Joshua 15:35

KJV

Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,

KJV (with Strong's)

Jarmuth {H3412}, and Adullam {H5725}, Socoh {H7755}, and Azekah {H5825},

Complete Jewish Bible

Yarmut, 'Adulam, Sokhoh, 'Azekah,

Berean Standard Bible

Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah,

American Standard Version

Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:35 is part of a meticulous geographical record detailing the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah within the Shephelah, the lowlands situated between the coastal plain and the Judean mountains. This verse specifically names Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah, all strategically important locations that would play significant roles in Israel's later history. The inclusion of such precise geographical data underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land, providing a foundational administrative and historical document for the nascent nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15 is entirely dedicated to outlining the vast territorial inheritance of the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes. Following the successful conquest of Canaan, the book of Joshua transitions from military campaigns to the administrative division of the land among the twelve tribes. Chapters 13-19 meticulously detail these allotments, serving as a divine deed of trust and a practical guide for tribal boundaries and future governance. Within this larger framework, Joshua 15:21-62 provides an exhaustive list of Judah's cities, grouped by geographical region, with verse 35 specifically listing four cities within the Shephelah. This detailed enumeration emphasizes the thoroughness of God's provision and the orderly establishment of His people in the Promised Land, reinforcing the themes of divine faithfulness and covenant fulfillment that permeate the entire book of [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua - Conquest and Inheritance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Shephelah, meaning "lowland" or "foothills," was a crucial buffer zone between the Philistine coastal plain to the west and the central Judean highlands to the east. Its undulating terrain, characterized by fertile valleys and strategic ridges, made it a frequently contested region throughout Israelite history. Control of the Shephelah was vital for security, trade, and access to the heartland of Judah. The cities mentioned in Joshua 15:35—Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah—were not merely administrative points on a map but strategic outposts. Their historical significance is repeatedly attested in later biblical narratives, highlighting their military and political importance. The meticulous recording of these specific locations reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of documenting land ownership and political boundaries, providing a concrete manifestation of God's promise to give Israel a land of their own, as articulated in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham").
* **Key Themes:** The detailed geographical lists in Joshua 15, including verse 35, contribute significantly to several overarching themes. Firstly, **Divine Faithfulness** is paramount; the precise distribution of the land demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises made generations earlier to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land, once promised, is now being meticulously delivered. Secondly, **Order and Administration** are evident in the thoroughness of the land division, reflecting a divine blueprint for the nation's settlement and governance. This systematic approach underscores God's wisdom in establishing a stable society. Lastly, these lists provide a crucial **Historical Foundation** for later biblical narratives. The specific locations mentioned, such as [Adullam](/1_samuel/22-1 "1 Samuel 22:1 - David's Refuge in the Cave of Adullam") (David's refuge) and [Azekah](/1_samuel/17-1 "1 Samuel 17:1 - The Battle of David and Goliath"), serve as geographical anchors, demonstrating how these very places became stages for God's unfolding plan in Israel's history, connecting the initial inheritance to future events of national significance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shephelah (Hebrew, _šĕpēlâ'_):** While not explicitly in the verse, this geographical term is critical for understanding the context of the listed cities. It refers to the low hills or foothills that lie between the coastal plain and the central mountain range of Judah. The Shephelah was a strategically vital region, serving as a buffer zone and a corridor for movement between the coast and the highlands. The cities in Joshua 15:35 are all situated within this distinct geographical area, indicating their collective importance for controlling access and defending the heartland of Judah. The precise identification of cities by region highlights the practical and administrative nature of the land allotment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jarmuth,"**: One of the cities in the Shephelah, identified as part of Judah's inheritance. Jarmuth was an ancient city, later fortified by Rehoboam ([2 Chronicles 11:7](/2_chronicles/11-7 "2 Chronicles 11:7 - Rehoboam's Fortifications")). Its inclusion signifies its strategic value within the allotted territory.
* **"and Adullam,"**: Another prominent city in the Shephelah. Adullam is famously known as the location of the cave where David sought refuge from King Saul, gathering a company of distressed men around him ([1 Samuel 22:1](/1_samuel/22-1 "1 Samuel 22:1 - David's Refuge in the Cave of Adullam")). Its mention here establishes its place as part of Judah's initial inheritance, laying the groundwork for its later historical significance.
* **"Socoh,"**: A city located in the Elah Valley region of the Shephelah. Socoh is mentioned in connection with the famous battle between David and Goliath, as it was near the Philistine encampment ([1 Samuel 17:1](/1_samuel/17-1 "1 Samuel 17:1 - The Battle of David and Goliath")). Like Jarmuth and Adullam, it was later fortified by Rehoboam ([2 Chronicles 11:7](/2_chronicles/11-7 "2 Chronicles 11:7 - Rehoboam's Fortifications")), underscoring its enduring strategic importance.
* **"and Azekah,"**: The final city listed in this verse, also situated in the Shephelah, near the Valley of Elah. Azekah played a key role in the battle against the Philistines where David defeated Goliath ([1 Samuel 17:1](/1_samuel/17-1 "1 Samuel 17:1 - The Battle of David and Goliath")). It was also one of the last Judean strongholds to fall to the Babylonians before the destruction of Jerusalem ([Jeremiah 34:7](/jeremiah/34-7 "Jeremiah 34:7 - The Fall of Azekah and Lachish")). Its inclusion in Judah's inheritance highlights its strategic military value from the earliest days of Israel's settlement.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 15:35, as part of an extensive geographical register, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Topographical Detail**. The precise listing of city names serves as a comprehensive inventory, emphasizing the thoroughness and exactitude of the land distribution. This detailed **Enumeration** functions not merely as a dry list but as a testament to God's meticulous fulfillment of His promises. The cities are presented within their specific geographical context (the Shephelah), providing crucial **Topographical Detail** that anchors the narrative in real-world locations. This grounded reality makes the divine act of giving the land tangible and verifiable. Furthermore, for a discerning reader of the entire biblical narrative, these specific place names carry a subtle element of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the significant historical events that would later unfold in these very locations, such as David's refuge in Adullam or his battle near Azekah and Socoh. The seemingly mundane list thus becomes a foundational map for future divine interventions and human dramas.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:35, though a simple list of names, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous faithfulness and the tangible reality of His covenant promises. The detailed enumeration of cities, even in seemingly obscure passages, testifies to the divine precision in fulfilling every word spoken. Just as God promised Abraham a land for his descendants, so He meticulously delivered it, down to the specific cities and their boundaries. This level of detail underscores that God's promises are not vague aspirations but concrete realities, demonstrating His sovereign control over history and geography. It reminds us that God's character is one of absolute reliability and that His plans are executed with perfect order and purpose, providing a secure foundation for Israel's identity and future.

* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34:1-12 - The Boundaries of Canaan")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalms/105-8 "Psalm 105:8-11 - God's Everlasting Covenant")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail of Joshua 15:35, listing ancient cities in a specific geographical region, might at first seem distant from our contemporary lives. Yet, it offers a profound spiritual truth: God is faithful in the details. Just as He precisely fulfilled His promise to Israel by giving them every inch of the land, even down to the strategic cities in the Shephelah, so He is faithful in every promise He has made to us. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect plan and timing, even when the path ahead seems long or the details overwhelming. It reminds us that God's Word is not merely theoretical but is active, precise, and will accomplish all that He intends. Our inheritance in Christ, though spiritual, is just as real and meticulously prepared by God. We are called to live in confident assurance that the God who meticulously divided the land for Judah is the same God who is working out every detail of our lives and preparing an eternal inheritance for us. This passage invites us to find comfort and strength in the unwavering reliability of our covenant-keeping God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land distribution in Joshua 15:35 challenge or affirm my understanding of God's faithfulness in my own life?**
* **In what areas of my life am I struggling to trust God with the "details," and how can this passage encourage greater reliance on His precision?**
* **How does understanding God's historical fulfillment of promises in the Old Testament strengthen my faith in His future promises, both personal and eschatological?**

### FAQ

**Why are these long lists of cities included in the Bible, and what is their significance?**

Answer: These extensive lists, like the one in Joshua 15:35, serve multiple crucial purposes beyond mere geographical record-keeping. Firstly, they are a powerful testament to God's **divine faithfulness** in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The detailed enumeration demonstrates that God's word is not vague but precise and meticulously executed. Secondly, they functioned as **administrative and legal documents** for the nascent Israelite nation, defining tribal boundaries, establishing land ownership, and providing a basis for governance and taxation. This highlights God's concern for order and justice within His people. Thirdly, these lists provide **historical and geographical anchors** for later biblical narratives. Many of these seemingly obscure cities, like [Adullam](/1_samuel/22-1 "1 Samuel 22:1 - David's Refuge in the Cave of Adullam") and [Azekah](/1_samuel/17-1 "1 Samuel 17:1 - The Battle of David and Goliath"), become significant backdrops for key events in Israel's history, demonstrating the continuity of God's plan over generations. They show that God works in real places and real time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:35 is a historical record of geographical inheritance, its profound Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the ultimate inheritance secured by Jesus Christ. The physical land given to Judah, though a tangible fulfillment of God's promise, was but a shadow of the spiritual and eternal inheritance promised to believers in Christ. Just as the land provided rest and security for Israel, Christ provides true rest for our souls ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The meticulous division of the land foreshadows the precise and perfect plan of God for our salvation and adoption into His family, where we are made "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The earthly inheritance in Canaan, secured through conquest and divine faithfulness, points to the heavenly inheritance, secured not by human might but by the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Through Christ, we receive an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Thus, the detailed land grants in Joshua ultimately serve as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people, culminating in the infinitely greater and eternal blessings bestowed upon those who are "in Christ Jesus" ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in 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.