Joshua 15:33

KJV

[And] in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the valley {H8219}, Eshtaol {H847}, and Zoreah {H6881}, and Ashnah {H823},

Complete Jewish Bible

In the Sh'felah: Eshta'ol, Tzor'ah, Ashnah,

Berean Standard Bible

These were in the foothills:

American Standard Version

In the lowland, Eshtaol, and Zorah, and Ashnah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:33 meticulously enumerates three cities—Eshtaol, Zoreah, and Ashnah—as integral components of the inheritance designated for the tribe of Judah within the strategically vital "valley" or Shephelah region. This verse, embedded within a comprehensive geographical enumeration, profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and precise fulfillment of His ancient covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating divine order and meticulous provision in the tangible details of their designated portion of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15 provides an exhaustive and detailed account of the territorial inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah, which received the largest and arguably most significant portion of the Promised Land. The chapter meticulously itemizes cities, towns, and boundary markers, systematically dividing Judah's vast territory into distinct geographical zones: the Negeb (south), the Shephelah (lowlands/valley), the hill country, and the wilderness. Joshua 15:33 is situated within the enumeration of cities belonging to the Shephelah (Joshua 15:33-36), immediately following the southern cities (Joshua 15:21-32) and preceding the cities of the hill country (Joshua 15:48-60) and the wilderness (Joshua 15:61-62). The exhaustive nature of these lists transcends mere geographical record-keeping; it functions as a divinely inspired legal and historical document, solidifying Judah's claim and providing irrefutable evidence of the precise fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites regarding their land inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land among the twelve Israelite tribes marked a pivotal transition in their national history, moving from a period of nomadic conquest under Joshua to settled occupation and the establishment of a national identity. This intricate process, guided by lot as explicitly detailed in [Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Division of the Land by Lot"), was understood by the Israelites as divinely ordained, ensuring fairness, preventing inter-tribal conflict, and confirming God's active and sovereign involvement in their settlement. The "valley" (Hebrew: *Shephelah*) was a distinct and crucial geographical region, characterized by low-lying hills and broad, fertile valleys, situated as a transitional zone between the central Judean highlands and the Philistine coastal plain. Culturally and strategically, the Shephelah was a vital borderland, highly fertile for agriculture, and frequently a contested zone, particularly with the Philistines in later periods of Israelite history (e.g., the narratives involving Samson and David). The inclusion of cities like Eshtaol and Zoreah within Judah's inheritance meant that the tribe bore the responsibility for securing, settling, and defending this strategically important, often vulnerable, frontier.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 15:33, as an integral part of the broader chapter, powerfully illustrates several foundational theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it emphatically highlights the **fulfillment of God's covenant promises**, specifically the land grant made to Abraham and his descendants, a promise reiterated throughout the Pentateuch, for instance, in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"). The meticulous and comprehensive city lists provide tangible, undeniable evidence of God's unwavering faithfulness to His word. Secondly, the precise and detailed allocation of territory underscores **divine order and meticulous provision**. God is not arbitrary or haphazard in His dealings but precise, intentional, and comprehensive in His care for His people, ensuring their stability, security, and well-being in the Promised Land. Thirdly, the specific mention of cities "in the valley" emphasizes the **geographical significance and diversity** of Judah's inheritance, showcasing the varied topography and strategic importance of the land God provided. This region would subsequently serve as the stage for numerous significant events in Israel's history, demonstrating how the initial divine allocation laid the crucial groundwork for the unfolding narratives of God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **valley (Hebrew, שְׁפֵלָה, _shᵉphêlâh'_):** From the root meaning "to be low," this term refers specifically to the "Lowland" or "maritime slope of Palestine." It denotes a distinct geographical region of low hills and broad valleys situated between the central Judean mountains and the Philistine coastal plain. Its inclusion here precisely identifies the sub-region within Judah's inheritance, indicating a unique topographical and strategic character for the cities listed.
* **Eshtaol (Hebrew, אֶשְׁתָּאוֹל, _ʼEshtâʼôl'_):** Probably derived from a root meaning "intreaty," Eshtaol is identified as a specific place in Palestine, a city located within the Shephelah and allocated to the tribe of Judah. While its primary significance in Joshua is its inclusion in the tribal inheritance, it gains considerable importance later in the Book of Judges as a key location intimately associated with Samson, particularly his birth, early life, and ultimately, the place near his burial.
* **Zoreah (Hebrew, צָרְעָה, _Tsorʻâh'_):** Apparently another form of a word meaning "hornet," Zoreah is also identified as a place in Palestine, a city listed alongside Eshtaol within the Shephelah. Like Eshtaol, its initial importance in Joshua lies in its role in the land allocation. However, it too becomes famously linked to the narrative of Samson, being identified as his birthplace and a significant location throughout his story, frequently mentioned in conjunction with Eshtaol.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the valley":** This introductory phrase immediately establishes the specific geographical sub-region where the subsequent cities are located. The implied "And" (often added by translators for natural flow) connects this verse to the ongoing, meticulous enumeration of Judah's cities, shifting the focus to a distinct topographical area within their vast inheritance. It highlights the *Shephelah* as a significant and integral part of Judah's divinely allotted territory.
* **"Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah":** These are three specific cities explicitly identified as being situated within the "valley" region and, consequently, part of Judah's comprehensive inheritance. The precise listing of individual city names underscores the meticulous and detailed nature of the land division, emphasizing God's thoroughness in fulfilling His promises. While Eshtaol and Zoreah gain notable prominence in later biblical narratives (particularly in the story of Samson), Ashnah, though less frequently mentioned elsewhere, is equally significant in its inclusion, confirming the comprehensive and precise nature of God's provision for His people.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 15:33, and indeed throughout much of Joshua 15, is **Enumeration** or **Catalog**. This detailed listing of cities and boundaries serves multiple crucial purposes: it provides irrefutable evidence of the literal fulfillment of God's covenant promises, functions as a legal and historical record of the precise land distribution, and profoundly emphasizes the comprehensive and meticulous nature of God's provision for His people. The sheer volume and specificity of the names create a powerful sense of **Geographical Realism**, grounding the narrative in concrete, verifiable locations, thereby reinforcing the historical veracity and divine authority of the events described. Furthermore, for readers familiar with later biblical narratives, the specific mention of Eshtaol and Zoreah subtly employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at their future significance as the setting for key events in the dramatic story of Samson (Judges 13-16), thereby powerfully connecting the initial divine land allocation to the unfolding, divinely guided history of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:33, though seemingly a mere list of names, is profoundly theological. It serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous faithfulness, His unwavering commitment to His covenant, and His sovereign control over the destiny of nations and individuals. The precise allocation of these specific cities within Judah's inheritance underscores that God's promises are not vague generalities but concrete realities, fulfilled with exactitude and divine precision. This passage reminds us that God is a God of perfect order, who provides for His people with intentionality, detail, and comprehensive care, ensuring their security, stability, and blessing in the land He promised. It highlights the tangible nature of divine provision and the profound importance of inheritance as a sign of covenant blessing and divine favor.

* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1-12 "Numbers 34:1-12 - Boundaries of the Land")
* [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Promised Land")
* [Psalm 105:42-45](/psalms/105-42-45 "Psalm 105:42-45 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 15:33 invites us to look beyond the seemingly mundane details of a geographical list and perceive the profound, life-altering truth of God's character. Just as God meticulously ensured every city, every valley, and every hill was accounted for in Judah's inheritance, so too does He exercise detailed care, precision, and intentionality in every aspect of our lives. This verse profoundly encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's unwavering faithfulness, even when His divine plan unfolds in ways that seem slow, complex, or filled with what appear to be insignificant details. It serves as a powerful reminder that our "inheritance"—whether it be our spiritual blessings in Christ, our unique callings, or the specific circumstances of our lives—is never random but is always part of a grander, divine design orchestrated by a loving and sovereign God. We are called to appreciate the precision of God's provision and to live in confident reliance on His promises, knowing with absolute certainty that He is working all things together for our ultimate good and His supreme glory, down to the smallest and most intricate detail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of land allocation in Joshua 15:33 speak to God's character and His profound care for His people?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust more deeply in God's detailed provision, even when the specifics or the outcome are not yet clear?**
* **How can recognizing God's faithfulness in historical accounts like the precise division of the land strengthen your faith in His promises for your own life today?**

### FAQ
**Why are these detailed lists of cities and boundaries so important in the Book of Joshua?**

Answer: These detailed lists are crucial for several profound reasons. First, they serve as a tangible and irrefutable record of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants to give them the land of Canaan. The precision of the lists demonstrates that the fulfillment was literal, exact, and not merely symbolic. Second, they functioned as vital legal documents, establishing the precise boundaries and legitimate claims of each tribe, thereby preventing disputes, ensuring order, and promoting stability within the newly settled nation. Third, they powerfully underscore the divine sovereignty over the land and its distribution, reinforcing the theological truth that the land was a gracious gift from God, not merely a conquest by human might. This meticulous accounting highlights God's meticulous care for His people, ensuring each family and tribe received their designated portion, as comprehensively outlined in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Division by Lot").

**What is the particular significance of Eshtaol and Zoreah, mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While all cities in the list are significant as part of Judah's inheritance, Eshtaol and Zoreah hold special prominence due to their later, profound association with the dramatic and pivotal story of Samson in the Book of Judges. [Judges 13:2](/judges/13-2 "Judges 13:2 - Birth of Samson") explicitly identifies Zoreah as the home of Samson's parents, and it is here that the angel of the Lord appears to announce his miraculous birth. Samson's early life and many of his exploits are often situated "between Zorah and Eshtaol" ([Judges 13:25](/judges/13-25 "Judges 13:25 - Samson's Early Life")). Later, after his death, he is buried "between Zorah and Eshtaol" ([Judges 16:31](/judges/16-31 "Judges 16:31 - Samson's Burial")). This recurring connection provides a powerful and insightful link between the initial, divinely ordained land allocation and the subsequent unfolding of Israel's history, vividly demonstrating how these designated territories became the stage for significant biblical narratives and the lives of key figures in God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 15:33, with its meticulous detailing of Judah's earthly inheritance in the Promised Land, serves as a profound Old Testament shadow and type of the far greater, eternal spiritual inheritance that believers receive in Christ Jesus. The physical land of Canaan, precisely measured and distributed according to God's decree, was a tangible and concrete expression of God's covenant faithfulness to ancient Israel. In the New Covenant, this earthly inheritance finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the heavenly and spiritual inheritance promised to all who are "in Christ." Just as Judah received a specific, divinely appointed portion of land, believers are "chosen in Him before the foundation of the world" to receive an "inheritance" that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ") and [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")). The divine precision evident in Joshua's land division foreshadows the perfect, complete, and eternally secure redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ, who, through His atoning work, secures for us an eternal dwelling in the "city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God" ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - City with Foundations")). Our ultimate inheritance is not merely a place but a transformed relationship with God, a full share in Christ's glory, and a participation in His eternal kingdom, all meticulously secured by His finished work on the cross ([Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Inheritance of the Saints") and [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Thus, the meticulous fulfillment of God's earthly promise in Joshua powerfully points forward to the even more glorious, precise, and eternally significant fulfillment of His redemptive plan in Jesus Christ, our ultimate and eternal inheritance.

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

Judges 13:25

And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.

Judges 16:31

Then his brethren and all the house of his father came down, and took him, and brought [him] up, and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the buryingplace of Manoah his father. And he judged Israel twenty years.

Numbers 13:23

And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and [they brought] of the pomegranates, and of the figs.

Joshua 19:41

And the coast of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Irshemesh,