verse 50. Timnath-serah] Called Timnath-heres in Judges 2:9, where we find that the mountain on which it was built was called Gaash. It is generally allowed to have been a barren spot in a barren country.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 19:50
50. according to the word of the Lord] We do not find any Divine injunction in the Pentateuch to the effect that Joshua was to receive a special portion in the Land of Canaan. But as Caleb had received a definite promise of the same kind, which is not to be found in its literal form in the Pentateuch, we may conclude that a like promise had been been made to Joshua. even Timnath-serah] In Judges 2:9 the name of the city given to the Israelitish leader is altered to Timnath-heres = “portion of the sun.” In the same place it is defined as having been situated “in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash.” The word Timnath, or Timnah, means “allotted portion,” and was given to several places. It is now generally identified with Tibnah, between Jifna and el-Mejdel, and was first discovered by Dr Eli Smith in 1843, where he found the ruins of a considerable town. Opposite the town was a much higher hill, in the north side of which were several excavated sepulchres. “Of all sites I have seen,” says Lieut. Conder, “none is so striking as that of Joshua’s home, surrounded as it is with deep valleys and wild rugged hills.” Paula is described by St Jerome as “satis mirata quod distributor possessionum sibi aspera et montana delegisset” (Epist. cviii., Epitaph. Paulæ). and he built the city] or perhaps rather, fortified it. The site may have been previously unoccupied, and named Timnath-serah = “remaining portion” by Joshua himself.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 19:50
Nothing is said of any express command of God respecting the inheritance of Joshua.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 19:50
JOSHUA’S , Joshua 19:49-50.An honourable distinction of Joshua from the whole people and from his tribe is made by conferring on him a separate portion, not by lot, but in accordance with his own choice.