Joshua 15:4

KJV

[From thence] it passed toward Azmon, and went out unto the river of Egypt; and the goings out of that coast were at the sea: this shall be your south coast.

KJV (with Strong's)

From thence it passed {H5674} toward Azmon {H6111}, and went out {H3318} unto the river {H5158} of Egypt {H4714}; and the goings out {H8444} of that coast {H1366} were at the sea {H3220}: this shall be your south {H5045} coast {H1366}.

Complete Jewish Bible

passed toward 'Atzmon, and went out at the Vadi of Egypt, with the border ending at the sea; this will be your southern border.

Berean Standard Bible

It proceeded to Azmon, joined the Brook of Egypt, and ended at the Sea. This was their southern border.

American Standard Version

and it passed along to Azmon, and went out at the brook of Egypt; and the goings out of the border were at the sea: this shall be your south border.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:4 meticulously delineates a segment of the southern boundary for the tribe of Judah, tracing its course from Azmon westward to the "river of Egypt" and concluding at the Mediterranean Sea. This precise geographical description underscores the faithful and detailed fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel, establishing the tangible limits of Judah's divinely apportioned inheritance within the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15:4 is situated within the extensive section of the Book of Joshua (chapters 13-19) that meticulously details the tribal allotments of the land of Canaan. Specifically, [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Allotment of Judah") is dedicated entirely to the territory assigned to the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent tribe. This particular verse continues the description of Judah's southern border, which began in [Joshua 15:1](/joshua/15-1 "Joshua 15:1 - Judah's Southern Boundary Begins") and extends through [Joshua 15:4](/joshua/15-4 "Joshua 15:4 - Judah's Southern Boundary"). The highly detailed nature of these boundary descriptions serves as a legal and historical record, affirming the fulfillment of God's promises and providing clear demarcation for each tribal inheritance, thereby preventing future disputes. The preceding chapters describe the conquest itself, while these chapters focus on the distribution of the conquered land, marking a shift from military action to administrative settlement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of land was central to ancient Israelite identity and survival. Land represented not only economic sustenance but also a tangible manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness, particularly the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In the ancient Near East, precise boundary markers were crucial for legal ownership, inheritance, and preventing inter-tribal or inter-family conflict. The "river of Egypt" (Hebrew: *Nachal Mitsrayim*) refers to the Wadi el-Arish, a seasonal riverbed southwest of Gaza, not the Nile. This wadi served as a well-known and recognized natural boundary for the land of Canaan, marking the traditional southwestern extent of Israel's promised territory, as also seen in [Numbers 34:5](/numbers/34-5 "Numbers 34:5 - Southern Border of Promised Land"). The meticulous detail reflects a cultural emphasis on precise land ownership and the legal weight of such descriptions in ancient societies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Joshua and the Pentateuch. Foremost is **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's meticulous and unwavering commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises, particularly the grant of land to Abraham's descendants (cf. [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")). The theme of **Inheritance and Possession** is paramount, as the land is presented as a divine gift, not merely a conquest, providing the Israelites with a secure and defined place. This highlights their identity as God's chosen people with a tangible stake in His redemptive plan. Furthermore, the detailed geographical specifications underscore **Order and Specificity** in God's plan. His provisions are not vague but exact, ensuring clarity, preventing disputes, and establishing a stable foundation for the nascent nation of Israel within their divinely appointed borders, as outlined in [Numbers 34](/numbers/34 "Numbers 34 - Boundaries of the Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **passed (Hebrew, _ʿâbar_):** This verb signifies a transition or movement across a boundary or territory. In this context, it describes the precise progression of Judah's southern border, indicating a deliberate and defined movement from one landmark to another. It underscores the active and intentional nature of the boundary's delineation, rather than a vague or undefined area.
* **river of Egypt (Hebrew, _nachal Mitsrayim_):** This critical geographical marker refers to the Wadi el-Arish, a seasonal riverbed (Hebrew: *nachal*) that flows into the Mediterranean Sea, distinct from the Nile River. Its designation as "of Egypt" (Hebrew: *Mitsrayim*) clarifies its location relative to the land of Egypt. This "river" served as the traditional and divinely ordained southwestern boundary of the land of Canaan promised to Israel, marking the limit of their inheritance in that direction.
* **coast (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl_):** This term, appearing multiple times in the descriptions of tribal allotments, properly refers to a "boundary" or "border," and by extension, the "territory enclosed." Its use here emphasizes the defined, fixed, and secure nature of the land given to Judah. It highlights that the inheritance was not amorphous but had clear, God-ordained limits, providing security and legal standing for the tribe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[From thence] it passed toward Azmon":** This phrase indicates the continuation of the southern boundary line from a previously mentioned point (likely Kadesh-Barnea or a point near it, as described in the preceding verses of [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Allotment of Judah")). It signifies a westward progression across the desert landscape, with Azmon serving as a key waypoint or landmark along this stretch of the border.
* **"and went out unto the river of Egypt":** Following the path toward Azmon, the boundary line then extends to reach the "river of Egypt," which is the Wadi el-Arish. This marks a significant natural and historically recognized geographical limit, establishing the southwestern extent of Judah's territory and, by extension, the land of Israel.
* **"and the goings out of that coast were at the sea":** This clause clarifies that the boundary line, having reached the Wadi el-Arish, then follows its course to its mouth, where it empties into the Mediterranean Sea. This indicates that the westernmost point of this southern border segment is the Mediterranean, providing a clear and undeniable natural termination point for the boundary.
* **"this shall be your south coast":** This concluding declaration provides a definitive summary, confirming that the entire described line, from its origin, through Azmon, to the River of Egypt, and finally to the Mediterranean Sea, constitutes the official and permanent southern boundary of the tribe of Judah. It is a statement of divine decree and established reality.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Joshua 15:4, and indeed throughout the tribal allotment chapters, is **Geographical Precision** or **Topographical Listing**. The meticulous naming of specific landmarks like "Azmon," "the river of Egypt," and "the sea" is not merely descriptive but serves a crucial theological and legal purpose. It underscores the exactness of God's fulfillment of His promises, demonstrating that the land given to Israel was not a vague concept but a tangible, measurable, and precisely defined inheritance. This detailed mapping functions almost as a legal deed, providing irrefutable evidence of divine ownership and transfer. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of terms like "coast" or "boundary" throughout the chapter reinforces the theme of defined limits and secure possession, emphasizing the order and clarity God establishes for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:4, though seemingly a dry geographical description, is rich with theological significance. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous attention to detail in fulfilling His covenant promises. The precise demarcation of Judah's southern border is a tangible manifestation of the land grant made to Abraham in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land"), where God promised a territory extending "from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates." This verse confirms that God delivers on His word, even to the exact boundaries. It also highlights the concept of inheritance, not as something earned by human effort, but as a sovereign gift from God, providing security, identity, and a place of belonging for His people. The order and specificity evident in these boundaries reflect God's character as a God of order, who provides clear guidelines and provisions for His people's well-being and flourishing.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")
* [Numbers 34:5](/numbers/34-5 "Southern Border of Promised Land")
* [Deuteronomy 1:7](/deuteronomy/1-7 "Command to Possess the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed geographical descriptions in Joshua 15:4, while ancient, offer profound spiritual lessons for believers today. They remind us that God is a God of meticulous detail and unwavering faithfulness. Just as He precisely defined the borders for Judah's inheritance, He has a specific and purposeful plan for our lives, providing clear boundaries and abundant provisions. This should encourage us to trust in His sovereign hand, knowing that His promises are "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ. Our spiritual inheritance, though not a physical land, is equally real and far more glorious, encompassing salvation, eternal life, and every spiritual blessing in Christ. We are called to live within the "boundaries" of His will, finding security and purpose in His divine design. This verse invites us to reflect on the tangible ways God has fulfilled His promises in our own lives, strengthening our faith in His continued guidance and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of God's land allocation in Joshua 15:4 encourage your trust in His detailed plans for your own life?**
* **What "boundaries" or "inheritances" has God established for believers today, and how do we live within them faithfully?**
* **In what ways can we recognize God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, both historically and personally?**

### FAQ

**What is the "river of Egypt" mentioned here, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The "river of Egypt" (Hebrew: *Nachal Mitsrayim*) is not the Nile River. It refers to the Wadi el-Arish, a seasonal riverbed or dry streambed that flows from the Sinai Peninsula into the Mediterranean Sea, located southwest of Gaza. This wadi was a crucial and widely recognized geographical marker that served as the traditional southwestern boundary of the land of Canaan promised to Israel. Its significance lies in its role as a divinely ordained limit, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land") that Israel's territory would extend to this river. It is also mentioned as a border in [Numbers 34:5](/numbers/34-5 "Numbers 34:5 - Southern Border of Promised Land") and later in [1 Kings 8:65](/1_kings/8-65 "1 Kings 8:65 - Solomon's Feast and Borders") when describing the extent of Solomon's kingdom.

**Why are these geographical details so important in the Book of Joshua?**

Answer: The meticulous geographical details, such as those in Joshua 15:4, are profoundly important for several reasons. First, they serve as concrete evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants to give them a specific land (cf. [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). The precision demonstrates that God's word is not vague but exact. Second, these details provide a legal and historical basis for the tribal claims to their respective territories, preventing disputes and ensuring orderly settlement. In ancient societies, clear land boundaries were essential for identity, security, and economic stability. Third, they highlight the tangible reality of the promised inheritance, grounding the spiritual promises in physical reality for the Israelite people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:4 describes a physical inheritance of land, it powerfully foreshadows the spiritual inheritance found in Christ. The meticulous precision with which God defines Judah's boundaries points to the equally precise and secure nature of the spiritual blessings and eternal inheritance granted to believers in Jesus. Just as the land was a gift of God's faithfulness to Israel, our salvation and every spiritual blessing are a gift of grace in Christ, who is the ultimate inheritor of all things (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Jesus, as the true Son of David from the tribe of Judah, is the one through whom the ultimate, eternal "land" is secured for God's people. We are no longer defined by physical borders but by our union with Him, becoming "co-heirs with Christ" (cf. [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The ultimate fulfillment of the promised land is not merely an earthly territory but the new heavens and new earth, where God dwells with His people in perfect communion, a reality secured by Christ's redemptive work (cf. [Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham's Heavenly City") and [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, this ancient boundary marker ultimately points to the boundless, eternal inheritance we possess through faith in our Lord Jesus 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.

Cross-References

Numbers 34:5

And the border shall fetch a compass from Azmon unto the river of Egypt, and the goings out of it shall be at the sea.

Joshua 13:3

From Sihor, which [is] before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, [which] is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:

Genesis 15:18

In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

Exodus 23:31

And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.