Joshua 15

Joshua 15 outlines the territory assigned to the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent tribe of Israel. This chapter details the borders of Judah’s inheritance, starting from the southernmost region near Edom and extending to the Great Sea (Mediterranean Sea) in the west. It also includes a list of key cities within Judah’s borders. Special attention is given to Caleb, who receives Hebron as his inheritance and successfully drives out the Anakim. The chapter emphasizes the vastness and significance of Judah’s land, both geographically and historically.

Joshua 15:1-5 (NKJV)
1 So this was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families: The border of Edom at the Wilderness of Zin southward was the extreme southern boundary.
2 And their southern border began at the shore of the Salt Sea, from the bay that faces southward.
3 Then it went out to the southern side of the Ascent of Akrabbim, passed along to Zin, ascended on the south side of Kadesh Barnea, passed along to Hezron, went up to Addar, and went around to Karka.
4 From there it passed toward Azmon and went out to the Brook of Egypt, and the border ended at the sea. This shall be your southern border.
5 The east border was the Salt Sea as far as the mouth of the Jordan. And the border on the northern quarter began at the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan.

These verses describe the southern and eastern boundaries of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. The southern border begins at the Salt Sea (Dead Sea) and stretches toward the wilderness regions, including significant landmarks such as Kadesh Barnea and the Brook of Egypt. The eastern border is the Salt Sea, extending to the Jordan River. This detailed geographical description emphasizes Judah's vast and strategic territory, which includes both desert regions and areas near key water sources.

Joshua 15:6-8 (NKJV)
6 The border went up to Beth Hoglah and passed north of Beth Arabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.
7 Then the border went up toward Debir from the Valley of Achor, and it turned northward toward Gilgal, which is before the Ascent of Adummim, which is on the south side of the valley. The border continued toward the waters of En Shemesh and ended at En Rogel.
8 And the border went up by the Valley of the Son of Hinnom to the southern slope of the Jebusite city (which is Jerusalem). The border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the Valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the Valley of Rephaim northward.

The northern boundary of Judah’s land runs through various locations, including Beth Hoglah, Beth Arabah, and Gilgal, before reaching the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, near Jerusalem. This area holds historical and spiritual significance, as it includes Jerusalem, which would later become the center of worship for Israel. The description of these boundaries showcases the importance of this land, both geographically and historically, for the future development of the nation.

Joshua 15:9-11 (NKJV)
9 Then the border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and extended to the cities of Mount Ephron. And the border went around to Baalah (which is Kirjath Jearim).
10 Then the border turned westward from Baalah to Mount Seir, passed along to the side of Mount Jearim on the north (which is Chesalon), went down to Beth Shemesh, and passed on to Timnah.
11 And the border went out to the side of Ekron northward. Then the border went around to Shikkeron, passed along to Mount Baalah, and extended to Jabneel, and the border ended at the sea.

These verses continue to describe Judah’s northern boundary, extending from the top of a mountain to various cities and landmarks. The boundary touches places like Baalah (Kirjath Jearim), Beth Shemesh, and Ekron. Many of these places would later play significant roles in Israel's history, especially in interactions with the Philistines. The territory is marked by a mix of rugged terrain and fertile land, suitable for both defense and agriculture.

Joshua 15:12 (NKJV)
12 The west border was the coastline of the Great Sea. This is the boundary of the children of Judah all around according to their families.

The western boundary of Judah’s territory is straightforward: it is the coastline of the Great Sea (the Mediterranean Sea). This border gave Judah access to the sea, which would have been vital for trade and contact with other nations. The vastness of Judah’s territory highlights its future importance as a powerful tribe in Israel.

Joshua 15:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Now to Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a share among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the Lord to Joshua, namely, Kirjath Arba, which is Hebron (Arba was the father of Anak).
14 Caleb drove out the three sons of Anak from there: Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

These verses focus on Caleb, a key figure who was promised an inheritance because of his faithfulness. He was given Hebron, a significant city, and courageously drove out the Anakites, known for being giants. Caleb's faith and determination are evident, as he claims his inheritance and fulfills God's promise.

Joshua 15:15-17 (NKJV)
15 Then he went up from there to the inhabitants of Debir (formerly the name of Debir was Kirjath Sepher).
16 And Caleb said, “He who attacks Kirjath Sepher and takes it, to him I will give Achsah my daughter as wife.”
17 So Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it; and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.

Caleb offers his daughter Achsah as a reward for capturing the city of Debir. Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, successfully takes the city and is given Achsah in marriage. This passage highlights the familial bonds and the role of rewards in encouraging military success. Othniel would later become a judge of Israel, marking the beginning of his leadership.

Joshua 15:18-19 (NKJV)
18 Now it was so, when she came to him, that she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. So she dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you wish?”
19 She answered, “Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South, give me also springs of water.” So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.

Achsah, Caleb's daughter, demonstrates wisdom and initiative by asking for additional resources to support the land she was given. Water was crucial for the productivity of the land, and Caleb generously grants her both upper and lower springs. This exchange emphasizes the importance of resource management and family relationships in the inheritance of land.

Joshua 15:20 (NKJV)
20 This was the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.

This verse serves as a summary, indicating that the land described in the previous verses was the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. The detailed boundaries emphasize the significance of this land, both in terms of its size and its strategic importance for the future of Israel.

Joshua 15:21-32 (NKJV)
21 The cities at the limits of the tribe of the children of Judah, toward the border of Edom in the South, were Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur,
22 Kinah, Dimonah, Adadah,
23 Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,
24 Ziph, Telem, Bealoth,
25 Hazor, Hadattah, Kerioth, Hezron (which is Hazor),
26 Amam, Shema, Moladah,
27 Hazar Gaddah, Heshmon, Beth Pelet,
28 Hazar Shual, Beersheba, Bizjothjah,
29 Baalah, Ijim, Ezem,
30 Eltolad, Chesil, Hormah,
31 Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah,
32 Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty-nine, with their villages.

These verses list the southern cities belonging to Judah, totaling twenty-nine. These cities are spread across the southernmost region of the tribe’s territory, near Edom. Many of these cities are mentioned later in the Bible in different contexts, reflecting their significance in Judah’s history. The number of cities shows the importance and size of Judah’s southern holdings.

Joshua 15:33-36 (NKJV)
33 In the lowland: Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah,
34 Zanoah, En Gannim, Tappuah, Enam,
35 Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah,
36 Sharaim, Adithaim, Gederah, and Gederothaim: fourteen cities with their villages.

These verses list the cities located in the lowland region, which is part of Judah’s inheritance. The lowland, also known as the Shephelah, was a fertile area with strategic importance. Cities such as Eshtaol and Zorah are mentioned, which later feature prominently in the story of Samson. The number of cities, fourteen in total, shows the organized and well-defined distribution of territory for the tribe of Judah.

Joshua 15:37-41 (NKJV)
37 Zenan, Hadashah, Migdal Gad,
38 Dilean, Mizpah, Joktheel,
39 Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon,
40 Cabbon, Lahmas, Kithlish,
41 Gederoth, Beth Dagon, Naamah, and Makkedah: sixteen cities with their villages.

This group of verses continues listing the cities in Judah’s territory, specifically sixteen cities in the lowland area. Among these is Lachish, a city that later becomes significant as a fortified city in Israel’s history, particularly during the time of the kings. The listing of these cities highlights Judah's strategic importance in controlling key trade routes and agricultural areas.

Joshua 15:42-44 (NKJV)
42 Libnah, Ether, Ashan,
43 Jiphtah, Ashnah, Nezib,
44 Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah: nine cities with their villages.

These verses list nine more cities within the territory of Judah. Keilah is later mentioned in the life of David as a place where he sought refuge. These cities were part of Judah’s inheritance and indicate the vastness of their land, which included both agricultural areas and strongholds.

Joshua 15:45-47 (NKJV)
45 Ekron, with its towns and villages;
46 from Ekron to the sea, all that lay near Ashdod, with their villages;
47 Ashdod with its towns and villages, Gaza with its towns and villages—as far as the Brook of Egypt and the Great Sea with its coastline.

These verses describe the cities along Judah’s western boundary, including the key Philistine cities of Ekron, Ashdod, and Gaza. While these cities remained under Philistine control for much of Israel’s history, they were part of Judah’s allotted territory. The mention of these areas reflects their strategic coastal locations and the ongoing struggle between Judah and the Philistines for control.

Joshua 15:48-51 (NKJV)
48 And in the mountain country: Shamir, Jattir, Socoh,
49 Dannah, Kirjath Sannah (which is Debir),
50 Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim,
51 Goshen, Holon, and Giloh: eleven cities with their villages.

These verses shift to listing the cities in the mountainous regions of Judah’s territory. This region provided natural fortifications and was less fertile but strategically valuable. The mention of cities like Debir, which Caleb conquered earlier, highlights the continued importance of these cities in Judah’s inheritance. The eleven cities in this region show how Judah’s land extended from lowlands to the mountains.

Joshua 15:52-54 (NKJV)
52 Arab, Dumah, Eshean,
53 Janum, Beth Tappuah, Aphekah,
54 Humtah, Kirjath Arba (which is Hebron), and Zior: nine cities with their villages.

These verses continue the list of cities in the mountainous region, including Hebron (Kirjath Arba), which was given to Caleb as part of his inheritance. Hebron held great historical and religious significance as a city where the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were buried. This list of cities further demonstrates the vastness and diversity of Judah’s territory.

Joshua 15:55-57 (NKJV)
55 Maon, Carmel, Ziph, Juttah,
56 Jezreel, Jokdeam, Zanoah,
57 Kain, Gibeah, and Timnah: ten cities with their villages.

These verses list ten cities in the southern and mountain regions of Judah. Carmel, Maon, and Ziph are noteworthy as places where David fled from King Saul during his time as a fugitive. These cities were significant not only for their strategic value but also for their role in Israel’s future history, particularly in the life of David.

Joshua 15:58-59 (NKJV)
58 Halhul, Beth Zur, Gedor,
59 Maarath, Beth Anoth, and Eltekon: six cities with their villages.

These verses list six more cities within the mountainous region of Judah. Beth Zur is notable for its later fortifications during the time of the Maccabees. The mention of these cities indicates the extensive settlement in the highlands, where natural fortifications made them difficult to conquer.

Joshua 15:60 (NKJV)
60 Kirjath Baal (which is Kirjath Jearim) and Rabbah: two cities with their villages.

This verse lists Kirjath Baal, also known as Kirjath Jearim, a significant location in Israel’s history where the Ark of the Covenant was kept for a time. The inclusion of this city reflects its importance as a religious center and its association with Judah’s inheritance.

Joshua 15:61-62 (NKJV)
61 In the wilderness: Beth Arabah, Middin, Secacah,
62 Nibshan, the City of Salt, and En Gedi: six cities with their villages.

These verses describe the cities located in the wilderness, specifically near the Dead Sea region. En Gedi, known for its springs and caves, later becomes a refuge for David when he is fleeing from Saul. The City of Salt likely refers to a city near the Salt Sea (Dead Sea), reflecting the inhospitable but strategically valuable nature of this area.

Joshua 15:63 (NKJV)
63 As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.

The chapter concludes by noting that although Judah was allotted the city of Jerusalem, they could not drive out the Jebusites who inhabited it. The Jebusites remained in Jerusalem until David conquered the city centuries later, making it Israel’s capital. This verse highlights the challenges Judah faced in fully securing its inheritance.