Shaalabbin
Shaalabbin is a town mentioned in the allotment of land to the tribe of Dan. Its name means "place of foxes" or "place of jackals," which may indicate the presence of these animals in the area. The town's location is not precisely known today, but it is believed to have been situated in the Shephelah, the lowland region of ancient Israel. This area was known for its fertile land and strategic importance, often serving as a battleground between the Israelites and the Philistines. The mention of Shaalabbin highlights the challenges faced by the tribe of Dan in securing their inheritance, as they struggled against the Philistine presence in the region.

Aijalon
Aijalon is another town within the territory allotted to the tribe of Dan. It holds significant historical and biblical importance. Aijalon is famously mentioned in the account of Joshua's battle against the Amorites, where Joshua commanded the sun to stand still over Gibeon and the moon over the Valley of Aijalon (Joshua 10:12). This miraculous event demonstrated God's power and support for Israel in their conquest of Canaan. Aijalon was strategically located on a major route connecting the coastal plain with the hill country, making it a key military and trade location. The town's history reflects the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and their neighbors, as it later became a site of conflict with the Philistines.

Ithlah
Ithlah is a lesser-known town mentioned in the list of cities within the territory of Dan. Its exact location remains uncertain, and it is not frequently referenced in other biblical texts. The inclusion of Ithlah in the list of Danite cities underscores the comprehensive nature of the tribal allotments, ensuring that even smaller settlements were recognized as part of the inheritance. The mention of such towns highlights the detailed record-keeping and the importance of land distribution in maintaining the identity and cohesion of the Israelite tribes. The allocation of land to each tribe was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

1. Shaalabbin
A town allocated to the tribe of Dan. Its name means "place of foxes" or "place of paths," indicating a possible strategic location or a place known for its wildlife.

2. Aijalon
Another town within the territory of Dan. Aijalon is historically significant as a site of battles and is mentioned in other parts of the Bible, such as the battle where Joshua asked God to make the sun stand still.

3. Ithlah
A lesser-known town in the territory of Dan. Its specific historical significance is not detailed in the Bible, but it contributes to the understanding of the geographical distribution of the tribe of Dan.God's Faithfulness in Allotment
The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, including Dan, reflects God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives.

Challenges in Possession
The tribe of Dan faced significant challenges in taking possession of their land. This teaches us that while God provides, we must often act in faith and perseverance to claim His promises.

Strategic Importance of Locations
The towns mentioned, especially Aijalon, remind us that God places us in specific locations for His purposes. We should seek to understand and fulfill God's purpose in our current place.

Historical and Spiritual Legacy
The historical events associated with these locations, such as battles and miracles, remind us of the spiritual legacy we inherit and the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness.1. What is the meaning of Joshua 19:42?

2. How does Joshua 19:42 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel?

3. What can we learn about God's provision from the cities listed in Joshua 19:42?

4. How does Joshua 19:42 connect to the broader narrative of Israel's inheritance?

5. How can we apply the concept of divine inheritance in our daily lives?

6. What role does obedience play in receiving God's promises, as seen in Joshua 19:42?

7. What is the significance of the cities listed in Joshua 19:42 for the tribe of Dan?

8. How does Joshua 19:42 reflect God's promise to the Israelites?

9. What archaeological evidence supports the locations mentioned in Joshua 19:42?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 19?

11. Judges 12:8–15 – Why are Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon mentioned with so few details, making it difficult to verify their historicity?

12. Joshua 19:27-29: Why do the tribal borders for Asher here differ from references to Asher's territory elsewhere in the Old Testament?

13. How does Isaiah 25:6, which speaks of a universal feast for all peoples, align with other Old Testament passages emphasizing Israel's exclusivity?

14. Joshua 19:2-8: How can we reconcile the extensive list of Simeon's towns with the limited archaeological evidence for these places?Shaalabbin

• “Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah” (Joshua 19:42) sits in the larger catalog of towns marking the tribe of Dan’s inheritance (vv. 40-48). Each name reminds us that God keeps His territorial promises exactly as He gave them in Numbers 34.

• Shaalabbin (called “Shaalbim” in Judges 1:35) lay on the edge of the Aijalon Valley. Judges 1:34-35 notes that the Amorites initially held this region, pressing Dan back into the hill country, yet the listing in Joshua shows God’s intent: Dan was to possess it. The town’s inclusion therefore reflects the Lord’s declaration that the land was already theirs, even when circumstances made it look otherwise.

• Later, Shaalabbin appears in Solomon’s administrative districts (1 Kings 4:9), showing that the promise outlived the tribe’s early struggles; the region ultimately came under Israelite control, demonstrating God’s faithfulness over time.

• What does this mean? Even when hostile forces seem to occupy what God has promised, His word still stands. Dan’s lot included Shaalabbin before Dan fully grasped it, just as believers receive “every spiritual blessing” in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) even while still contending for daily victories.

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Aijalon

• The Aijalon Valley, famed for Joshua’s long-day miracle (“Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and moon, over the Valley of Aijalon,” Joshua 10:12-13), lay along a strategic pass connecting the coastal plain with the central hill country. By placing Aijalon in Dan’s inheritance, God entrusted the tribe with guarding a vital gateway.

• Judges 1:34 reveals Dan’s early failure to hold this valley, yet 1 Samuel 14:31 records Saul pursuing the Philistines to Aijalon, showing the area’s ongoing military significance.

• The city later became a Levitical center for certain priestly families (1 Chronicles 6:69). God thus folded worship responsibilities into what started as a military assignment—a pattern He repeats when He turns battlegrounds into places of blessing.

• Meaning for us: God not only grants territory; He assigns purpose within it. Aijalon signals that our battles and our worship often occupy the same ground, and God equips us for both (2 Corinthians 10:4).

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Ithlah

• Ithlah appears only here in Scripture, tucked between the better-known Shaalabbin and Aijalon. Its anonymity is part of its message: no corner of God’s promise is too small to record.

• By naming Ithlah, the Spirit highlights God’s meticulous care (cf. Psalm 139:16—“all the days ordained for me were written in Your book”). He tracks not only great valleys but tiny villages, proving His covenant precision.

• For believers, Ithlah encourages faithfulness in hidden places. Whether our assignment is prominent like Aijalon or obscure like Ithlah, each is written into God’s plan (1 Corinthians 12:22-24).

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summary

• Joshua 19:42 is more than an ancient address; it showcases God’s exact, literal fulfillment of His promise to Dan.

• Shaalabbin teaches that God’s word is sure even when opposition seems stronger.

• Aijalon shows that the Lord links warfare and worship, giving His people both strategic ground and spiritual calling.

• Ithlah proves that no detail of God’s covenant is forgotten; the smallest places and the quietest servants matter to Him.

In listing these three towns, Scripture invites us to trust every line of God’s promise, contend for the ground He gives, and serve faithfully whether our post is celebrated or hidden.

Verse 42. - Aijalon, or Ajalon (see Joshua 10:12). One of the Levitical cities.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Shaalabbin,
וְשַֽׁעֲלַבִּ֥ין (wə·ša·‘ă·lab·bîn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 8169: Shaalbim -- perhaps '(haunt of) foxes', a city in Dan

Aijalon,
וְאַיָּל֖וֹן (wə·’ay·yā·lō·wn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 357: Aijalon -- 'deer', the name of several cities in Palestine

Ithlah,
וְיִתְלָֽה׃ (wə·yiṯ·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3494: Ithlah -- 'it will hang', a place in Dan


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OT History: Joshua 19:42 Shaalabbin Aijalon Ithlah (Josh. Jos)