and that day made them woodcutters and water carriers for the community and for the altar of the Lord at the divinely chosen site. (They continue in that capacity to this very day.)

Joshua and the Israelites almost totally wiped them out, but some survivors did escape to the fortified cities.

When King Jabin of Hazor heard the news, he organized a coalition, including King Jobab of Madon, the king of Shimron, the king of Acshaph,

All these kings gathered and joined forces at the Waters of Merom to fight Israel.

No city made peace with the Israelites (except the Hivites living in Gibeon); they had to conquer all of them,

The land allotted to the tribe of Judah by its clans reached to the border of Edom, to the Wilderness of Zin in the Negev far to the south.

extended south of the Scorpion Ascent, crossed to Zin, went up from the south to Kadesh Barnea, crossed to Hezron, went up to Addar, and turned toward Karka.

It then extended to the slope of Ekron to the north, went toward Shikkeron, crossed to Mount Baalah, extended to Jabneel, and ended at the sea.

These cities were located at the southern extremity of Judah’s tribal land near the border of Edom: Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur,

The land allotted to Joseph’s descendants extended from the Jordan at Jericho to the waters of Jericho to the east, through the desert and on up from Jericho into the hill country of Bethel.

It then descended westward to Japhletite territory, as far as the territory of lower Beth Horon and Gezer, and ended at the sea.

The southern side started on the edge of Kiriath Jearim and extended westward to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah.

It went northward, extending to En Shemesh and Geliloth opposite the Pass of Adummim, and descended to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben.

Their border went up westward to Maralah and touched Dabbesheth and the valley near Jokneam.

From Sarid it turned eastward to the territory of Kisloth Tabor, extended to Daberath, and went up to Japhia.

“Have the Israelites select the cities of refuge that I told you about through Moses.

The tribal leaders of the Levites went before Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun and the Israelite tribal leaders

So the Israelites assigned these cities and their grazing areas to the Levites from their own holdings, as the Lord had instructed.

Not one of the Lord’s faithful promises to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; every one was realized.

Now today you dare to turn back from following the Lord! You are rebelling today against the Lord; tomorrow he may break out in anger against the entire community of Israel.