Joshua 15:10

And the border compassed from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto the side of mount Jearim, which [is] Chesalon, on the north side, and went down to Bethshemesh, and passed on to Timnah:

And the border {H1366} compassed {H5437} from Baalah {H1173} westward {H3220} unto mount {H2022} Seir {H8165}, and passed {H5674} along unto the side {H3802} of mount {H2022} Jearim {H3297}, which is Chesalon {H3693}, on the north side {H6828}, and went down {H3381} to Bethshemesh {H1053}, and passed on {H5674} to Timnah {H8553}:

Then the border turned from Ba'al westward to Mount Se'ir, passed the spur of Mount Ye'arim (also called K'salon) on the north, went down to Beit-Shemesh and passed Timnah.

The border curled westward from Baalah to Mount Seir, ran along the northern slope of Mount Jearim (that is, Chesalon), went down to Beth-shemesh, and crossed to Timnah.

and the border turned about from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto the side of mount Jearim on the north (the same is Chesalon), and went down to Beth-shemesh, and passed along by Timnah;

Commentary

Joshua 15:10 continues the meticulous description of the territorial boundaries allotted to the tribe of Judah following the conquest of Canaan. This verse traces a specific segment of Judah's northern border, moving from west to east through key geographical landmarks, illustrating the precise fulfillment of God's promises.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Book of Joshua details the division of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel, a crucial step in fulfilling God's covenant promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18). This detailed border description was vital for establishing tribal identity, legal ownership, and preventing future disputes over territory. The accuracy of these descriptions allowed for precise demarcation of inheritances, as seen throughout Joshua chapters 14-19.

  • Baalah: Also known as Kirjath-jearim, this site was a significant town in Judah, particularly known as the place where the Ark of the Covenant rested for many years before being moved to Jerusalem (1 Samuel 7:1-2).
  • Mount Seir: This is a distinct peak within Judah's territory, not to be confused with the larger region of Mount Seir associated with Edom.
  • Mount Jearim (Chesalon): A prominent forested hill, confirming the precise geographical knowledge of the ancient Israelites.
  • Bethshemesh: Meaning "house of the sun," this city was likely a former Canaanite cultic site, now incorporated into Israel's inheritance. It later became famous as the location where the Philistines returned the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 6:12).
  • Timnah: A city often associated with the Philistines, it plays a role in the narrative of Samson (Judges 14:1-5). Its inclusion here shows the border's proximity to Philistine territory.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Faithfulness: The meticulous detail of the land division underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. Every boundary stone, every landmark, testifies to His commitment.
  • Order and Precision: God is a God of order, not chaos. The precise delineation of borders ensured justice, peace, and stability within the tribal society, preventing disputes over land.
  • Inheritance and Possession: This verse highlights the concept of a tangible inheritance, a promised land given by God. It speaks to the blessing of possession and the importance of knowing one's allotted portion.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb translated "compassed" (Χ‘ΦΈΧ‘Φ·Χ‘ - savav) literally means "to turn around," "to encircle," or "to go about." It vividly conveys the winding nature of the border as it follows the natural contours of the land, moving from one landmark to the next. The specific place names, while not always having direct thematic significance in this verse, root the narrative firmly in the geography of ancient Israel, making the account historically verifiable.

Practical Application

While describing an ancient land boundary, Joshua 15:10 offers timeless principles. It reminds us that God is attentive to details, faithfully fulfilling His promises, and establishing order in our lives. Just as He provided a specific inheritance for Judah, He provides for us, both physically and spiritually. We are called to live within the "boundaries" He sets for us, finding security and purpose in His divine plan. This physical inheritance also foreshadows the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ, which is likewise precise and assured.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 14:1

    ΒΆ And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines.

  • Genesis 38:12

    ΒΆ And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite.

  • Genesis 38:13

    And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep.

  • Joshua 15:57

    Cain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages:

  • 1 Samuel 6:12

    And the kine took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, [and] went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside [to] the right hand or [to] the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them unto the border of Bethshemesh.

  • 1 Samuel 6:21

    And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, [and] fetch it up to you.

  • Judges 14:5

    Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him.
← Back