Joshua 15:38

KJV

And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Dilean {H1810}, and Mizpeh {H4708}, and Joktheel {H3371},

Complete Jewish Bible

Dil'an, Mitzpeh, Yokte'el,

Berean Standard Bible

Dilan, Mizpeh, Joktheel,

American Standard Version

and Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:38 is a concise yet significant verse, meticulously listing three cities—Dilean, Mizpeh, and Joktheel—as integral components of the territorial inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah. Situated within the Shephelah, the lowlands region of Judah, this verse contributes to the comprehensive cadastral record of the land division, underscoring God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel through precise and ordered possession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15 initiates the detailed account of the land inheritance for the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes. Following the successful military campaigns against the Canaanites, the book transitions from conquest to settlement, with chapters 13-19 meticulously detailing the division of the land among the tribes by lot, as commanded by God. Chapter 15 itself is an extensive geographical survey, beginning with Judah's boundaries ([Joshua 15:1-12](/joshua/15-1 "Joshua 15:1-12 - Judah's Boundaries")), then listing its cities by region: the Negeb ([Joshua 15:21-32](/joshua/15-21 "Joshua 15:21-32 - Cities in the Negeb")), the Shephelah ([Joshua 15:33-47](/joshua/15-33 "Joshua 15:33-47 - Cities in the Shephelah")), the Hill Country ([Joshua 15:48-60](/joshua/15-48 "Joshua 15:48-60 - Cities in the Hill Country")), and the Wilderness ([Joshua 15:61-62](/joshua/15-61 "Joshua 15:61-62 - Cities in the Wilderness")). Joshua 15:38 falls squarely within the Shephelah list, a section that highlights the strategic and agricultural importance of this transitional zone between the coastal plain and the central highlands. The inclusion of these specific names, though seemingly mundane, serves to legally document and affirm the tribal claims, providing a permanent record of the divine allocation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking their transition from nomadic wanderers to a settled nation. This process fulfilled the ancient covenant promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The method of division by lot, as seen in [Numbers 26:55-56](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55-56 - Land Division by Lot"), was understood as a divine act, ensuring impartiality and God's sovereign hand in the allocation. These detailed city lists functioned as legal deeds or charters in ancient Near Eastern societies, establishing clear boundaries and ownership, which was crucial for tribal identity, taxation, and defense. The Shephelah, where Dilean, Mizpeh, and Joktheel were located, was a fertile region of rolling hills and valleys, strategically important due to its position as a buffer zone and a corridor for movement between the Philistine plain and the Judean highlands. Control over these cities was vital for Judah's security and prosperity.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 15:38, as part of this extensive inventory, powerfully illustrates several core themes. Firstly, it underscores the **fulfillment of divine promise**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness in delivering on His covenant to give the land to Israel, down to the granular detail of specific cities within tribal territories. This meticulous record highlights God's precision and reliability. Secondly, it emphasizes **order and divine sovereignty**; the systematic and detailed division of the land reflects God's character as a God of order, establishing the foundational structure for the nation of Israel. The process was not chaotic but divinely orchestrated. Thirdly, the concept of **inheritance and possession** is central; the Israelites were not merely conquering but taking possession of a prepared inheritance, a gift from God. This physical inheritance foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Spiritual Inheritance")). Finally, these geographical lists are invaluable for **biblical geography and historical accuracy**, providing critical data for understanding the ancient landscape, the distribution of populations, and the strategic importance of various regions in the unfolding narrative of God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dilean (דִּלְעָן, _dil'an'_):** The meaning of this name is uncertain, with some scholars suggesting connections to "gourd" or "cucumber," though this is speculative. Its primary significance lies not in its etymology but in its inclusion within this precise list. As a named city, it signifies a specific, identifiable location within Judah's inheritance, contributing to the comprehensive and legally binding nature of the territorial record. Its presence, alongside other known or identifiable sites, lends weight to the historical accuracy and thoroughness of the biblical account.
* **Mizpeh (מִצְפֶּה, _mitspeh'_):** This common Hebrew place name literally means "watchtower" or "outlook." The presence of multiple places named Mizpeh throughout Israel (e.g., in Benjamin, [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - Mizpeh in Benjamin"), and Gilead, [Judges 10:17](/judges/10-17 "Judges 10:17 - Mizpeh in Gilead")) indicates a strategic elevated position offering a wide view, likely for defensive purposes or observation. The Mizpeh mentioned here in Judah's Shephelah is distinct from these others, highlighting the importance of such vantage points across the land and the detailed geographical knowledge embedded in the text.
* **Joktheel (יָקְתְאֵל, _yoqthe'el'_):** The name likely means "subdued by God" or "gain of God." This name appears again in [2 Kings 14:7](/2_kings/14-7 "2 Kings 14:7 - Joktheel and Amaziah"), where King Amaziah of Judah renames Sela (Petra) to Joktheel after conquering it. While some debate if the Joshua 15 Joktheel is the same city or a different one, in the context of Joshua, it refers to a city within Judah's original, divinely allotted inheritance. Its name, "subdued by God," could implicitly reflect the divine assistance in conquering and possessing the land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Dilean,"**: This opening phrase introduces the first of three named cities, using the common Hebrew conjunctive "and" (וְ, _ve_). Its placement at the beginning of the enumeration emphasizes its status as a distinct, yet interconnected, part of Judah's Shephelah territory. The simple naming underscores the meticulous nature of the land allocation, where every settlement, regardless of its size or prominence, was accounted for in the divine plan.
* **"and Mizpeh,"**: The repetition of the conjunctive "and" here links Mizpeh directly to Dilean, continuing the list. Mizpeh, as a "watchtower" city, suggests a location of strategic importance, likely situated on an elevated point within the Shephelah. Its inclusion signifies the comprehensive nature of the inventory, covering not just agricultural lands but also defensive or observational outposts.
* **"and Joktheel,"**: The final "and" further connects Joktheel to the preceding cities, completing this specific triad within the broader list of Shephelah cities. The name "Joktheel," potentially meaning "subdued by God," subtly reinforces the theological undercurrent of the entire land division: the land was given by God, and its possession was a result of His power and faithfulness. The cumulative effect of these simple conjunctions and names is a precise, legalistic documentation of Judah's divinely appointed inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 15:38, though brief, effectively employs several literary devices to achieve its purpose. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as the verse is a direct listing of three distinct place names. This technique is characteristic of the entire chapter and indeed much of the book of Joshua, serving to create a comprehensive and authoritative record of the land division. The meticulous nature of this enumeration lends a legal and administrative weight to the text, solidifying the claims of the tribe of Judah to their allotted territory. Furthermore, the repeated use of the conjunction "and" before each city name ("And Dilean, **and** Mizpeh, **and** Joktheel") is a form of **Polysyndeton**. This device, while simple, emphasizes each individual item in the list, giving equal weight and importance to Dilean, Mizpeh, and Joktheel. It slows the reader down, reinforcing the thoroughness and precision of the divine allocation, ensuring that no part of the inheritance is overlooked or diminished. This detailed listing also contributes to the overall sense of **Verisimilitude**, lending an air of historical accuracy and authenticity to the biblical narrative by providing specific, verifiable geographical data.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:38, despite its seemingly dry enumeration of names, is deeply embedded in the larger theological narrative of God's faithfulness and covenant keeping. The meticulous detail of these geographical lists is a testament to God's precision and commitment in fulfilling His promises. Just as He promised Abraham a land for his descendants, so He meticulously ensures every city, every boundary, and every parcel is accounted for in the inheritance of Israel. This divine thoroughness speaks volumes about God's character: He is not vague or forgetful, but exact and faithful in His dealings with His people. The physical land inheritance serves as a tangible, concrete demonstration of God's sovereignty over creation and His active involvement in the history of His chosen people. It underscores that God's plans are not abstract ideals but concrete realities, meticulously brought to pass.

* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "God's Command for Land Division")
* [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "The Promised Land")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalm/105-8 "God's Enduring Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed listing of cities like Dilean, Mizpeh, and Joktheel in Joshua 15:38 might initially appear tedious, yet it carries profound implications for our faith and daily lives. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of meticulous detail, a God who fulfills His promises with absolute precision. If God was so careful to ensure every city and boundary was accounted for in the physical inheritance of Israel, how much more can we trust Him with the intricate details of our lives and the certainty of our spiritual inheritance in Christ? This passage encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's faithfulness, recognizing that His plans for us are not haphazard but divinely ordered and meticulously executed. It also challenges us to see value in every part of Scripture, even the seemingly mundane, for each verse contributes to the grand narrative of God's redemptive work and reveals aspects of His character. Just as Israel possessed a tangible inheritance, believers today possess an eternal, spiritual inheritance in Christ, secured by God's unwavering faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land division in Joshua 15:38 deepen your understanding of His character and faithfulness?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's meticulous care and divine ordering, even when details seem insignificant?**
* **How does the concept of a "prepared inheritance" (physical for Israel, spiritual for believers) encourage you in your walk with God?**
* **What does this seemingly "dry" list teach you about the value and purpose of all Scripture, even its less narrative portions?**

### FAQ
**Why are these detailed lists of cities important in the Bible?**

Answer: These detailed lists, like the one in Joshua 15:38, are critically important for several reasons. Theologically, they serve as tangible evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Historically and legally, they functioned as the ancient equivalent of property deeds or cadastral surveys, establishing clear boundaries and ownership for each tribe. This was vital for tribal identity, administration, taxation, and defense in ancient Israel. From a literary perspective, their inclusion underscores the meticulous and orderly nature of God's work, providing a sense of historical accuracy and grounding the biblical narrative in specific geographical realities. Without these lists, the claims of the tribes to their inheritance would lack concrete documentation.

**What was the significance of the Shephelah region where these cities were located?**

Answer: The Shephelah (meaning "lowlands" or "foothills") was a highly significant geographical region in ancient Israel, located between the Philistine coastal plain to the west and the Judean central highlands to the east. It was characterized by rolling hills, fertile valleys, and numerous wadis (dry riverbeds). Its strategic importance lay in its function as a natural buffer zone and a crucial corridor for movement between the coast and the interior. Control of the Shephelah was vital for both defense and trade. Many battles between Israel and the Philistines, for example, took place in this region. The cities listed in Joshua 15:33-47, including Dilean, Mizpeh, and Joktheel, were key strongholds and settlements within this agriculturally rich and militarily strategic area, making their inclusion in Judah's inheritance particularly important for the tribe's security and prosperity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:38 details a physical land inheritance, its deeper significance finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The meticulous division of the land among the tribes of Israel, a tangible expression of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. Just as Israel inherited a physical land, we, through faith in Jesus, inherit all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly realms ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Christ Himself is our ultimate inheritance; He is the promised "seed" to whom the promises were made ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed")). Through His atoning work, Jesus has secured for us not merely a plot of land, but an eternal dwelling in God's presence and participation in His divine nature ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")). The precision with which God allocated land to Israel reflects the meticulousness of His redemptive plan, culminating in Christ, who perfectly fulfills every promise and provides access to 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 - Our Heavenly Inheritance")). Thus, the seemingly mundane list of cities in Joshua 15:38 ultimately points to the glorious and secure spiritual possession we have in our Lord Jesus Christ, the true "gain of God" for all who believe.

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

2 Kings 14:7

He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.

Judges 21:5

And the children of Israel said, Who [is there] among all the tribes of Israel that came not up with the congregation unto the LORD? For they had made a great oath concerning him that came not up to the LORD to Mizpeh, saying, He shall surely be put to death.

1 Samuel 7:16

And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.

Genesis 31:48

And Laban said, This heap [is] a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed;

Genesis 31:49

And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.

1 Samuel 10:17

¶ And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;

Judges 20:1

¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.