Joshua 15:26

KJV

Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,

KJV (with Strong's)

Amam {H538}, and Shema {H8090}, and Moladah {H4137},

Complete Jewish Bible

Amam, Sh'ma, Moladah,

Berean Standard Bible

Amam, Shema, Moladah,

American Standard Version

Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:26 meticulously lists Amam, Shema, and Moladah as towns within the vast inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah. This verse is part of a comprehensive geographical survey in Joshua 15:21-63, which details the cities and boundaries belonging to Judah in the Promised Land. It serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Israel by providing them with a tangible, precisely defined inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15:26 is situated within the latter half of the Book of Joshua, which transitions from the military conquest of Canaan (Joshua 1-12) to the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel (Joshua 13-21). Specifically, chapter 15 is dedicated entirely to the allotment for the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent tribe. The chapter meticulously details Judah's boundaries and lists numerous cities within its territory, organized by geographical regions (e.g., the Negeb, the Shephelah, the hill country). The inclusion of specific towns like Amam, Shema, and Moladah underscores the thoroughness and precision of this divine distribution, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise to provide a permanent dwelling place for His people. This detailed cataloging ensures clarity regarding tribal claims and establishes the legal basis for their habitation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the successful campaigns led by Joshua, the Israelites were transitioning from a nomadic, conquering force to a settled nation. The division of the land was a crucial step in establishing their national identity and fulfilling the covenant promises made to [Abraham regarding the land of Canaan](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, land ownership was central to identity, status, and economic stability. The meticulous surveys, often involving the casting of lots as seen in [Joshua 14:1-2](/joshua/14-1 "Joshua 14:1-2 - Division of Land by Lot"), were not merely bureaucratic exercises but divinely sanctioned acts that prevented future disputes among the tribes and ensured that each family and clan received their designated portion. The naming of specific towns, even seemingly minor ones, provided concrete proof of the land's transfer and possession, solidifying Israel's claim to the territory.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of towns like Amam, Shema, and Moladah in Joshua 15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. First, it powerfully demonstrates **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**. Every named town, no matter how small, is tangible evidence that God is true to His word, having delivered on His ancient promise to give the land to the descendants of Jacob (cf. [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). Second, it highlights God's commitment to **Order and Specificity**. The division of the land was not haphazard but a carefully orchestrated act, reflecting divine precision and foresight, ensuring each tribe received its designated portion and establishing a stable society. This meticulousness underscores God's sovereignty over every detail. Third, the passage emphasizes the critical concept of **Inheritance**. For the Israelites, the land was their physical inheritance, a place of rest and blessing after generations of wandering and warfare. This physical inheritance foreshadows the greater spiritual inheritance that believers have in Christ, a theme developed extensively in the New Testament (e.g., [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Amam (Hebrew, _'amam'_):** This town name appears only once in the biblical text, here in Joshua 15:26. While its precise etymology is debated, some scholars suggest a connection to the Hebrew root אָמַם (_'amam_), which can relate to "mother" or "people," possibly indicating a significant place of origin or community. Its inclusion underscores the comprehensive nature of Judah's inheritance, extending even to less prominent localities.
* **Shema (Hebrew, _shema'_):** This name is also listed uniquely as a town in this context. The Hebrew root שָׁמַע (_shama'_) means "to hear" or "to obey." While it is more commonly known as a personal name or as the imperative "Hear!" (as in the "Shema Israel" of Deuteronomy 6:4), here it functions as a geographical marker. Its presence highlights the detailed mapping of Judah's territory, ensuring no area was overlooked in the divine distribution.
* **Moladah (Hebrew, _moladah'_):** Meaning "birth" or "nativity," Moladah was a more significant town than the other two, as evidenced by its mention in later biblical texts (e.g., [1 Chronicles 4:28](/1_chronicles/4-28 "1 Chronicles 4:28 - Simeon's Dwellings") and [Nehemiah 11:26](/nehemiah/11-26 "Nehemiah 11:26 - Post-Exilic Settlements")). It was initially allotted to Judah but later became a city of Simeon. Its name, "birth," might suggest a place of origin or a new beginning, perhaps reflecting the new life and settlement the Israelites found in the Promised Land. Its continued existence into the post-exilic period attests to the enduring significance of these ancient geographical markers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Amam,"**: The first town listed, likely a smaller settlement within the Negeb region of Judah's territory. Its inclusion emphasizes the meticulousness of the land allocation, demonstrating that every piece of the promised land, down to seemingly minor localities, was accounted for in God's fulfillment of His covenant.
* **"and Shema,"**: The second town, connected by the conjunction "and," indicating its contiguous or proximate location to Amam within the same region. The repetition of the conjunction emphasizes the exhaustive nature of the list, ensuring that the boundaries and contents of Judah's inheritance were clearly defined and understood.
* **"and Moladah,"**: The third town, also linked by "and," completing this specific cluster of settlements. Moladah's later historical significance (as mentioned in Nehemiah) suggests it was a more substantial settlement. Its inclusion here underlines the comprehensive scope of Judah's inheritance, encompassing both minor and more prominent locations, all part of God's faithful provision.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 15:26, and indeed throughout much of Joshua 15, is **Cataloging** or **List-making**. This extensive enumeration of towns and boundaries serves a crucial purpose: to provide irrefutable, detailed evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His land promises to Israel. The sheer volume and specificity of the names lend an air of authenticity and legal precision to the narrative, transforming abstract promises into tangible realities. The device of **Repetition** is also evident through the consistent use of the conjunction "and" to link the names, creating a rhythmic, cumulative effect that underscores the exhaustive nature of the list and the completeness of the inheritance. While not direct, there is an underlying **Symbolism** in these lists; they symbolize divine order, the fulfillment of covenant, and the establishment of God's people in their promised rest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:26, though a mere list of names, profoundly underscores the theological truth of God's meticulous faithfulness. It demonstrates that God is not vague in His promises but precise and thorough in their fulfillment. The physical inheritance of land for Judah, down to every named town, serves as a tangible testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This historical reality provides a foundational assurance for believers today: if God was so painstakingly detailed in fulfilling a physical promise, how much more can we trust Him to fulfill His spiritual promises concerning our salvation, provision, and eternal inheritance? The very "mundaneness" of the list elevates God's character, revealing a God who cares about every detail of His plan and His people's well-being.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")
* [2 Peter 1:3-4](/2_peter/1-3 "2 Peter 1:3-4 - Divine Power and Precious Promises")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed listing of towns in Joshua 15:26 might seem like an obscure historical record, but it offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of meticulous detail, who oversees every aspect of His divine plan and cares deeply about the specifics of our lives. Just as He precisely allocated land to His people, He orchestrates the circumstances of our existence, working all things according to His sovereign will. This passage encourages us to trust in God's promises, knowing that His Word is utterly reliable and His faithfulness is unwavering. If He fulfilled physical promises with such precision, we can confidently lean on His spiritual promises for our salvation, provision, and future. Furthermore, it challenges us to appreciate the entirety of Scripture, recognizing that even seemingly "boring" lists contribute to a grander narrative of God's character and His redemptive plan, revealing His order, His faithfulness, and His comprehensive care for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the land allocation, as seen in Joshua 15:26, encourage you regarding His care for the specific details of your own life?**
* **What promises of God are you currently trusting Him to fulfill, and how does this passage reinforce your confidence in His faithfulness?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a greater appreciation for seemingly "mundane" or detailed passages in Scripture, recognizing their contribution to God's overarching story?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of towns and boundaries?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists of towns and boundaries, like those in Joshua 15:26, serves several crucial purposes. First, it provides concrete, tangible evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants that they would inherit the land of Canaan (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). Second, these lists functioned as legal documents, defining the precise inheritance of each tribe and clan, thereby preventing disputes and establishing clear ownership. This was vital for the orderly settlement and governance of the newly formed nation. Third, the meticulous detail underscores God's sovereignty and His involvement in every aspect of His people's lives, from grand military victories to the specific allocation of land. It demonstrates His commitment to order and justice.

**What was the process for dividing the land among the tribes?**

Answer: The division of the land was a divinely guided process, primarily overseen by Joshua, Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the tribal families (as described in [Joshua 14:1](/joshua/14-1 "Joshua 14:1 - Division of the Land Begins")). The land was divided by lot, a method used in ancient Israel to discern God's will (e.g., [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap")). While the specific mechanics of the lot are not fully detailed, it ensured that the allocation was not based on human preference or power struggles but on divine providence. The size of the inheritance for each tribe was also influenced by their population, as indicated in [Numbers 26:54](/numbers/26-54 "Numbers 26:54 - Land Divided According to Population"). This combination of divine guidance and practical considerations ensured a fair and equitable distribution.

**Do these specific towns have any further biblical significance?**

Answer: While Amam and Shema are only mentioned in this verse as part of Judah's inheritance list, Moladah does appear again in later biblical texts. It is mentioned in [1 Chronicles 4:28](/1_chronicles/4-28 "1 Chronicles 4:28 - Simeon's Dwellings") as a city inhabited by the tribe of Simeon (indicating a possible shared or later transferred territory) and significantly in [Nehemiah 11:26](/nehemiah/11-26 "Nehemiah 11:26 - Post-Exilic Settlements") as one of the towns re-inhabited by Judahites after the Babylonian exile. This later mention highlights the enduring historical and geographical reality of these ancient settlements, reinforcing the accuracy and historical depth of the biblical record.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed land inheritance in Joshua 15:26, though seemingly a dry geographical list, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical land of Canaan, given as a place of rest and inheritance to Israel, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and eternal rest believers receive in Christ. Just as God meticulously fulfilled His promise of a physical dwelling place, He has perfectly fulfilled His greater promise of salvation and eternal life through His Son. Christ is our true and lasting "inheritance," in whom "we have obtained an inheritance" (cf. [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). The land provided security and identity for the Israelites, but Christ provides ultimate security, peace, and a new identity as children of God (cf. [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God")). The "rest" found in the land (cf. [Joshua 21:44](/joshua/21-44 "Joshua 21:44 - The Lord Gave Them Rest")) points to the deeper, spiritual rest available in Christ, who invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him (cf. [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Ultimately, every promise of God, including the promise of an inheritance, finds its resounding "Yes" and "Amen" in Jesus Christ (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's meticulous and faithful plan for humanity.

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

1 Chronicles 4:28

And they dwelt at Beersheba, and Moladah, and Hazarshual,