Joshua 15:40

KJV

And Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kithlish,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Cabbon {H3522}, and Lahmam {H3903}, and Kithlish {H3798},

Complete Jewish Bible

Kabon, Lachmas, Kitlish,

Berean Standard Bible

Cabbon, Lahmas, Chitlish,

American Standard Version

and Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Chitlish,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:40 lists three specific towns—Cabbon, Lahmam, and Kithlish—as part of the extensive inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah in the Promised Land. This seemingly simple enumeration is a profound testament to God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, demonstrating His divine order and the tangible reality of Israel's possession of the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15:40 is situated within a lengthy and highly detailed chapter (Joshua 15) that meticulously enumerates the boundaries and cities assigned to the tribe of Judah. This chapter, along with Joshua 13-19, forms the core narrative of the land division among the tribes of Israel following the successful conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership, as described in earlier chapters like [Joshua 11](/joshua/11 "Joshua 11 - The Conquest of Northern Canaan"). The inclusion of such extensive lists of towns and villages, often grouped by region, serves as a comprehensive administrative and legal record of the tribal inheritances. These lists are not merely geographical markers but underscore the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of Israel's identity as a settled nation in their divinely appointed territory. The repetitive nature and precise naming reinforce the historical and theological significance of the land distribution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land was a foundational act for the nascent nation of Israel, transitioning them from a nomadic, conquering force to a settled people. Land ownership was intrinsically linked to identity, livelihood, and covenant fidelity in ancient Israelite society. The process, guided by lot (as seen in [Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Division of Land by Lot")), emphasized divine sovereignty in the distribution, ensuring that each tribe received its portion directly from God. The specific naming of towns like Cabbon, Lahmam, and Kithlish highlights the real, tangible nature of this inheritance, distinguishing it from a mere theoretical promise. These lists would have been crucial for administrative purposes, taxation, military organization, and establishing clear tribal boundaries, preventing disputes and ensuring social order within the emerging Israelite confederacy.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of cities in Joshua 15, including the three in verse 40, powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises made to Abraham in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham") and reiterated to Moses, to give the land of Canaan to Israel as an everlasting possession. Second, it highlights **Order and Administration**, revealing God as a God of precision and systematic arrangement, ensuring that the land was divided equitably and without chaos among the twelve tribes, as detailed throughout [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land"). Finally, the lists emphasize the theme of **Inheritance and Possession**, showing the tangible manifestation of Israel's identity and future prosperity rooted in the land. This physical inheritance served as a constant reminder of God's provision and their unique status as His chosen people, possessing the land He had promised.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cabbon (Hebrew, _Kabbôn_):** The precise meaning of this ancient Hebrew place name is uncertain and debated among scholars. Some suggest it might derive from a root related to "fortified" or "stronghold," implying a place of defensive significance. Its inclusion, like the other names, serves primarily as a specific geographical marker within Judah's allotted territory, signifying a real, identifiable location.
* **Lahmam (Hebrew, _Laḥmām_):** The etymology of Lahmam is also debated. It could potentially be related to the Hebrew word for "bread" or "food" (_leḥem_), possibly indicating a fertile area or a place known for its provisions. Regardless of its exact etymological meaning, its presence in this list confirms its status as a distinct settlement within Judah's tribal inheritance, contributing to the comprehensive record of their land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Cabbon":** This introduces the first of three towns specifically named in this verse, immediately following a series of other city names in the preceding verses. The conjunction "And" links it seamlessly to the ongoing enumeration, indicating that this is another item in the continuous list of Judah's inherited cities.
* **"and Lahmam":** This clause adds the second town to the list. The repetitive use of "and" (the Hebrew _waw_ conjunction) emphasizes the continuous, exhaustive nature of the inventory, demonstrating the meticulous detail with which the tribal inheritances were recorded. Each name represents a distinct, tangible piece of the promised land.
* **"and Kithlish":** The final town named in this verse, Kithlish, completes this specific triplet. Its inclusion further reinforces the precision and thoroughness of the biblical record concerning the land division. Together, these names are not merely abstract concepts but represent concrete geographical locations that formed part of Judah's physical and covenantal inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 15:40, like much of the chapter, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Topography**. The detailed listing of place names is a form of enumeration, providing a comprehensive inventory of the cities assigned to Judah. This meticulous cataloging serves a legal and administrative function, solidifying the boundaries and possessions of the tribe. The specific naming of towns like Cabbon, Lahmam, and Kithlish contributes to the **Topography** of the text, grounding the narrative in real-world geography and emphasizing the tangible fulfillment of God's promises. The consistent use of the conjunction "and" before each name is a subtle form of **Repetition**, which reinforces the exhaustive nature of the list and the systematic process of land allocation. These devices collectively underscore the historical accuracy, legal precision, and divine faithfulness inherent in the division of the Promised Land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Even in what appears to be a dry list of ancient place names, Joshua 15:40 speaks volumes about God's character and His relationship with His people. The meticulous detail in enumerating every town and boundary line reveals a God who is not vague or forgetful but precise, orderly, and utterly faithful to His word. This level of specificity demonstrates that God's promises are not abstract concepts but tangible realities, fulfilled down to the last detail. For the Israelites, these names represented their identity, security, and the enduring legacy of God's covenant. It teaches us that God cares about the specifics of His plans and His people's lives, ensuring that every promise is brought to fruition.

* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34:1-12 - Detailed Instructions for Land Boundaries")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalms/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Faithful Division of the Land")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Spiritual Inheritance in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane list of towns in Joshua 15:40 offers a profound reassurance of God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous care. Just as God precisely fulfilled His promise to give Israel a physical inheritance, down to every town and boundary, so too does He meticulously work out His purposes in our lives. This verse reminds us that God is a God of detail, not just grand plans. He is attentive to the seemingly small, obscure parts of our journey, orchestrating them for our good and His glory. This should inspire deep trust, knowing that if God was so precise in delivering a physical land, He is infinitely more precise and faithful in securing our spiritual inheritance and guiding our steps. We are called to live with confidence in His sovereign plan, even when the path seems like a mere list of unknown places.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land division in Joshua affirm His character as a faithful and orderly God?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's meticulous care and faithfulness, even when His plans seem slow or detailed?**
* **How does understanding Israel's physical inheritance deepen your appreciation for the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why are these lists of cities so detailed in the book of Joshua?**

Answer: The detailed lists of cities in the book of Joshua, including those in [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah"), serve multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, they functioned as a legal and administrative record, defining the precise boundaries and possessions for each tribe, preventing disputes and ensuring an orderly society. Secondly, they provided tangible evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants to give them the land of Canaan. Thirdly, they emphasized the historical accuracy and reality of the conquest and settlement, demonstrating that these events were not mythical but grounded in specific geographical locations. Finally, these lists underscored the identity and inheritance of each tribal family within the nation of Israel, solidifying their place in God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:40 details a physical inheritance for the tribe of Judah, it points forward to the ultimate, spiritual inheritance secured by Jesus Christ. The meticulous precision with which God divided the land for Israel foreshadows the perfect and certain plan of salvation accomplished through the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as the Israelites received a tangible land, believers in Christ receive an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance, kept in heaven for them ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope, a Heavenly Inheritance")). Jesus is the true "Promised Land," the ultimate rest that the earthly Canaan could only partially represent ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He has guaranteed our spiritual blessings and our portion in His eternal kingdom, making us co-heirs with Him ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"); [Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Sharing in the Inheritance of the Saints in Light")). The divine faithfulness seen in the allocation of Cabbon, Lahmam, and Kithlish finds its supreme expression in God's unwavering commitment to bring His children into their eternal inheritance through 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.