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Commentary on Joshua 15 verses 20–63
20 ¶ This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.
21 And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,
22 And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,
23 And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,
24 Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth,
25 And Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, and Hezron, which is Hazor,
26 Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,
27 And Hazargaddah, and Heshmon, and Bethpalet,
28 And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,
29 Baalah, and Iim, and Azem,
30 And Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah,
31 And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,
32 And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:
33 And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,
34 And Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam,
35 Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,
36 And Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages:
37 Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdalgad,
38 And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,
39 Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon,
40 And Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kithlish,
41 And Gederoth, Bethdagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages:
42 Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,
43 And Jiphtah, and Ashnah, and Nezib,
44 And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:
45 Ekron, with her towns and her villages:
46 From Ekron even unto the sea, all that lay near Ashdod, with their villages:
47 Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border thereof:
48 And in the mountains, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,
49 And Dannah, and Kirjathsannah, which is Debir,
50 And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim,
51 And Goshen, and Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages:
52 Arab, and Dumah, and Eshean,
53 And Janum, and Bethtappuah, and Aphekah,
54 And Humtah, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages:
55 Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Juttah,
56 And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,
57 Cain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages:
58 Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor,
59 And Maarath, and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages:
60 Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages:
61 In the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah,
62 And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.
63 As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.
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.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–63. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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.
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 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). Later, after his death, he is buried "between Zorah and Eshtaol" (Judges 16:31). 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 and 1 Peter 1:3-4). 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). 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 and Ephesians 1:11). 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.