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Today’s reading from Joshua 19–21 contained a couple of stories that could have been easily missed if I hadn’t slowed down and asked some questions. These chapters continue to describe how the land was divided among the tribes, with chapters 20 and 21 detailing the cities given to the Levites for their homes and pastureland, including the cities of refuge for those guilty of unintentional manslaughter. Yet within these descriptions were a couple of stories involving the tribes of Simeon and Dan I hadn’t seen before.

As many times as I’ve read the Old Testament and become familiar with the major players in the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, I somehow missed the story tucked away in Joshua 19:1 and 9,

"The second lot came out for Simeon... and their inheritance was in the midst of the inheritance of the people of Judah... The inheritance of the people of Simeon formed part of the territory of the people of Judah, because the portion of the people of Judah was too large for them."

When you look at a map of the tribal allotments, you can clearly see that Simeon’s portion is located in the middle of Judah’s inheritance—completely surrounded. At first, it didn’t seem surprising, until I thought about the “ten lost tribes” of Israel. Historically, it’s believed these tribes were lost through the Assyrian exile, while Judah (made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin) was accounted for as they returned from their Babylonian captivity. So, it made me wonder: Was Simeon part of the Southern Kingdom? I had always been taught it was just Judah and Benjamin.

First, it’s important to understand why Simeon was placed within Judah’s borders. Yes, Judah had more than enough land, but there’s a deeper reason. Going back to Genesis 34, Jacob’s daughter Dinah was defiled by Shechem. In retaliation, Jacob’s sons deceived the men of Shechem’s family into circumcising themselves in order to intermarry with them. But after the men were in their weakened state, Simeon and Levi slaughtered all the males of Shechem’s family. Jacob was furious over their cruelty. When he blessed his sons at the end of his life, here’s what he said in Genesis 49:5–7,

"Simeon and Levi are brothers; weapons of violence are their swords. Let my soul come not into their council; O my glory, be not joined to their company. For in their anger they killed men, and in their willfulness they hamstrung oxen. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel."

Jacob’s prophetic words came true. The Levites, although later redeemed by standing with Moses during the golden calf incident, were still dispersed throughout Israel without a land of their own. Similarly, Simeon was placed within Judah’s territory, and over time, Simeon was scattered and/or absorbed into Judah’s population. Another reminder of the truth and fulfillment of God’s Word.

So, is Simeon one of the “lost ten tribes”? Yes, but probably not lost in the same way as the others through the Assyrian exile. Instead, Simeon was most likely “lost” through absorption. Over time, living within Judah’s borders, Simeon’s identity blended into the larger tribe of Judah, making it difficult to distinguish them as a separate tribe in later generations.

The second story involved the tribe of Dan. Their original allotment was located northwest of Judah, along the Mediterranean Sea. But in Joshua 19:47, we read,

“When the territory of the people of Dan was lost to them, the people of Dan went up and fought against Leshem. After capturing it and striking it with the sword, they took possession of it and settled in it.”

Leshem was far to the north—east of Naphtali. This story reminds us that Israel’s failure to fully drive out the inhabitants of their territory led to serious long-term consequences. The tribe of Dan, unable to hold its original ground, had to migrate north to claim land elsewhere.

I’ve read these chapters over 20 times in my annual Bible reading discipline, but because of my impatience, I likely rushed right past these “stories within the story.” Today was a good reminder: when we slow down, read thoughtfully, and ask questions, there’s so much treasure waiting to be uncovered.

Takeaway: Sometimes the greatest truths are hidden in the details we rush past. Take time to slow down, ask questions, and let God reveal deeper insights—because His Word never wastes a word.