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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Joshua 15:20–63. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
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Summary
Joshua 15:28 meticulously lists three specific towns—Hazarshual, Beersheba, and Bizjothjah—as integral components of the vast inheritance divinely apportioned to the tribe of Judah within the southern reaches of the Promised Land. This verse is part of an exhaustive geographical catalog that underscores the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, detailing the precise boundaries and urban centers granted to Judah following the successful Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership, thereby solidifying their territorial claims and demonstrating divine faithfulness in meticulous detail.
Context
Literary Context
Joshua 15:28 is embedded within a comprehensive and meticulously detailed account of the land allotted to the tribe of Judah, which occupies the entirety of Joshua chapter 15. Following the initial military victories and the establishment of the tabernacle at Shiloh, the book of Joshua systematically transitions from conquest to distribution, recording the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. This particular verse is part of a long list of cities (verses 21-63) designated for Judah, following the description of the tribe's extensive borders. The inclusion of such specific, often obscure, place names underscores the legal and historical precision of the tribal allotments, serving as a permanent record of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to His people.
Historical & Cultural Context
The division of the land among the tribes was a monumental event in Israelite history, marking the transition from nomadic wanderings and military campaigns to settled life in the Promised Land. These detailed lists of cities and boundaries served as crucial legal documents, defining tribal identity, land ownership, and the basis for future governance and taxation. Culturally, land was inextricably linked to identity, inheritance, and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant. The southern region, where these cities are located, was often a frontier, bordering the Negev desert and various non-Israelite peoples. The precise enumeration of these towns, even those in less fertile or more remote areas, affirmed the comprehensive nature of Israel's inheritance and God's sovereign control over every inch of the land He had promised.
Key Themes
The meticulous cataloging of cities in Joshua 15, including Hazarshual, Beersheba, and Bizjothjah, powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights Divine Faithfulness, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to fulfilling His promises made centuries earlier to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that their descendants would inherit this land (as seen in Genesis 12:7 and reiterated in Deuteronomy 1:8). Secondly, it underscores the Order and Detail in God's Plan, revealing that God's administration of His people and their inheritance was not haphazard but a carefully orchestrated and precise undertaking. Every boundary, every city, was part of a divine blueprint. Finally, it emphasizes the Significance of Tribal Allotments, particularly for Judah, the largest and most prominent tribe. Judah's vast and strategically important inheritance, extending to the southern reaches marked by cities like Beersheba, foreshadowed its future preeminence, especially concerning the Davidic line and the ultimate coming of the Messiah from this tribe.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This name translates to "village of (the) fox" or "courtyard of foxes." Its inclusion indicates a smaller, perhaps less significant, settlement within Judah's vast territory. The presence of such a detailed, even seemingly minor, place name emphasizes the exhaustive nature of the land distribution and God's comprehensive provision, ensuring every portion of the promised inheritance was accounted for.
Meaning "well of an oath" or "well of seven," Beersheba is by far the most historically and biblically significant city listed in this verse. It frequently appears in Scripture as a key landmark, marking the southern boundary of Israel (e.g., "from Dan to Beersheba," found in Judges 20:1). Its name is rooted in the covenants made there by Abraham (Genesis 21:31) and later reaffirmed by Isaac (Genesis 26:33), making it a site of deep patriarchal significance and a symbol of God's covenant faithfulness. Its inclusion here grounds the legal record in a place of profound spiritual heritage.
The meaning of this name is "contempts of Jah" or "despised places of Yah." Like Hazarshual, its inclusion highlights the meticulous detail of the record, ensuring that every designated city, regardless of its prominence or perceived value, was accounted for in Judah's inheritance. The name itself, if accurately reflecting "contempts," could subtly underscore God's sovereignty even over places of human disdain, bringing them into His divine plan.
Verse Breakdown
"And Hazarshual"
This phrase introduces the first of three specific towns, emphasizing the continuous listing of settlements within Judah's southern allotment. Hazarshual, though not a major city, is precisely named, affirming the comprehensive nature of the divine distribution and the legal exactitude of the record. The initial "And" connects it seamlessly to the preceding list of cities, indicating a continuation of the detailed inventory.
"and Beersheba"
The conjunction "and" links Hazarshual to Beersheba, a town of immense historical and patriarchal significance. Its inclusion here solidifies its status as a key landmark within Judah's territory, specifically marking its southern frontier. This detail grounds the abstract concept of inheritance in tangible, recognizable geography, connecting the present fulfillment to the ancient promises made to the patriarchs.
"and Bizjothjah"
The final "and" completes the triplet of towns, adding Bizjothjah to the list. The repetitive conjunction serves to underscore the exhaustive nature of the catalog, ensuring that every designated city, whether famous or obscure, is accounted for as part of Judah's divinely apportioned inheritance. The meticulousness of this record speaks volumes about the divine precision and the legal weight of the land distribution.
Literary Devices
Joshua 15:28, though a brief enumeration, employs several literary techniques to achieve its purpose. The most prominent device is Cataloging or Listing, which is characteristic of the entire chapter. This meticulous enumeration of cities serves as a legal and historical document, affirming the precise boundaries and possessions of Judah. The sheer volume of names, often unfamiliar, lends an air of authenticity and thoroughness to the account, emphasizing the comprehensive fulfillment of God's promise. Furthermore, the repeated use of the conjunction "and" (a form of Polysyndeton) before each city name ("And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah") creates a sense of exhaustive completeness, underscoring that no detail was overlooked in the divine distribution. This detailed Toponymy (the study of place names) is not merely geographical; it carries theological weight, as each name, particularly Beersheba, often encapsulates historical or covenantal significance, embedding the narrative of God's faithfulness directly into the landscape.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The meticulous listing of cities in Joshua 15:28 transcends mere geography, serving as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the precise fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This detailed enumeration underscores the divine order in the distribution of the Promised Land, demonstrating that God's plans are not vague but meticulously executed, down to the specific boundaries and settlements for each tribe. It highlights the tangible reality of God's inheritance for His people, a concept that finds echoes throughout Scripture, pointing to both earthly blessings and spiritual realities. The very act of naming these places, especially a historically significant one like Beersheba, grounds the abstract concept of divine promise in concrete, verifiable reality, assuring Israel that every word spoken by God would indeed come to pass.
Reflection and Application
While Joshua 15:28 might appear as a dry list of ancient place names, it offers profound spiritual truths for contemporary believers. The divine precision in allotting every city, including those seemingly obscure, reminds us that God's promises are not vague aspirations but meticulously detailed commitments that He unfailingly brings to pass. Just as Israel received a tangible, geographical inheritance, believers in Christ are heirs to an even greater, spiritual inheritance—a secure, eternal possession that transcends earthly boundaries. This passage encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness, recognizing that His attention to detail extends to every facet of our lives, ensuring that His perfect plan unfolds with precision and purpose. It invites us to consider the tangible ways God has fulfilled His promises in our own lives, building our confidence in His ongoing work and inspiring us to live in gratitude for the detailed care of our Heavenly Father.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these specific cities listed with such detail in Joshua 15?
The detailed listing of cities like Hazarshual, Beersheba, and Bizjothjah serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it functioned as a legal and historical document, precisely defining the tribal boundaries and land ownership for Judah, preventing future disputes. Secondly, it underscores God's absolute faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan. Every city named was a tangible manifestation of this divine commitment. Thirdly, it established tribal identity and provided a basis for the social, economic, and religious life of the Israelites in their new homeland. The inclusion of significant cities like Beersheba, a site of patriarchal covenants (see Genesis 21:31), alongside lesser-known towns, highlights the comprehensive nature of God's provision for His people.
What is the significance of Beersheba in the Bible, beyond this verse?
Beersheba is one of the most significant and frequently mentioned cities in the Old Testament. Its name, meaning "well of the oath" or "well of seven," is tied to the covenants made there by Abraham with Abimelech (Genesis 21:31) and later by Isaac (Genesis 26:33). It served as a vital watering hole and a common dwelling place for the patriarchs. Geographically, Beersheba consistently marked the southern boundary of Israel, hence the common phrase "from Dan to Beersheba" (Judges 20:1), signifying the entire breadth of the land. Its prominence in patriarchal narratives and as a geographical marker underscores its enduring importance in the biblical narrative as a place of covenant, settlement, and national identity.
How does this seemingly mundane list relate to God's character?
This seemingly mundane list of cities profoundly reveals aspects of God's character. It showcases His faithfulness in meticulously fulfilling His promises, demonstrating that His word is reliable and His plans are precise. The detailed nature of the land distribution highlights God's orderliness and attention to detail, indicating that He is not a God of chaos but of careful design and meticulous administration. It also speaks to His generosity in providing a vast and specific inheritance for His people. Ultimately, the very existence of these lists testifies to God's sovereignty over the land and the destiny of His people, proving that His divine will is perfectly executed, even in the most granular details.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Joshua 15:28 details a physical inheritance for an earthly people, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, spiritual inheritance found in Christ Jesus. The meticulous division of land, a tangible fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, points forward to the precise and perfect plan of salvation orchestrated by God through His Son. Just as Judah received its allotted portion, believers in Christ are granted an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" as described in 1 Peter 1:4. Jesus, the true Son of David, born into the tribe of Judah, is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, not merely of land but of eternal life and spiritual blessing. He is the one who secures our portion in the new heavens and new earth, where God's people dwell in perfect fellowship with Him forever. Through Christ, we inherit not a geographical territory but a spiritual kingdom, becoming co-heirs with Him, as affirmed in Romans 8:17. The meticulous detail of Joshua's distribution thus finds its ultimate and glorious culmination in the comprehensive and eternal provision of our Lord, who is Himself our greatest inheritance, securing for us a place in His eternal kingdom (see John 14:2-3).