Joshua 15:25

KJV

And Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, [and] Hezron, which [is] Hazor,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hazor {H2674}, Hadattah {H2675}, and Kerioth {H7152}, and Hezron {H2696}, which is Hazor {H2674},

Complete Jewish Bible

Hatzor, Hadatah, K'riot, Hetzron (which is Hatzor),

Berean Standard Bible

Hazor-hadattah, Kerioth-hezron (that is, Hazor),

American Standard Version

and Hazor-hadattah, and Kerioth-hezron (the same is Hazor),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:25 is a precise geographical entry within the extensive tribal allotments for Judah, specifically listing three cities—Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth—followed by a clarifying note, "and Hezron, which is Hazor." This verse, seemingly a mere catalog entry, underscores the meticulous fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Israel regarding their inheritance of the land, highlighting divine faithfulness and order in the detailed distribution of territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15:25 is situated within the lengthy and detailed account of the land division among the Israelite tribes, specifically focusing on the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15). Chapters 13-21 of the book of Joshua are dedicated to this meticulous distribution, following the conquest narratives. This particular verse is part of a list of cities in the southern district of Judah, a section that meticulously defines the boundaries and urban centers within Judah's vast inheritance. The repetitive nature of these lists emphasizes the legal and theological significance of the land's apportionment, serving as a permanent record of God's covenant faithfulness and Israel's secure possession.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land occurred after the major military campaigns against the Canaanites, marking a transition from nomadic existence and conquest to settled life. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, land ownership and inheritance were paramount, defining identity, security, and prosperity. Detailed land registers, like those found in Joshua, were common in the ancient world to establish legal claims and prevent disputes. The specific naming of cities like Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, along with their precise locations within Judah's inheritance, reflects the administrative and legal practices of the time, ensuring that each tribe received its divinely appointed portion. The clarification "Hezron, which is Hazor" suggests a need to distinguish this particular Hazor from other places with the same name, or to identify a specific relationship between two named locations, a common practice in ancient geographical descriptions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the entire chapter, powerfully illustrates several core themes. Foremost is **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**, as God meticulously delivers on His ancient promises to Abraham regarding the land inheritance for his descendants, as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham") and [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - Covenant with Abraham"). The detailed lists demonstrate God's precise and unwavering commitment. Another theme is **Order and Precision**, reflecting God's character in the systematic and non-haphazard distribution of the land, ensuring each tribe's specific portion and preventing future territorial conflicts. Finally, the act of naming and listing these cities signifies **Possession and Inheritance**, marking Israel's transition from a wandering people to a nation firmly rooted in their divinely appointed land, a tangible manifestation of their covenant relationship with God. This meticulous accounting underscores the reality of their new status as inheritors of the land of promise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hazor (Hebrew, חָצוֹר, _Ḥatsor_):** Meaning "enclosure" or "fortress," Hazor was a common place name in ancient Israel, indicating a fortified settlement. The specific mention of this Hazor within Judah's territory in Joshua 15:25 is crucial to distinguish it from the more famous and powerful northern Canaanite city of Hazor, which was a major regional power conquered and burned by Joshua as recounted in [Joshua 11:1-11](/joshua/11-1 "Joshua 11:1-11 - Conquest of Northern Hazor"). The presence of multiple places with the same name necessitated clarifying remarks like the one found in this verse.
* **Kerioth (Hebrew, קְרִיּוֹת, _Qeriyyoth_):** This name literally means "cities" or "towns" (plural of _qiryah_). As such, it often appeared as a component of place names or referred to a cluster of settlements rather than a single distinct city. Its inclusion here suggests a significant settlement or group of settlements within Judah's inheritance, possibly indicating a region with multiple urban centers.
* **Hezron (Hebrew, חֶצְרוֹן, _Ḥeṣrôn_):** Meaning "enclosure" or "village," Hezron is also found as a personal name (e.g., [Genesis 46:9](/genesis/46-9 "Genesis 46:9 - Hezron, Son of Reuben")). The phrase "which is Hazor" after Hezron in this verse is a critical geographical clarification. It likely indicates that Hezron was either an alternative name for this particular Hazor in Judah, a district or area associated with it, or a satellite settlement so closely tied to Hazor that it was considered part of it. This clarification was essential for precise mapping and legal definition of tribal boundaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth":** This initial phrase lists three distinct cities or settlements that were part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. These names contribute to the exhaustive catalog of towns within Judah's territory, emphasizing the meticulous detail with which the land was divided. The inclusion of these names serves as a legal and historical record of the tribe's allocated possession.
* **"[and] Hezron, which [is] Hazor":** This concluding clause provides a vital clarification regarding the identity of Hezron. The construction "which is Hazor" (or "this is Hazor") indicates an identification or close association. It suggests that Hezron was either another name for the same Hazor previously mentioned in the verse, or that Hezron was a specific locality or district that was synonymous with or encompassed this particular Hazor in Judah. This type of parenthetical clarification was common in ancient geographical texts to avoid ambiguity, especially given the recurrence of place names.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 15:25, and indeed throughout much of Joshua 15, is **Catalog** or **List**. The entire chapter is a meticulous enumeration of cities and boundaries, serving as a detailed record of Judah's inheritance. This extensive listing, while seemingly dry, functions to underscore the divine precision and the tangible fulfillment of God's promises. Furthermore, the phrase "Hezron, which is Hazor" employs a form of **Clarification** or **Identification**, a specific type of **Repetition** that serves to remove ambiguity. This precise naming and cross-referencing highlights the meticulousness of the land division, reflecting the divine order and the legalistic nature of the covenant fulfillment. The sheer detail also contributes to the overall sense of **Verisimilitude**, lending credibility and historical weight to the narrative of Israel's settlement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:25, though a seemingly minor detail in a long list, profoundly testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous care in fulfilling His covenant promises. The precise naming of cities and the careful demarcation of boundaries demonstrate that God's word is not vague or abstract, but concrete and actionable. What He promised to Abraham generations prior—a land for his descendants—is now being meticulously delivered, down to individual towns and their identifying characteristics. This detailed fulfillment assures us that God is faithful in every promise, great or small, and that His plans are executed with divine order and precision. The inheritance of a physical land for Israel foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ, a secure and certain possession in God's kingdom.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")
* [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Joshua 15:25 might appear as a mere geographical footnote, its inclusion within the biblical narrative offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of detail and precision, who meticulously fulfills His promises. Just as He ensured every tribe received its specific, divinely appointed inheritance, He works with intentionality in our lives, orchestrating circumstances and fulfilling His purposes with perfect timing and accuracy. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when the details seem mundane or the path unclear. Our spiritual inheritance in Christ is as real and secure as Judah's physical inheritance, guaranteed by God's faithfulness. This should inspire confidence and gratitude, knowing that our position in His kingdom is not accidental but divinely ordained and meticulously secured.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the land division encourage your trust in His plans for your own life?**
* **In what ways can you see God's faithfulness at work in your life, even in seemingly small or overlooked details?**
* **How does understanding Israel's physical inheritance help you appreciate your spiritual inheritance in Christ?**
* **What specific promises of God are you currently waiting for Him to fulfill, and how can this verse strengthen your patience and faith?**

### FAQ

**Why are there so many lists of names and places in Joshua?**

Answer: The extensive lists of names and places in the book of Joshua, particularly in chapters 13-21, serve several crucial purposes. First, they provide a legal and administrative record of the land's division, establishing the boundaries and specific cities allotted to each of the twelve tribes of Israel. This meticulous detail functioned as a deed of ownership, preventing future disputes over territory. Second, these lists powerfully demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, as recorded in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham") and [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - Covenant with Abraham"), that they would inherit the land of Canaan. The very existence of these detailed records underscores that God's word is precise and trustworthy, leaving no doubt that His promises are tangibly fulfilled. Third, they highlight the orderly nature of God, who orchestrates the settlement with divine precision, ensuring that each tribe receives its designated portion.

**Is the Hazor mentioned in Joshua 15:25 the same as the famous Hazor conquered by Joshua in the north?**

Answer: No, the Hazor mentioned in Joshua 15:25, located within the territory of Judah, is not the same as the prominent northern Canaanite city of Hazor that Joshua conquered and burned, as described in [Joshua 11:1-11](/joshua/11-1 "Joshua 11:1-11 - Conquest of Northern Hazor"). The name "Hazor" (meaning "enclosure" or "fortress") was a common place name in ancient Israel and the wider Near East due to its descriptive nature. The biblical text often includes clarifying phrases, such as "Hezron, which is Hazor" in this verse, precisely to distinguish between similarly named locations and ensure geographical accuracy within the tribal allotments. This particular Hazor was a city in the southern part of Judah's inheritance, distinct from the major northern stronghold.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:25 details a physical inheritance, it points forward to the ultimate spiritual inheritance secured and bestowed by Jesus Christ. Just as God meticulously fulfilled His promise of land to Israel, down to the naming of individual cities, so too has He meticulously fulfilled His promises of salvation and eternal life through His Son. Christ is the true and ultimate inheritor of all things, and in Him, believers become co-heirs with Him, receiving 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")). The precise boundaries and secure possession granted to Judah prefigure the secure and defined position believers have in God's kingdom, not through conquest of land, but through the atoning sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Our spiritual inheritance includes not just future glory but also present blessings and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as a "guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it" ([Ephesians 1:14](/ephesians/1-14 "Ephesians 1:14 - The Holy Spirit as a Guarantee")). Thus, the meticulous detail of Joshua 15:25 serves as a testament to God's faithfulness, a faithfulness fully realized and eternally secured in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who grants us an inheritance far richer and more enduring than any earthly possession.

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.