Joshua 15:20

KJV

¶ This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the inheritance {H5159} of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} according to their families {H4940}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the descendants of Y'hudah, by clans.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Judah.

American Standard Version

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:20 serves as a definitive concluding statement for the meticulously detailed description of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. It formally declares that the extensive boundaries, cities, and features outlined in the preceding nineteen verses represent the divinely appointed and secured inheritance for the descendants of Judah, precisely distributed according to their various family divisions. This verse underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises, affirming the secure and permanent possession of the land for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15:20 is strategically placed at the end of the longest and most detailed chapter dedicated to a single tribal inheritance in the book of Joshua. Chapters 13-19 are dedicated to the precise allocation of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes, following the initial conquests. Specifically, [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah") provides an exhaustive account of Judah's boundaries, from the Dead Sea to the Mediterranean, and lists numerous cities and geographical markers. Verse 20 functions as a formal, almost legal, concluding declaration, signaling the completion of Judah's extensive territorial description before the narrative transitions to Caleb's specific inheritance within Judah's territory ([Joshua 15:13-19](/joshua/15-13-19 "Joshua 15:13-19 - Caleb's Inheritance")) and then to the allotments for the other tribes, beginning with the children of Joseph in [Joshua 16](/joshua/16 "Joshua 16 - The Inheritance of Ephraim and Manasseh"). This concluding formula emphasizes the finality and divine authority of the distribution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking their transition from nomadic wanderers to a settled nation. Land ownership was fundamental to identity, sustenance, and social structure in ancient Israel. The concept of "inheritance" (Hebrew: _naḥalah_) was not merely about property but represented a divinely bestowed, inalienable possession, often tied to tribal and family lineage. The land was considered a gift from God, a fulfillment of the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"); [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). The meticulous recording of boundaries and cities, as seen in [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah"), reflects the legal and administrative practices of the time, ensuring clear demarcation and preventing future disputes. The distribution "according to their families" highlights the importance of the patriarchal family unit as the foundational social and economic entity within the tribal structure, ensuring equitable and orderly possession.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to fulfilling His ancient promises to the patriarchs that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"); [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). The detailed nature of the land division in [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah") exemplifies God's precision and reliability. Secondly, the theme of **Tribal Inheritance** is central, establishing the permanent dwelling places for each tribe and solidifying their identity within the nation of Israel. For Judah, this inheritance was particularly significant, setting the stage for its future prominence and the fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy concerning its royal lineage ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah")). Lastly, the systematic recording of boundaries and cities highlights the **Order and Structure** inherent in God's work and the careful administration by Joshua and Eleazar. This was not a chaotic distribution but a divinely guided process, ensuring peace and stability for the fledgling nation, as promised in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Fulfillment of Promises").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _nachălâh'_):** From H5159, this term signifies something inherited, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, or portion. More than mere property, in the biblical context, _nachălâh_ refers to a divinely allotted portion, often with a strong emphasis on its covenantal basis and its character as a gift from God. It denotes a permanent, inalienable possession passed down through generations, representing a physical manifestation of God's faithfulness to His promises. For Israel, the land was their _nachălâh_, symbolizing their covenant relationship with Yahweh and their identity as His chosen people, received as a gracious gift rather than something earned.
* **Tribe (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** From H4294, literally meaning "branch" or "rod," _maṭṭeh_ came to signify a tribal division, reflecting the idea of a distinct branch or lineage. In ancient Israel, the tribe was the primary social, political, and military unit. The land was divided by tribe, and then further subdivided by family, ensuring that each tribal identity was maintained and that the land remained within its designated lineage, preventing its permanent transfer out of the tribe (cf. [Numbers 36:7](/numbers/36-7 "Numbers 36:7 - Inheritance Laws")).
* **Families (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** From H4940, this term denotes a circle of relatives, a clan, or an extended family unit, which was a fundamental subdivision of a tribe. The distribution of land "according to their families" underscores the meticulous and equitable nature of the allotment process. It ensured that the land was not merely given to the tribe as a whole, but specifically apportioned to the various clans and households within that tribe, reflecting a highly organized and divinely ordained system of land tenure that was foundational to Israelite society and economy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the inheritance":** This opening phrase functions as a formal declaration, signaling the conclusion of the preceding detailed description of Judah's territory. "This" refers collectively to the entire geographical and urban enumeration found in [Joshua 15:1-19](/joshua/15-1-19 "Joshua 15:1-19 - Judah's Boundaries and Cities"). The term "inheritance" (Hebrew: _nachălâh_) emphasizes that this possession is not merely a conquest but a divinely bestowed and secured portion, a fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants. It underscores the theological truth that the land was a gift from Yahweh, not something earned or seized by human might alone.
* **"of the tribe of the children of Judah":** This specifies the recipient of the inheritance, highlighting Judah's unique identity and prominence among the twelve tribes. Judah was the largest and most influential tribe, destined for future leadership and from whom the Messiah would descend ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah")). The phrase "children of Judah" emphasizes the generational continuity and the fulfillment of God's promises to a specific lineage. It also reinforces the idea that the land was for the entire collective of Judah's descendants, ensuring their future as a distinct and powerful tribal entity within Israel.
* **"according to their families":** This final clause details the precise method and principle of distribution within the tribe. It signifies that the larger tribal inheritance was further subdivided and allocated to the various clans and households (Hebrew: _mishpâchâh_) within Judah. This meticulous division ensured fairness, order, and the preservation of family lineages and property rights. It also reflects the highly structured nature of Israelite society, where the family unit was foundational, and land ownership was tied directly to one's ancestral line, preventing the permanent alienation of land from its original family.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 15:20, though brief, employs several literary devices to emphasize its significance. The most prominent is **Formulaic Language**, common in legal and administrative texts of the ancient Near East. The phrase "This is the inheritance of..." serves as a closing formula, providing a sense of finality and official declaration, akin to a legal stamp of approval. This formula is repeated for other tribes, reinforcing the systematic and authoritative nature of the land distribution. There is also an element of **Emphasis** through summation; by explicitly stating "This is the inheritance," the verse draws attention to the preceding detailed inventory, highlighting its importance and the divine precision behind it. Finally, the verse contributes to the overall **Structure** of the book of Joshua, acting as a clear demarcation point within the land allocation narrative, signaling the completion of one major section before moving to the next.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:20, in its affirmation of Judah's secure inheritance, powerfully resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The meticulous detail of the land division underscores that God's promises are not vague or general, but concrete and precise, fulfilled in tangible ways. This earthly inheritance serves as a profound type and shadow of the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. Just as the land provided security, identity, and a place of rest for Israel, so too does our spiritual inheritance in Christ provide ultimate security, a new identity as children of God, and the promise of eternal rest. It reminds us that God is a God of order, provision, and unwavering commitment, who meticulously works out His purposes for His people, both corporally and individually.

* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8-10 "Hebrews 11:8-10 - Abraham's Faith and the Promised Land")
* [1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope and Imperishable Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 15:20, while seemingly a dry administrative verse, carries profound spiritual weight for believers today. It stands as a testament to God's meticulous faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to His promises. Just as He precisely fulfilled His word to Judah, providing them with a secure and defined inheritance, we can trust that He will fulfill every promise He has made to us in Christ. This verse invites us to find our security not in earthly possessions or fleeting circumstances, but in the unshakeable reality of our spiritual inheritance in Him. It encourages us to live with the confidence that God, who cares about the minute details of ancient land boundaries, also cares about the intricate details of our lives, providing for our every need and guiding us to our ultimate, eternal inheritance. Our identity is rooted in Him, and our future is secured by His sovereign hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of God's land distribution to Judah encourage your trust in His detailed care for your own life?**
* **In what ways does the concept of a secure, divinely appointed "inheritance" in Joshua 15:20 parallel or foreshadow your spiritual inheritance in Christ?**
* **How might understanding God's faithfulness in fulfilling ancient promises (like the land for Judah) strengthen your faith in His future promises, such as His return or eternal life?**

### FAQ
**Why is Judah's inheritance described in such extensive detail compared to other tribes?**

Answer: Judah's inheritance is indeed the most extensively detailed in [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah"), occupying nearly an entire chapter. This emphasis reflects Judah's unique and pivotal role in Israel's history and future. Judah was the largest and most populous tribe, requiring a larger and more complex territory. More significantly, Judah was prophesied by Jacob to be the tribe from which the royal line and the Messiah would come ([Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy for Judah")). The detailed description underscores the importance of this tribe's secure establishment in the land, foreshadowing its future prominence as the royal tribe and the lineage of Jesus Christ. The meticulous record also serves as a legal document, ensuring the validity and permanence of this crucial allotment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly inheritance of the tribe of Judah, meticulously detailed and formally concluded in Joshua 15:20, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Promised Land, a tangible expression of God's faithfulness and a place of rest for His people, serves as a powerful type of the spiritual inheritance believers receive through Christ. Just as Judah received a secure, divinely allotted portion, so too, in Christ, do we receive an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Jesus, as the true Son of David from the tribe of Judah, is not merely the one who grants the inheritance; He *is* the inheritance itself. Through His atoning work, He has secured for us not just a physical land, but eternal life, reconciliation with God, and a place in God's eternal kingdom ([Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Sharing in the Inheritance of the Saints"); [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing")). The rest Israel found in the land ultimately points to the greater, eternal rest we find in Christ, who is our true "Promised Land," offering perfect peace and a secure dwelling place in God's presence forever ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8-10 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Rest")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, securing for us an inheritance far greater than any earthly territory, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where God dwells with His people ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

Genesis 49:8

¶ Judah, thou [art he] whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand [shall be] in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

Genesis 49:12

His eyes [shall be] red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.

Deuteronomy 33:7

And this [is the blessing] of Judah: and he said, Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah, and bring him unto his people: let his hands be sufficient for him; and be thou an help [to him] from his enemies.