Joshua 15:36

KJV

And Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Sharaim {H8189}, and Adithaim {H5723}, and Gederah {H1449}, and Gederothaim {H1453}; fourteen {H702}{H6240} cities {H5892} with their villages {H2691}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'arim, 'Aditayim, G'derah and G'derotayim - fourteen cities, together with their villages.

Berean Standard Bible

Shaaraim, Adithaim, and Gederah (or Gederothaim)—fourteen cities, along with their villages.

American Standard Version

and Shaaraim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:36 meticulously lists four cities—Sharaim, Adithaim, Gederah, and Gederothaim—culminating with the precise count of "fourteen cities with their villages" allocated to the tribe of Judah. This verse, part of an exhaustive geographical inventory, underscores the divine faithfulness and meticulous precision with which God fulfilled His ancient covenant promises, ensuring each tribe received its designated portion of the Promised Land as a tangible inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15 details the extensive territorial inheritance assigned to the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes. Following the initial definition of Judah's vast boundaries in [Joshua 15:1-12](/joshua/15-1 "Joshua 15:1-12 - Judah's Boundaries"), the chapter transitions into a comprehensive enumeration of cities within these limits. Verses [Joshua 15:21-62](/joshua/15-21 "Joshua 15:21-62 - List of Judah's Cities") are dedicated to listing these cities, grouped by geographical sub-regions, beginning with the Negeb, then the Shephelah (lowlands), followed by the hill country, and finally the wilderness. Joshua 15:36 falls within the section describing cities in the Shephelah, emphasizing the thoroughness of the land distribution and the divine order underlying the settlement of Canaan. The repetitive, almost liturgical, nature of these lists reinforces the reality and completeness of the inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of land was a foundational act for the newly formed nation of Israel, transitioning from nomadic wanderers to settled inhabitants of the Promised Land. In the ancient Near East, land ownership was synonymous with identity, security, and prosperity, deeply tied to family lineage and tribal affiliation. The detailed lists in Joshua reflect a meticulous administrative process, likely based on surveys and lots cast under divine guidance, as described in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - Census and Land Distribution") and [Joshua 18](/joshua/18 "Joshua 18 - Division of Remaining Land"). The inclusion of "villages" (Hebrew: _ḥaṣerim_) alongside cities is significant, indicating that the surrounding agricultural lands, pastures, and smaller, often unfortified, settlements were integral to the inheritance. This ensured that each tribe received not just urban centers but also the full economic and residential infrastructure necessary for sustaining their population and fulfilling God's command to be fruitful and multiply in the land.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous enumeration of cities like Sharaim, Adithaim, Gederah, and Gederothaim in [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - Judah's Inheritance") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates the **Fulfillment of Divine Promise**. God's ancient covenant with Abraham, reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, promised their descendants the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The detailed record in Joshua serves as tangible proof that God is faithful to His word, bringing His promises to fruition with exactitude. Secondly, these lists highlight **Divine Order and Precision**. The allocation of land was not arbitrary but a carefully managed, divinely orchestrated process, ensuring each tribe received its designated portion according to a larger divine strategy. This speaks to God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign control over the destiny of His people. Lastly, the repeated emphasis on "cities with their villages" underscores the critical theme of **Inheritance and Possession**. This physical inheritance of the land was central to Israel's identity, their covenant relationship with God, and their establishment as a nation, providing a secure dwelling place and a foundation for their future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sharaim (Hebrew, _Sha'arayim'_):** This name literally means "two gates." While its precise location remains debated by scholars, the name suggests a place characterized by a prominent double gate or perhaps a settlement at a significant crossroads, indicating its strategic or defensive importance. Its inclusion in the list emphasizes the thoroughness of the land allocation, encompassing even places whose names hint at their physical features.
* **Gederah (Hebrew, _Gederah'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to fence, wall, or enclose," Gederah likely means "sheepfold" or "enclosure." This suggests a settlement that was either fortified or primarily associated with pastoral activities, perhaps a place where flocks were gathered and protected. The name provides a glimpse into the agricultural and defensive realities of the region.
* **Gederothaim (Hebrew, _Gederothayim'_):** This name appears to be a dual form of Gederah, meaning "two sheepfolds" or "double enclosures." The "-aim" suffix often denotes a pair or duality in Hebrew, suggesting either two distinct but closely related settlements, or a larger, perhaps twin, fortified pastoral complex. Its presence further illustrates the detailed nature of the land survey and the inclusion of all types of settlements within Judah's inheritance.
* **Villages (Hebrew, _ḥaṣerim'_):** This term refers to unfortified settlements, often associated with nomadic or semi-nomadic populations, or smaller agricultural outposts dependent on a main city. Their inclusion alongside the cities signifies that the entire territory—not just the urban centers—was part of the inheritance. This ensured that the surrounding agricultural lands, pastures, and smaller residential areas, vital for sustenance and expansion, were fully under Judah's control, indicating a complete and comprehensive possession of the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim;":** This clause continues the meticulous enumeration of specific cities within the Shephelah region of Judah's inheritance. The listing of these particular place names, some of which are obscure to modern scholarship, highlights the precise and comprehensive nature of the ancient record. It demonstrates that the land allocation was not a general assignment but a detailed, city-by-city, and even village-by-village, distribution, underscoring the divine order and thoroughness in fulfilling God's promises.
* **"fourteen cities with their villages:":** This concluding phrase serves as a summary statement for the preceding list of cities (which begins in [Joshua 15:33](/joshua/15-33 "Joshua 15:33 - Cities in the Shephelah")). It provides an exact count, emphasizing the accuracy of the record-keeping and confirming the total number of settlements in this particular sub-region. The phrase "with their villages" is crucial, indicating that the inheritance encompassed not only the fortified urban centers but also the surrounding agricultural lands, smaller unfortified settlements, and pastures, ensuring a complete and viable territory for the tribe of Judah.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 15:36, as part of a larger catalog, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Polysyndeton**. The **Enumeration** of specific city names (Sharaim, Adithaim, Gederah, Gederothaim) is the most prominent device, serving to convey the exhaustive and meticulous nature of the land distribution. This detailed listing emphasizes the completeness of God's provision and the precision of the tribal allotments. The repeated use of the conjunction "and" (as in "And Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah...") is an example of **Polysyndeton**. This stylistic choice creates a sense of accumulation and thoroughness, reinforcing the idea that every single entity, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, was accounted for in the divine plan for Israel's inheritance. The sheer volume of names, though perhaps tedious to a modern reader, would have impressed upon the original audience the undeniable reality and comprehensive scope of their God-given possession.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous listing of cities and their villages in Joshua 15:36, while seemingly mundane, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a tangible testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, His divine order, and His sovereign control over the details of His covenant promises. Just as God precisely measured and allocated the physical land to Judah, so too does He work with precision and purpose in the lives of His people, fulfilling His word down to the smallest detail. This detailed record assures us that God's promises are not vague generalities but specific, reliable realities. It demonstrates that His plan for His people is comprehensive, encompassing not just the grand narratives but also the seemingly ordinary aspects of their existence, ensuring their complete provision and security within His will.
* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34:1-12 - Boundaries of Canaan") - God's detailed instructions for the boundaries and division of the land among the tribes.
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalm/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Provision of Inheritance") - Describes God driving out nations and dividing their inheritance by lot for Israel.
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Spiritual Inheritance in Christ") - Speaks of believers having obtained an inheritance in Christ, predestined according to God's purpose.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The precise enumeration of cities and their villages in Joshua 15:36, though a historical record of ancient land division, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, not only in His grand redemptive plan but also in the seemingly "mundane" aspects of our individual lives. Just as He faithfully and precisely allotted every parcel of land to His chosen people, we can trust that He is intricately involved in every detail of our existence, from our daily provisions to our eternal destiny. This verse encourages us to look for God's faithfulness not just in the miraculous, but also in the ordinary, recognizing His hand in the precise circumstances and provisions of our lives. It fosters a deeper trust in His sovereign care, knowing that our spiritual inheritance in Christ is just as real, secure, and meticulously prepared as Judah's physical inheritance in Canaan, guaranteeing our place in His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the land distribution encourage you concerning His care for the specifics of your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be overlooking God's faithful provision because it seems "mundane" or ordinary?**
* **How does the concept of a guaranteed inheritance in Joshua inform your understanding of your spiritual inheritance in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why are so many of these cities difficult to identify today?**

Answer: The difficulty in definitively identifying many of the cities listed in Joshua, including those in Joshua 15:36, stems from several factors. Firstly, the passage of millennia has led to significant geographical and demographic changes, including the renaming of settlements, the abandonment of sites, and the rise of new ones. Secondly, archaeological identification is challenging; while many ancient sites have been excavated, correlating biblical names with archaeological remains requires strong evidence, which is often elusive for smaller or less significant settlements. The primary purpose of these lists in the book of Joshua was to serve as a legal and administrative record for the ancient Israelites, detailing their inheritance and boundaries, rather than a geographical guide for future generations. The meticulousness of the record, even for towns now lost to history, underscores the reality and completeness of the land division at the time, as God's promise was fulfilled to His people ([Joshua 18:1-10](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1-10 - The Remaining Land Divided")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:36 describes a physical inheritance of land, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper significance are found in Christ. The meticulous division of Canaan among the tribes foreshadows the spiritual inheritance that believers receive in Jesus. Just as God faithfully provided a secure dwelling place for Israel, Christ has secured an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance for all who are in Him ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - The Imperishable Inheritance")). The land of Canaan, though a tangible blessing, was but a shadow of the true rest and eternal dwelling place found in God's presence, which Jesus, our great High Priest, has entered on our behalf ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Rest")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus has opened the way for us to inherit not just a piece of land, but eternal life, reconciliation with God, and a place in His heavenly kingdom ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, ensuring that our spiritual inheritance is not merely a future hope but a present reality, guaranteed by the Holy Spirit as a down payment ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Seal of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the detailed enumeration of cities in Joshua points forward to the comprehensive and secure spiritual blessings we possess in Christ, our true 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

1 Samuel 17:52

And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron.