Joshua 15:35

Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,

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

Yarmut, 'Adulam, Sokhoh, 'Azekah,

Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah,

Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,

Commentary

Commentary on Joshua 15:35

Joshua 15:35 is part of an extensive list detailing the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah after the successful conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. This specific verse names four cities: Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah. These cities are located in the Shephelah, the low hills situated between the coastal plain and the central Judean mountains.

Context and Significance

  • The Allotment of Judah

    The entire fifteenth chapter of Joshua is dedicated to describing the vast territory given to the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes. This detailed geographical record underscores the meticulous fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land (Genesis 12:7). The lists served not only as a record of divine faithfulness but also as administrative documents for tribal boundaries and future governance.

  • Strategic Shephelah Cities

    The cities mentioned in this verse – Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah – were all strategically important. The Shephelah was a buffer zone, often contested, and vital for controlling access to the Judean highlands. Historical events later highlight their significance:

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness: The detailed enumeration of cities, even seemingly mundane lists, powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His promises. The land, promised generations earlier, is now being precisely distributed.
  • Order and Administration: The thoroughness of the land division reflects divine order and careful planning. It highlights the practical administration of the covenant land, ensuring each tribe received its designated inheritance.
  • Historical Foundation: These lists provide crucial geographical and historical anchors for later biblical narratives, showing how specific places played a role in Israel's history and God's unfolding plan.

Practical Application

While a list of ancient cities might seem far removed from modern life, Joshua 15:35 offers a profound reminder of God's character. His faithfulness extends to the smallest details, fulfilling every part of His word. Just as He meticulously delivered the land to Israel, He is precise and reliable in His promises to us today. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect plan and timing, even when the details seem overwhelming or the process slow. It reinforces the idea that every part of God's Word has purpose and significance.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 22:1

    ¶ David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard [it], they went down thither to him.

  • 1 Samuel 17:1

    ¶ Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which [belongeth] to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.

  • Joshua 10:3

    Wherefore Adonizedek king of Jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying,

  • Micah 1:15

    Yet will I bring an heir unto thee, O inhabitant of Mareshah: he shall come unto Adullam the glory of Israel.

  • Joshua 15:48

    And in the mountains, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,

  • Joshua 12:11

    The king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one;

  • Joshua 12:15

    The king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one;
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