The fortified cities are Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This list of "fenced cities" isn't just a dry inventory; it highlights the strategic importance of this territory for Naphtali. These fortified towns, many situated near the Sea of Galilee (Chinnereth), served as a crucial defense for the northern border.
The fortified cities are Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse lists some of the fortified cities within the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. It's part of a longer section detailing the specific boundaries and cities belonging to each Israelite tribe after conquering Canaan. These descriptions provided crucial geographical and political definitions for the people of Israel as they settled into their promised land.
Why did the tribe of Naphtali have so many fortified cities listed? What does this tell us about their inheritance?
The tribe of Naphtali's inheritance was in the northern part of the Promised Land. Joshua 19:35 lists several fortified cities: Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth.
A Northern Shield
Commentators note that this region, being a frontier, would need strong defenses. The presence of these 'fenced cities' acted as a crucial buffer against potential invaders from the north. It was a deliberate policy to secure this vulnerable border, much like the southern border was secured by Judah's cities. This wasn't just a random list of towns; it was a strategic deployment of defensive strongholds.
Significance of Location
Many of these cities were located near the Sea of Galilee (Lake Chinnereth). This proximity to the lake and fertile surrounding land (Chinnereth is linked to Gennesaret) highlights the importance of not only defense but also prosperity for Naphtali. The land was known for its fruitfulness, a blessing often associated with Naphtali.
Some of these city names aren't just labels; they hint at unique features or later significance. What can we uncover?
While this verse lists names, a closer look at some reveals deeper layers of meaning and history.
Hammath: The Warm Springs
The name 'Hammath' likely comes from a root word meaning 'to be warm.' This points to the presence of hot springs in the area, which were known even in ancient times for their therapeutic qualities. The Cambridge commentary mentions these springs were still noted for their heat and mineral content centuries later.
Ask a follow-up
Rakkath and Chinnereth: Lakeside Connections
'Rakkath' is often identified with Tiberias, a significant city on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. The name itself can relate to a 'bank' or 'shore.' 'Chinnereth' is even more famous, giving its name to the entire sea (the Sea of Chinnereth, later known as the Sea of Galilee). This demonstrates the deep connection these cities had to the prominent geographical features of the region.
Understand the original words
mibtsar · Hebrew Noun (adjective acting as substantive)
Settlements or locations designed for defense, often featuring walls or high positions to protect inhabitants from invaders, reflecting the need for security in the ancient world.
The listing of fortified cities for Naphtali in Joshua highlights the strategic importance of this region in securing the northern border of Israel, especially in light of ongoing regional conflicts and the vulnerability of the land.
~1400 BC— this verse
Conquest of Canaan under Joshua
Following the Exodus, Joshua leads the Israelites in conquering the land of Canaan, dividing it among the twelve tribes. This marks the establishment of Israelite presence in the land.
~1300-1000 BC
Period of the Judges
After Joshua's death, Israel experiences a period of cyclical oppression and deliverance, with various city-states and tribes vying for control and influence in the region.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy Established
Saul, David, and Solomon unite the tribes of Israel into a single kingdom, consolidating power and establishing Jerusalem as the capital. This leads to a period of greater stability and expansion.
c. 930 BC
Kingdom Divides
Following Solomon's reign, the kingdom splits into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah, leading to increased political and military vulnerability.
c. 734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimite War
The northern kingdom of Israel and Damascus ally against Judah. Assyria intervenes, conquering significant portions of northern Israel and leading to a major geopolitical shift.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Neo-Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many inhabitants and scattering them throughout the empire. This marks the end of the northern kingdom.
This passage describes the eastern border of the promised land, mentioning Chinnereth, which is also listed as a fortified city in Joshua 19:35, highlighting its strategic location.
Deuteronomy 33:23This prophetic blessing on the tribe of Naphtali speaks of their abundance and favor, which is reflected in the fertile land and strategically placed cities, including those listed in Joshua 19:35.
1 Kings 15:20This verse mentions some of the same cities (like Chinnereth) being conquered by Ben-Hadad of Syria, demonstrating their historical importance and the ongoing conflicts in the region mentioned in Joshua.
Matthew 14:34The New Testament refers to the region of Gennesaret, which is closely associated with Chinnereth and Tiberias (Rakkath), showing the enduring geographical significance of these ancient cities.
clarkeJoshua 19:35: "And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth,"
Chinnereth - See the note on Joshua 11:2 .
calvinJoshua 19:32-51: "The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families."
And then the coast turns westward to Aznothtabor, and goeth out from thence to Hukkok, and reacheth to Zebulun on the south side, and reacheth to Asher on the west side, and to Judah upon Jordan toward the sunrising.
Postea revertitur terminus ad mare ad Aznoth-thabor: et progreditur illinc in Huccoc, et pervenit ad Zabulon a meridie, et ad Aser pervenit…
This list of "fenced cities" isn't just a dry inventory; it highlights the strategic importance of this territory for Naphtali. These fortified towns, many situated near the Sea of Galilee (Chinnereth), served as a crucial defense for the northern border.
This verse lists some of the fortified cities within the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. It's part of a longer section detailing the specific boundaries and cities belonging to each Israelite tribe after conquering Canaan. These descriptions provided crucial geographical and political definitions for the people of Israel as they settled into their promised land.
This verse lists some of the fortified cities within the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. It's part of a longer section detailing the specific boundaries and cities belonging to each Israelite tribe after conquering Canaan. These descriptions provided crucial geographical and political definitions for the people of Israel as they settled into their promised land.
"The fortified cities are Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth," — This list of "fenced cities" isn't just a dry inventory; it highlights the strategic importance of this territory for Naphtali. These fortified towns, many situated near the Sea of Galilee (Chinneret…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026