Joshua 15:3

KJV

And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it went out {H3318} to the south side {H5045} to Maalehacrabbim {H4610}, and passed {H5674} along to Zin {H6790}, and ascended up {H5927} on the south side {H5045} unto Kadeshbarnea {H6947}, and passed {H5674} along to Hezron {H2696}, and went up {H5927} to Adar {H146}, and fetched a compass {H5437} to Karkaa {H7173}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and went out south of the Scorpion Ascent, passed toward Tzin, went up south of Kadesh-Barnea, passed Hetzron, went up toward Adar, turned toward Karka,

Berean Standard Bible

proceeded south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continued on to Zin, went over to the south of Kadesh-barnea, ran past Hezron up to Addar, and curved toward Karka.

American Standard Version

and it went out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh-barnea, and passed along by Hezron, and went up to Addar, and turned about to Karka;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:3 meticulously delineates a specific segment of the southern boundary of the tribal territory allotted to Judah, detailing a series of geographical markers from west to east. This verse, embedded within a comprehensive chapter dedicated to Judah's inheritance, underscores the precise fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land distribution to Israel, highlighting the divine care and exactitude in establishing the boundaries of their promised possession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15 is entirely devoted to the detailed description of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes. This chapter follows the general command for land distribution (Joshua 14) and precedes the specific allotments for other tribes, setting a precedent for the subsequent tribal divisions. The meticulous listing of cities and boundaries, of which Joshua 15:3 is a small but vital part, serves as a legal and historical record, affirming the fulfillment of God's promises and providing clear demarcation to prevent future inter-tribal disputes. The chapter begins with the general boundaries (verses 1-12) and then lists cities within those boundaries (verses 21-63), emphasizing the comprehensive and divinely ordained nature of Judah's inheritance. This detailed geographical survey reinforces the central theme of the book of Joshua: God's faithfulness in bringing His people into the promised land and giving them rest, as prophesied in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Promises Fulfilled").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the successful conquest campaigns under Joshua, the land of Canaan was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel by lot, as commanded by God through Moses ([Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution by Lot")). This division was not arbitrary but a divinely guided process, reflecting God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In ancient Near Eastern societies, clearly defined land boundaries were paramount for identity, security, economic stability, and legal ownership. The detailed descriptions in Joshua, therefore, functioned as a foundational land deed, establishing the legal basis for each tribe's possession and their future societal structure. The specific geographical points mentioned in [Joshua 15:3](/joshua/15-3 "Joshua 15:3 - Judah's Southern Boundary"), like Kadesh-barnea, connect this new era of settlement directly to the wilderness wanderings, signifying the end of one period and the beginning of another in the promised land, underscoring God's continuous guidance through Israel's history.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it highlights **Divine Precision and Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's meticulous faithfulness in delivering on His covenant promises to provide Israel with a land of their own, as first promised to [Abraham in Genesis 15](/genesis/15 "Genesis 15 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land"). The exactitude of the boundary descriptions underscores that God's word is reliable and His plans are perfectly executed, leaving no room for doubt or dispute. Secondly, it emphasizes **The Importance of Boundaries and Inheritance**, not merely as physical lines but as symbols of God's provision, the tribe's identity, and their responsibility within the land. These boundaries represented the extent of their God-given possession and the sphere of their commanded obedience, reflecting the principle found in [Psalm 16:6](/psalms/16-6 "Psalm 16:6 - The Boundaries Have Fallen for Me in Pleasant Places"). Lastly, the verse contributes to the theme of **Judah's Prominence**, as this extensive and strategically important territory was allotted to the tribe from which the future kings and, ultimately, the Messiah would come, foreshadowing the enduring prophecy in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - Jacob's Prophecy of Judah's Scepter").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Maalehacrabbim (Hebrew, _Maʻălêh ʻAqrabbîym'_):** This name literally translates to "the Ascent of Scorpions." It refers to a steep, rugged pass, likely named either for its winding, scorpion-like path or for the actual presence of scorpions in the desolate region. As a prominent geographical feature, it served as a natural and unmistakable landmark for defining the southern border, marking a challenging and formidable natural barrier. The name itself evokes the harshness of the desert terrain, yet it is precisely through such difficult landscapes that God's promised land is defined.
* **Kadeshbarnea (Hebrew, _Qâdêsh Barnêaʻ'_):** A site of immense historical and theological significance for Israel, meaning "Kadesh of (the) Wilderness of Wandering." It was here that the Israelites, after reaching the border of the Promised Land, rebelled against God by refusing to enter due to fear of the Canaanites, leading to the forty years of wilderness wandering ([Numbers 13-14](/numbers/13-14 "Numbers 13-14 - The Spies and Israel's Rebellion")). Its inclusion as a boundary marker in [Joshua 15:3](/joshua/15-3 "Joshua 15:3 - Judah's Southern Boundary") firmly places it as a critical southern extremity of the Israelite territory, linking the new generation's inheritance to the failures and lessons of their ancestors, serving as a reminder of God's patience and ultimate faithfulness despite human disobedience.
* **fetched a compass (Hebrew, _çâbab'_):** The KJV phrase "fetched a compass" is an archaic idiom meaning "made a circuit" or "turned around." The Hebrew verb _çâbab_ implies circling, turning, or encompassing. In this geographical context, it indicates that the boundary line did not continue straight but curved or made a significant turn at Karkaa, illustrating the irregular, natural contours of the border rather than a straight, artificial line. This highlights how the divine demarcation often followed existing topographical features, integrating the land's natural geography into God's precise plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim":** This clause initiates the description of the southern boundary, indicating its starting point or direction from a previous, unstated reference point (likely from the Salt Sea, as per [Joshua 15:2](/joshua/15-2 "Joshua 15:2 - Judah's Southern Border Begins")). "Maalehacrabbim" serves as the first specific landmark, establishing the rugged and challenging nature of this border region, emphasizing that even difficult terrain was part of God's precise allocation.
* **"and passed along to Zin":** From the Ascent of Akrabbim, the boundary continued westward into the Wilderness of Zin. This desert region, known for its desolation, further defines the arid and challenging terrain that formed the southern frontier of Judah's inheritance, emphasizing the natural barriers that helped delineate the tribal lands and the vastness of the territory.
* **"and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea":** The boundary then moved southward and upward, reaching the historically significant oasis of Kadesh-barnea. This indicates a shift in elevation or terrain, highlighting Kadesh-barnea as a crucial and recognizable point on the border, connecting the physical land with Israel's past wilderness experiences and serving as a tangible reminder of their journey from rebellion to inheritance.
* **"and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar":** From Kadesh-barnea, the line continued its westward progression, passing through Hezron and ascending to Adar. These lesser-known locations further specify the intricate details of the boundary, demonstrating the thoroughness with which the land was surveyed and recorded, leaving no ambiguity regarding Judah's precise claim and God's meticulous attention to every detail of His promise.
* **"and fetched a compass to Karkaa":** The final segment in this verse indicates that the boundary line made a significant turn or circuit at Karkaa. This suggests a change in direction, perhaps following a wadi (dry riverbed) or a ridge, illustrating how natural topographical features dictated the precise and often irregular contours of the divinely appointed land. This detail underscores the organic, yet divinely ordered, nature of the land distribution.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 15:3, like much of the chapter, primarily employs **Topographical Listing** and **Precise Delineation**. The verse is a straightforward, almost legalistic, enumeration of geographical points, serving to document the exact boundaries of Judah's inheritance. This detailed cataloging emphasizes the **Factual Accuracy** and **Historical Veracity** of the land distribution, reinforcing the idea that God's promises are fulfilled with absolute exactitude. The repeated use of directional verbs ("went out," "passed along," "ascended up," "went up," "fetched a compass") creates a sense of movement and progression, guiding the reader along the described border as if tracing it on a map. While not overtly symbolic, the very act of meticulously defining boundaries carries **Symbolism** of divine order, established identity, and the tangible fulfillment of covenant. The inclusion of historically significant sites like Kadesh-barnea also serves as a subtle form of **Allusion**, linking the new era of settlement to the formative experiences of the wilderness generation, reminding the Israelites of their history and God's consistent presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:3, in its precise geographical detail, serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises. The land, repeatedly promised to Abraham and his descendants, is now being precisely demarcated and possessed. This detailed boundary description underscores the divine precision in God's plans; His word is not vague but concrete and actionable. It teaches us that God's promises are not abstract ideals but tangible realities, delivered with exactitude and care. Just as God ensured Judah received its specific, divinely appointed inheritance, He also ensures the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ is secured and precisely defined in His Word. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order, who establishes clear boundaries for blessing, identity, and security.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")
* [Numbers 34:3-5](/numbers/34-3-5 "Numbers 34:3-5 - The Southern Boundary of Canaan")
* [Psalm 16:6](/psalms/16-6 "Psalm 16:6 - The Boundaries Have Fallen for Me in Pleasant Places")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a seemingly dry list of ancient place names, Joshua 15:3 offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of detail, who works out His purposes with meticulous precision. Just as He precisely delineated the physical inheritance for Judah, He also provides a spiritual inheritance for us, clearly defined in His Word. This inheritance includes salvation, adoption into His family, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life. We are called to "take possession" of this spiritual inheritance by faith, living within the "boundaries" of His will and commands, which are designed for our blessing and protection. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect plan and provision, knowing that every promise He has made will be fulfilled with divine accuracy, even when the path seems winding or through desolate places. It invites us to consider the "boundaries" God has set in our lives – whether in relationships, resources, or callings – recognizing them as expressions of His love and wisdom, designed to lead us to flourishing within His sovereign design and to protect us from spiritual wandering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land distribution in Joshua 15:3 affirm His faithfulness in your own life?**
* **What "boundaries" or parameters has God established for your life (e.g., in His Word, through community, by personal conviction), and how do you perceive them – as restrictive or as protective and guiding?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "take possession" of the spiritual inheritance God has already provided in Christ, moving from mere knowledge to active experience?**
* **How can recognizing God's precision in ancient history strengthen your trust in His detailed plan for your future, even when it is not yet fully revealed?**

### FAQ
**Why is so much detail given to geographical boundaries in the book of Joshua?**

Answer: The extensive detail given to geographical boundaries in Joshua, as seen in [Joshua 15:3](/joshua/15-3 "Joshua 15:3 - Judah's Southern Boundary"), serves several critical purposes. First, it underscores the **fulfillment of God's covenant promises** to Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land of Canaan ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")). The precise mapping demonstrates that God is faithful to His word and that His promises are not vague but concrete realities. Second, these descriptions functioned as **legal documents** in ancient Israel, much like modern land deeds. They clearly defined the extent of each tribe's inheritance, preventing future disputes over territory and establishing a clear basis for their identity, economic life, and social structure. Third, the boundaries reflected **divine order and sovereignty**, showing that God was actively involved in the distribution and establishment of His people in the land, not leaving it to chance or human negotiation alone. This divine oversight ensured equity and peace among the tribes. Finally, the inclusion of specific, often challenging, topographical features like "Maalehacrabbim" and the "Wilderness of Zin" highlights the **reality and tangibility** of the inheritance – it was a real land, with real features, given by a real God, emphasizing the physical manifestation of His covenant faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:3 describes the physical boundaries of Judah's inheritance, its ultimate fulfillment is found in the spiritual inheritance secured for believers through Jesus Christ, who is the true and greater Son of Judah. Just as God meticulously fulfilled His promise of a physical land to Israel, so too has He meticulously fulfilled His promise of an eternal inheritance through Christ. The precise boundaries of Judah's land foreshadow the secure and boundless spiritual territory we receive in Christ: a new identity, an eternal dwelling place, and an unshakeable kingdom. Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the law and prophets, not only securing our salvation but also granting us access to "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Our inheritance is not a physical plot of land, but a spiritual reality in the kingdom of God, a "citizenship in heaven" ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")), and a promise of being "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The detailed geographical descriptions in Joshua thus point to the divine precision with which God has established the new covenant and the glorious, eternal inheritance that awaits all who are united with Christ.

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

Numbers 34:4

And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadeshbarnea, and shall go on to Hazaraddar, and pass on to Azmon:

Judges 1:36

And the coast of the Amorites [was] from the going up to Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.

Numbers 32:8

Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadeshbarnea to see the land.

Numbers 20:1

¶ Then came the children of Israel, [even] the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.

Genesis 14:7

And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which [is] Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.