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Commentary on Joshua 15 verses 20–63
20 ¶ This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.
21 And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,
22 And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,
23 And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,
24 Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth,
25 And Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, and Hezron, which is Hazor,
26 Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,
27 And Hazargaddah, and Heshmon, and Bethpalet,
28 And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,
29 Baalah, and Iim, and Azem,
30 And Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah,
31 And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,
32 And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:
33 And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,
34 And Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam,
35 Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,
36 And Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages:
37 Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdalgad,
38 And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,
39 Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon,
40 And Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kithlish,
41 And Gederoth, Bethdagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages:
42 Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,
43 And Jiphtah, and Ashnah, and Nezib,
44 And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:
45 Ekron, with her towns and her villages:
46 From Ekron even unto the sea, all that lay near Ashdod, with their villages:
47 Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border thereof:
48 And in the mountains, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,
49 And Dannah, and Kirjathsannah, which is Debir,
50 And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim,
51 And Goshen, and Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages:
52 Arab, and Dumah, and Eshean,
53 And Janum, and Bethtappuah, and Aphekah,
54 And Humtah, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages:
55 Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Juttah,
56 And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,
57 Cain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages:
58 Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor,
59 And Maarath, and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages:
60 Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages:
61 In the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah,
62 And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.
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 unto this day.
We have here a list of the several cities that fell within the lot of the tribe of Judah, which are mentioned by name, that they might know their own, and both keep it and keep to it, and might neither through cowardice nor sloth lose the possession of what was their own.
I. The cities are here named, and numbered in several classes, which they then could account for the reason of better than we can now. Here are, 1. Some that are said to be the uttermost cities towards the coast of Edom, Jos 15:21-32. Here are thirty-eight named, and yet said to be twenty-nine (Jos 15:32), because nine of these were afterwards transferred to the lot of Simeon, and are reckoned as belonging to that, as appears by comparing Jos 19:2, etc.; therefore those only are counted (though the rest are named) which remained to Judah. 2. Others that are said to be in the valley (Jos 15:33) are counted to be fourteen, yet fifteen are named; but it is probable that Gederah and Gederathaim were either two names or two parts of one and the same city. 3. Then sixteen are named without any head of distinction, Jos 15:37-41, and nine more, Jos 15:42-44. 4. Then the three Philistine-cities, Ekron, Ashdod, and Gaza, Jos 15:45-47. 5. Cities in the mountains, eleven in all (Jos 15:48-51), nine more (Jos 15:52-54), ten more (Jos 15:55-57), six more (Jos 15:58, Jos 15:59), then two (Jos 15:60), and six in the wilderness, a part of the country not so thick of inhabitants as some others were.
II. Now here, 1. We do not find Bethlehem, which was afterwards the city of David, and was ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. But that city, which at the best was but little among the thousands of Judah (Mic 5:2), except that it was thus dignified, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities, but perhaps was one of the villages not named. Christ came to give honour to the places he was related to, not to receive honour from them. 2. Jerusalem is said to continue in the hands of the Jebusites (Jos 15:63), for the children of Judah could not drive them out, through their sluggishness, stupidity, and unbelief. Had they attempted it with vigour and resolution, we have reason to think God would not have been wanting to them to give them success; but they could not do it, because they would not. Jerusalem was afterwards to be the holy city, the royal city, the city of the great King, the brightest ornament of all the land of Israel. God has designed it should be so. It may therefore be justly looked upon as a punishment of their neglect to conquer other cities which God had given them that they were so long kept out of this. 3. Among the cities of Judah (in all 114) we meet with Libnah, which in Joram's days revolted, and probably set up for a free independent state (Kg2 8:22), and Lachish, where king Amaziah was slain (Kg1 14:19); it led the dance in idolatry (Mic 1:13); it was the beginning of sin to the daughter of Zion. Giloh, Ahithophel's town, is here mentioned, and Tekoa, of which the prophet Amos was, and near which Jehoshaphat obtained that glorious victory, Ch2 20:20, etc., and Maresha, where Asa was a conqueror. Many of the cities of this tribe occur in the history of David's troubles. Adullam, Ziph, Keilah, Maon, Engedi, Ziklag, here reckoned in this tribe, were places near which David had most of his haunts; for, though sometimes Saul drove him out from the inheritance of the Lord, yet he kept as close to it as he could. The wilderness of Judah he frequented much, and in it John Baptist preached, and there the kingdom of heaven commenced, Mat 3:1. The riches of this country no doubt answered Jacob's blessing of this tribe, that he should wash his garments in wine, Gen 49:11. And, in general, Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise, not envy.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–63. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 15:22 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse within the meticulous geographical record of Judah's tribal inheritance. It enumerates three specific towns—Kinah, Dimonah, and Adadah—located in the southern region of Judah. This seemingly simple enumeration serves as a vital component of the biblical narrative, underscoring the precise and systematic fulfillment of God's ancient promises regarding the land inheritance for the tribes of Israel, thereby demonstrating divine faithfulness in the detailed establishment of His people in the Promised Land.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 15:22, like much of the surrounding chapter, primarily employs Enumeration and Topographical Listing. The verse is a straightforward list of place names, serving to catalog the cities within Judah's inheritance. This Enumeration is not merely a dry record but functions as a legal and theological document, providing irrefutable evidence of the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel regarding the land. The meticulous nature of this Topographical Listing also contributes to the overarching Fulfillment Narrative of the book of Joshua, demonstrating that every detail of God's covenant was brought to pass. The repetition of the conjunction "and" before each city name creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, emphasizing the comprehensive and exhaustive nature of the inventory, reinforcing the divine order and precision in the land's distribution.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:22, though a simple list of names, is deeply theological. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the precision of His promises. The meticulous cataloging of every city, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, underscores that God's covenant with Israel regarding the land was not a vague generality but a concrete, detailed reality. This attention to detail demonstrates God's sovereignty over all creation, His meticulous planning, and His unwavering commitment to His word. It reminds us that God's plans are comprehensive, extending even to the seemingly mundane geographical specifics, ensuring the complete establishment of His people within their divinely appointed inheritance.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list of names in Joshua 15:22 offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of intricate detail and unwavering faithfulness. Just as He meticulously ensured the precise fulfillment of His land promises to Israel, down to every town and boundary, so too does He oversee the details of our lives and His broader redemptive plan. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and comprehensive provision, even when our circumstances seem small or insignificant. It challenges us to recognize that every aspect of our lives, every "place" we inhabit, is part of His sovereign design, contributing to a larger narrative of His faithfulness. We are called to find assurance in the God who remembers every name and fulfills every promise, knowing that His meticulous care extends to every facet of our existence.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these lists of names so detailed and seemingly mundane in the Bible?
Answer: These detailed lists, like the one in Joshua 15:22, are far from mundane; they serve crucial theological and historical purposes. The meticulous enumeration of towns and boundaries functions as a legal and administrative record, providing concrete evidence of the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land inheritance. They demonstrate God's faithfulness and precision in delivering on His word, proving that the land was indeed divided and possessed exactly as He commanded, as outlined in Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution. Furthermore, these lists established tribal identities, prevented disputes over territory, and laid the foundation for the future governance and social structure of Israel. They underscore that God's plan is comprehensive, leaving no detail to chance, and that His promises are tangible realities, not abstract concepts.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:22 is a seemingly dry list of geographical names, it powerfully points to Christ through the overarching theme of promised inheritance and divine fulfillment. The physical land given to Judah foreshadows the spiritual inheritance secured for believers in Christ, an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven," as promised in 1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Kept in Heaven. The meticulous division of the land by lot, ensuring every tribe received its portion, prefigures the perfect and precise work of Christ, who, by His sacrifice, has secured an eternal dwelling place for all who believe, declaring, "In My Father's house are many rooms... I go to prepare a place for you," in John 14:2-3 - My Father's House. The faithfulness of God in fulfilling His ancient land promises to Israel finds its ultimate and most glorious expression in the person and work of Jesus, who is the "yes" and "amen" to all of God's promises, as affirmed in 2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ. Just as these towns were part of Judah's physical domain, so too are believers, through Christ, made part of God's spiritual kingdom, inheriting eternal life and a place in the new heavens and new earth, described vividly in Revelation 21:1-7 - The New Heaven and New Earth. The precision of God's Old Testament promises, down to the names of obscure towns, testifies to the absolute certainty of His New Testament promises, all of which are fulfilled in the Lamb of God.