Joshua 15:11

KJV

And the border went out unto the side of Ekron northward: and the border was drawn to Shicron, and passed along to mount Baalah, and went out unto Jabneel; and the goings out of the border were at the sea.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the border {H1366} went out {H3318} unto the side {H3802} of Ekron {H6138} northward {H6828}: and the border {H1366} was drawn {H8388} to Shicron {H7942}, and passed along {H5674} to mount {H2022} Baalah {H1173}, and went out {H3318} unto Jabneel {H2995}; and the goings out {H8444} of the border {H1366} were at the sea {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next the border went out toward the side of 'Ekron northward; and finally, the border was drawn to Shikron, passed Mount Ba'alah, and went out at Yavne'el, with the border ending at the sea.

Berean Standard Bible

Then it went out to the northern slope of Ekron, curved toward Shikkeron, proceeded to Mount Baalah, went on to Jabneel, and ended at the Sea.

American Standard Version

and the border went out unto the side of Ekron northward; and the border extended to Shikkeron, and passed along to mount Baalah, and went out at Jabneel; and the goings out of the border were at the sea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:11 meticulously details a segment of the northern boundary of the tribal allotment for Judah, specifically tracing its course from Ekron northward, through Shicron, past Mount Baalah, and Jabneel, ultimately terminating at the Mediterranean Sea. This verse, embedded within a comprehensive geographical survey, underscores the precise fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel, establishing the legal and administrative limits of Judah's divinely ordained inheritance in the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15:11 is situated within the extensive section of the book of Joshua (chapters 13-19) that meticulously describes the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. This particular chapter, Joshua 15, is dedicated entirely to the vast and strategically important inheritance of the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent tribe. The preceding verses (Joshua 15:1-10) outline Judah's southern, eastern, and a portion of its northern borders, while Joshua 15:11 continues this geographical precision, detailing a specific segment of the northern frontier. The meticulous listing of towns, mountains, and natural features throughout this chapter emphasizes the legal and administrative precision with which the land was allocated, ensuring clear boundaries and minimizing future disputes among the tribes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the successful campaigns of conquest under Joshua, the division of the land marked a crucial transition from a nomadic, warring people to a settled nation. Land ownership was fundamental to Israelite identity, economic stability, and adherence to the covenant. The allocation was not arbitrary but was carried out by lot, as explicitly commanded by God through Moses (e.g., [Numbers 26:55-56](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55-56 - Division by Lot")). This method underscored the divine hand in the distribution, affirming that the land was a gift from Yahweh. The mention of Ekron, one of the five principal Philistine cities, is particularly significant. Its inclusion as a boundary marker highlights the geopolitical realities of the time: Judah's inheritance bordered, and sometimes overlapped with, the territory of powerful, often hostile, indigenous peoples like the Philistines, foreshadowing ongoing conflicts that would characterize Israel's history for centuries.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the broader narrative of land distribution, powerfully illustrates several core themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His ancient covenant promises made to Abraham regarding the land (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abram")). The precise demarcation of boundaries is tangible proof of God's word being brought to pass. Secondly, it emphasizes **Order and Specificity**, showcasing the divine precision and meticulousness in establishing the new nation's territorial foundation. Every landmark and border point was carefully noted, reflecting a divinely ordained order. Thirdly, the concept of **Inheritance and Possession** is central; the land was not merely conquered but was granted as a permanent, inalienable possession to God's people, securing their identity and future. Finally, the geopolitical reality, particularly the proximity to Philistine strongholds like Ekron, introduces the theme of **Ongoing Challenge and Incomplete Conquest**, reminding the reader that while the land was granted, its full possession often required sustained effort and faithfulness, as seen in later struggles (e.g., [Judges 1:19](/judges/1-19 "Judges 1:19 - Judah's Partial Conquest")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Border (Hebrew, _gevul'_):** This term (גְּבוּל) appears frequently in the land distribution chapters of Joshua and Numbers. It refers to a fixed, defined boundary, limit, or territory. Its repeated use emphasizes the legal and permanent nature of the tribal allotments, establishing clear demarcations that were divinely ordained and legally binding. The concept of "gevul" was crucial for tribal identity, land ownership, and preventing disputes.
* **Went out (Hebrew, _yatza'_); Goings out (Hebrew, _totza'ot'_):** The verb "went out" (יָצָא) and the noun "goings out" (תּוֹצְאוֹת) are used to describe the extension, direction, and ultimate terminus points of the border. "Yatza" indicates movement or progression, while "totza'ot" specifically refers to the "outgoings" or "terminations" of a boundary, particularly where it meets a natural feature like the sea. Their usage here signifies the comprehensive and surveyed nature of the border, tracing its path from specific inland points to its final, natural conclusion at the Mediterranean Sea.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the border went out unto the side of Ekron northward":** This clause establishes a key starting or reference point for this segment of Judah's northern boundary. Ekron was one of the five major Philistine cities, located strategically in the Shephelah (lowlands). Its mention indicates that Judah's northern border extended to the vicinity of this powerful, non-Israelite city, specifically to its northern side, highlighting the proximity and future contention with Philistine territory.
* **"and the border was drawn to Shicron":** From the area of Ekron, the boundary line is described as being "drawn" or extended to Shicron. Shicron (also spelled Shikkeron) was likely an intermediate landmark, a town or geographical feature that served as a specific point along the defined border, further detailing the precise course.
* **"and passed along to mount Baalah":** The border then continues its trajectory, passing by or over Mount Baalah. This would have been a significant geographical feature, likely a prominent hill or mountain, serving as another clear and recognizable marker in the landscape for the boundary line. The name "Baalah" might suggest a former association with Baal worship, common in Canaanite religion, though here it functions purely as a geographical identifier.
* **"and went out unto Jabneel":** Following Mount Baalah, the border extends to Jabneel. Jabneel (also known as Jabneh or Jamnia in later periods) was a significant coastal town. Its inclusion indicates the border's progression westward towards the Mediterranean coast.
* **"and the goings out of the border were at the sea":** This final clause definitively states the western terminus of this segment of Judah's northern border. "The sea" refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which formed the natural western boundary for much of the Israelite territory. The phrase "goings out" emphasizes that this was the absolute end point of the surveyed line, providing a clear and unmistakable natural boundary for Judah's inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 15:11, like much of the land allocation narrative, primarily employs **Cataloging** or **Listing**, meticulously enumerating geographical points and landmarks to delineate precise boundaries. This serves to underscore the **Geographical Precision** and detailed nature of the divine command and its fulfillment. The **Repetition** of terms like "border" and phrases indicating movement ("went out," "passed along," "goings out") reinforces the continuous and surveyed nature of the boundary line. While seemingly dry, this detailed enumeration carries **Symbolism** of divine order, faithfulness, and the secure, defined inheritance God provides for His people. The inclusion of a Philistine city like Ekron also subtly introduces **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future conflicts and challenges Israel would face in fully possessing their land and dealing with hostile neighbors.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:11, though a seemingly mundane geographical description, serves as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises. The precise demarcation of Judah's border, down to specific towns and natural features, illustrates that God's word is not vague but concrete and dependable. This divine precision in land allocation mirrors the divine order in creation and redemption, assuring us that God's plans are always purposeful and exact. The land was not merely conquered by human might but was a divinely gifted inheritance, a tangible expression of God's grace and provision for His people. Furthermore, the mention of Ekron, a Philistine city, within Judah's boundary highlights the reality that even within God's promised inheritance, His people would encounter challenges and the presence of unredeemed elements, necessitating ongoing vigilance and faithfulness.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abram Regarding the Land")
* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34:1-12 - God's Instructions for Israel's Borders")
* [Psalm 16:6](/psalms/16-6 "Psalm 16:6 - The Pleasant Lines of Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed geographical descriptions in Joshua, including Joshua 15:11, might initially seem distant from modern life, yet they offer profound spiritual lessons. Just as God meticulously defined and delivered a physical inheritance to Israel, He has provided a spiritual inheritance for believers in Christ—an inheritance that is equally real, secure, and precisely defined by His grace. This reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and faithfulness, meticulously working out His purposes in our lives. We can trust that His promises, whether of salvation, provision, or eternal life, are as sure and certain as the boundaries He established for Judah. Furthermore, the presence of Ekron on Judah's border serves as a powerful metaphor: even within our spiritual inheritance, we often find ourselves bordering areas of spiritual conflict or temptation. This calls us to be mindful of our spiritual boundaries, to stand firm in the truth of God's Word, and to resist the encroaching influences of the world, maintaining the purity and integrity of the inheritance we have received in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Judah's border in Joshua 15:11 strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness to His promises in your own life?**
* **In what ways can understanding our "spiritual inheritance" in Christ provide a sense of security and identity, similar to how the land provided for Judah?**
* **What "Ekrons" or areas of spiritual challenge might be bordering your spiritual "territory" today, and how can you maintain your spiritual boundaries against them?**

### FAQ

**Why are these geographical details so important in the book of Joshua?**

Answer: The meticulous geographical details in Joshua are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they serve as legal and administrative documentation, establishing clear, divinely ordained boundaries for each tribe's inheritance. This precision was vital for preventing disputes over land, which was the primary source of wealth and identity in ancient Israel. Secondly, these details underscore God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham that his descendants would possess the land (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram")). The specific mapping of the land demonstrates that God's word is concrete and reliable, not abstract. Thirdly, the geographical descriptions provide historical authenticity, rooting the narrative in a real, verifiable world, affirming the historical reality of Israel's settlement. Finally, they highlight the divine order and meticulousness in God's dealings with His people, showing that His plans are purposeful and precise.

**What is the significance of Ekron being mentioned as a border point for Judah?**

Answer: The mention of Ekron, one of the five major Philistine cities, as a border point for Judah in Joshua 15:11 is highly significant. It highlights the geopolitical reality that while God granted the land to Israel, they would still share borders with, and often contend with, powerful indigenous peoples who were not fully dispossessed. Ekron's strategic location meant that Judah's inheritance extended right up to, and in some interpretations, included the territory of, a major Philistine stronghold. This foreshadows the ongoing conflicts between Israel and the Philistines that would dominate much of the period of the Judges and early Monarchy (e.g., [Judges 1:19](/judges/1-19 "Judges 1:19 - Judah's Incomplete Conquest") and the narratives in [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of Samuel and Saul")). It serves as a reminder that even with divine promises, the full realization of the inheritance often involved human effort, faithfulness, and ongoing struggle against spiritual and physical adversaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:11 meticulously details a physical boundary for an earthly inheritance, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment points us to the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Jesus Christ. Just as Judah's land was a gift from God, secured by divine promise and precision, our salvation and spiritual blessings are a gift of grace, secured by the finished work of Christ. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, the true "land" or inheritance given to His people. Through Him, we are granted an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Heavenly Inheritance")). Our "borders" are now defined by our union with Christ, where we are "blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The meticulous detail of Judah's border foreshadows the absolute certainty and security of our spiritual possession in Christ, a possession not subject to human conflict or geographical limitations. Furthermore, just as Ekron bordered Judah's land, reminding them of ongoing spiritual battles, believers in Christ are called to navigate a world still influenced by spiritual adversaries, yet we do so with the assurance that our ultimate inheritance in the Kingdom of God is secured by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and has triumphed over all powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 1:16

And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron, [is it] not because [there is] no God in Israel to enquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.

1 Samuel 7:14

And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.

1 Samuel 5:10

Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to slay us and our people.

Joshua 15:45

Ekron, with her towns and her villages:

2 Kings 1:2

And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that [was] in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.

2 Kings 1:3

But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, [Is it] not because [there is] not a God in Israel, [that] ye go to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron?

Joshua 19:43

And Elon, and Thimnathah, and Ekron,