Joshua 19:1

SIMEON’S LOT, Joshua 19:1-9.

1. Simeon… within the inheritance of Judah As Judah’s lot was assigned first, when the Hebrews had larger expectations than they ever realized, it was very natural that they should assign too large a portion to Judah. This error is now discovered and rectified by carving Simeon’s lot out of Judah’s. Simeon’s inheritance, except the first thirteen cities, was not a compact territory, but it consisted chiefly of cities scattered about in Judah. Thus was fulfilled the prophetic declaration of Jacob respecting Simeon and Levi, that they should be “divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel.” Genesis 49:5-7. “Simeon is the exact counterpart of Reuben. With Reuben he marched through the desert. As Reuben in the east, so Simeon in the west, blends his fortunes with those of the Arab hordes on the frontier, and dwindles away accordingly, and only reappears in the dubious but characteristic exploits of his descendant Judith.” Stanley.