Joshua 15:32

KJV

And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities [are] twenty and nine, with their villages:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Lebaoth {H3822}, and Shilhim {H7978}, and Ain {H5871}, and Rimmon {H7417}: all the cities {H5892} are twenty {H6242} and nine {H8672}, with their villages {H2691}:

Complete Jewish Bible

L'va'ot, Shilchim, 'Ayin and Rimmon - twenty-nine cities in all, together with their villages.

Berean Standard Bible

Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon—twenty-nine cities in all, along with their villages.

American Standard Version

and Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:32 concludes a specific enumeration of cities within the territorial allotment of the tribe of Judah, specifically those situated in the Shephelah, or "low country," bordering the Philistine plain. This verse meticulously lists four cities—Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon—before providing a summary count for this particular geographical grouping, stating that "all the cities [are] twenty and nine, with their villages." This detailed record underscores the precision of the land distribution and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel, highlighting the tangible reality of their inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15:32 is embedded within a larger, highly detailed section of the Book of Joshua (chapters 13-19) that meticulously records the division of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel following their successful conquest campaigns. More specifically, this verse is part of the extensive description of Judah's inheritance in Joshua 15, which is the longest tribal allotment description, emphasizing its significance as the royal tribe. Verses 15:21-63 systematically list the cities within Judah's vast territory, categorized by geographical sub-regions. Verse 32 specifically falls within the enumeration of cities located in the "low country" (Shephelah), a strategic region of foothills situated between the central highlands and the coastal plain. It serves as the concluding summary for this particular sub-list (Joshua 15:21-32), providing a numerical total of the enumerated cities and their associated villages, thereby marking the completion of one geographical segment before the narrative transitions to the next. The preceding verses systematically name individual towns, and verse 32 acts as a precise numerical summation of that specific cluster, emphasizing the completeness and orderliness of the biblical record.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land of Canaan was a monumental and foundational event in Israel's history, marking their transition from a nomadic, wilderness-dwelling people to a settled nation in the Promised Land. This process was far more than a mere administrative task; it was a profound act of covenant fulfillment, directly realizing God's ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land as an eternal inheritance. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, land ownership was inextricably linked to identity, security, economic stability, and social standing. The meticulous record-keeping, down to the enumeration of individual cities and their dependent villages, served as a vital legal and historical document, affirming tribal boundaries and possessions. This precision was crucial for establishing Israel's national identity and preventing future internecine disputes over territory. The Shephelah, where the cities of Joshua 15:32 were located, was a fertile and strategically vital region, often contested due to its proximity to the Philistine plain. It served as a critical buffer zone and a gateway to the central highlands, making its secure possession paramount for Judah. The detailed enumeration reflects the immense importance placed on precise boundaries and the secure establishment of each tribe within its divinely designated territory.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of cities in Joshua 15:32 and throughout the chapter profoundly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the Book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Faithfulness**, serving as a tangible testament to God's unwavering commitment to fulfilling His ancient covenant promises made to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan. Every city named, every boundary drawn, is a concrete demonstration that God's word is true and reliable, generations after the initial promise (e.g., [God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Covenant Promise to Abraham")). Secondly, the detailed geographical and administrative records highlight God's nature as a God of **Order and Specificity**. The precise enumeration of cities and their villages, distributed by lot under the guidance of Eleazar the priest and Joshua (as noted in [Joshua 14:1](/joshua/14-1 "Joshua 14:1 - Division of the Land by Lot")), reflects a divine plan for His people's settlement, ensuring clarity, preventing future disputes, and demonstrating His purposeful design. Finally, this verse emphasizes the concept of **Inheritance and Possession**—not merely as land acquired by human conquest, but as a divine bestowal upon the people of Israel. It speaks to the secure and permanent possession of what God had promised and graciously provided, establishing Israel as a sovereign nation in their God-given territory, a theme that resonates throughout the [Book of Joshua](/joshua/1 "Book of Joshua - Conquest and Inheritance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ain (Hebrew, _ʻAyin'_):** This common Hebrew word (עַיִן, H5871) literally means "eye" but is frequently used in place names to refer to a "spring" or "fountain." Its inclusion in a city's name, such as "Ain," typically signifies the presence of a vital water source, which was crucial for survival and settlement in the often-arid regions of ancient Israel. Such locations were often centers of population and agricultural activity due to their access to water.
* **Rimmon (Hebrew, _Rimmôwn'_):** The Hebrew word (רִמּוֹן, H7417) means "pomegranate." This name could indicate that pomegranate trees were abundant in the vicinity of the city, suggesting a fertile area suitable for cultivation. Alternatively, it might have had a symbolic association with the fruit, which was often seen as a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and blessing in ancient cultures. The presence of such a name provides a small glimpse into the natural landscape or agricultural practices of the area.
* **Villages (Hebrew, _châtsêr'_):** This term (חָצֵר, H2691) refers to a "yard" or "enclosed space," and by extension, a "hamlet" or "unwalled settlement" dependent on a larger, fortified city. The inclusion of "with their villages" in the summary count is significant, as it indicates that the total inheritance included not just the main fortified cities but also the smaller, surrounding settlements that relied on them for protection and administration. This detail underscores the comprehensive nature of the land distribution and the full extent of the tribal inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon:":** This clause continues the meticulous list of cities within the "low country" (Shephelah) of Judah's inheritance, following the established pattern from Joshua 15:21-31. Each name represents a specific town or settlement that was part of Judah's allotted territory. While the exact modern locations of Lebaoth and Shilhim are debated among scholars, Ain and Rimmon are more commonly identified due to their descriptive names (referring to a spring and a pomegranate, respectively). This enumeration underscores the meticulous detail with which the land was divided and recorded, ensuring that every piece of the promised territory was accounted for and assigned to its rightful tribal heir.
* **"all the cities [are] twenty and nine, with their villages:":** This concluding phrase serves as a precise numerical summary for the specific cluster of cities listed from Joshua 15:21-32. The count of "twenty and nine" (29) cities, along with their dependent "villages" (smaller, often unwalled settlements surrounding the main city), provides a comprehensive total for this particular geographical sub-region within Judah's inheritance. This summation not only confirms the accuracy and completeness of the preceding list but also emphasizes the thoroughness and administrative precision of the land distribution, leaving no doubt as to the full extent of Judah's inherited territory in this area. It highlights the divine order and human meticulousness involved in the fulfillment of God's promises.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Joshua 15:32, and indeed throughout much of Joshua 15, is **Enumeration**. This involves the detailed, systematic listing of items, in this case, specific cities and their total count. The meticulous nature of this enumeration serves several crucial purposes: it provides a historical and legal record of the land distribution, thereby authenticating the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel; it emphasizes the comprehensiveness, precision, and orderliness of the divine plan for His people's settlement; and it underscores the tangible reality of Israel's inheritance. While seemingly mundane or repetitive, this precise listing conveys a profound theological message about God's attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness in establishing His people securely in the land He swore to their ancestors. The numerical summary at the end of the list provides a sense of closure and completeness to this particular segment of the territory, reinforcing the idea of a fully realized promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:32, though a seemingly dry list of ancient place names and a numerical summary, stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous provision for His people. It is a tangible demonstration of His covenant promises being fulfilled, generations after they were first uttered. The precise delineation of boundaries and the detailed enumeration of cities underscore that God's plans are not vague or arbitrary, but precise and purposeful. This specificity assures us that God is a God of order who orchestrates events with divine precision, ensuring His word is always brought to pass. The concept of inheritance, so central to this chapter, is not merely about land but about receiving what God has graciously provided and promised, securing Israel's identity and future in the land. This physical inheritance foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ.
* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")
* [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Lord's Command to Possess the Land")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Spiritual Inheritance in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail found in Joshua 15:32, a seemingly obscure list of ancient cities, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God meticulously oversaw the distribution of land, down to specific cities and their villages, He cares about the smallest details of our lives. His plans are precise, and His promises are exact. This should instill in us a deep trust in His divine providence, knowing that He is a God of order, not chaos, and that His care extends to every aspect of our existence, even those we deem insignificant. Furthermore, this verse is a powerful testament to God's commitment to keep His word. If God was faithful to fulfill His ancient promises concerning physical land to a specific people, we can have absolute confidence in His spiritual promises for our lives today—promises of salvation, guidance, provision, and eternal hope. The historical accuracy and detailed record-keeping in the Bible, even in what might seem like mundane lists, serve to authenticate the narrative and provide a firm foundation for our faith, encouraging us to value truth and precision in our understanding of God's work in history and in our personal lives, and to live with confidence in His sovereign plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land distribution in Joshua 15:32 encourage your trust in His attention to the details of your own life?**
* **What specific promises of God are you holding onto today, and how does the fulfillment of ancient promises in Joshua strengthen your faith in their eventual realization?**
* **In what ways can we emulate God's orderliness and precision in our spiritual lives or daily responsibilities?**

### FAQ
**Why are these detailed lists of cities important in the Bible, especially in a book like Joshua?**

Answer: These detailed lists, like the one in Joshua 15:32, are critically important for several reasons. First, they serve as legal and historical documents, authenticating the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan, as seen in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham"). They provide concrete evidence that Israel indeed took possession of the land as promised. Second, they establish clear boundaries for each tribe, preventing future disputes over territory and ensuring an orderly settlement of the nation. Third, they underscore God's meticulous nature and His attention to detail, demonstrating that His plans are precise and purposeful, not vague or arbitrary. Finally, they provide a crucial geographical framework for understanding the subsequent history of Israel, as many events in the books of Judges, Samuel, and Kings are tied to these specific locations, making the narrative more grounded and comprehensible.

**What is the significance of the names "Ain" and "Rimmon" in this verse?**

Answer: The names "Ain" and "Rimmon" are significant because they are descriptive and offer insights into the geography or characteristics of the places. "Ain" (עַיִן, *'ayin*) literally means "eye" but is commonly used to refer to a "spring" or "fountain." Its presence in a city name indicates a crucial water source, making it a vital settlement in the often-arid region. Such locations were essential for sustaining life and agriculture. "Rimmon" (רִמּוֹן, *rimmon*) means "pomegranate," suggesting either the presence of abundant pomegranate trees in the area or a symbolic association with the fruit, which was often a symbol of fertility and prosperity in ancient cultures. These names, unlike some others, provide a small window into the natural environment and resources that made these locations habitable and important within Judah's inheritance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:32 details an earthly inheritance, its profound theological underpinnings point us toward the ultimate spiritual inheritance found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous division of the land, a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel, foreshadows the even greater precision and certainty of God's plan of salvation, which culminates in Christ. Just as the Israelites received a tangible possession, believers in Christ receive an imperishable inheritance, "kept in heaven for you" by God's power through faith, as described in [1 Peter 1:4-5](/1_peter/1-4-5 "1 Peter 1:4-5 - Our Imperishable Inheritance"). The earthly rest found in the Promised Land, secured by God's mighty hand, serves as a type for the true spiritual rest and inheritance that believers enter into through faith in Jesus, as the author of Hebrews powerfully argues in [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People"). Christ Himself is our ultimate "land" and "possession"—the one in whom "we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will," as wonderfully articulated in [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Spiritual Inheritance in Christ"). The divine faithfulness displayed in providing physical territory to Israel is but a shadow of God's perfect faithfulness in providing eternal life and every spiritual blessing through His Son, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, as John the Baptist declared in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, this ancient list, far from being irrelevant, magnifies the God who meticulously fulfills His promises, ultimately and perfectly in and through Jesus Christ, our eternal inheritance and sure hope.

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

Nehemiah 11:29

And at Enrimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth,

Numbers 34:11

And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward: