Joshua 15:41

KJV

And Gederoth, Bethdagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Gederoth {H1450}, Bethdagon {H1016}, and Naamah {H5279}, and Makkedah {H4719}; sixteen {H8337}{H6240} cities {H5892} with their villages {H2691}:

Complete Jewish Bible

G'derot, Beit-Dagon, Na'amah and Makkedah - sixteen cities, together with their villages.

Berean Standard Bible

Gederoth, Beth-dagon, Naamah, and Makkedah—sixteen cities, along with their villages.

American Standard Version

and Gederoth, Beth-dagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:41 meticulously lists four specific cities—Gederoth, Bethdagon, Naamah, and Makkedah—and then summarizes them as part of a larger group of "sixteen cities with their villages" within the strategically vital Shephelah region, which formed a significant portion of Judah's tribal inheritance. This detailed enumeration, embedded within a comprehensive geographical record, powerfully underscores God's precise and faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to providing specific, tangible territories for His people to inhabit and steward. It highlights the divine order inherent in the land distribution and the concrete reality of Israel's possession of the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15 provides an exhaustive account of the vast land inheritance allocated to the tribe of Judah, which was the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes. This chapter systematically delineates Judah's boundaries, starting with its southern border, then proceeding to the eastern, northern, and western limits, before meticulously enumerating specific cities within various geographical sub-regions. Joshua 15:41 is situated within the listing of cities located in the Shephelah, or the "lowland" region (specifically [Joshua 15:33-47](/joshua/15-33-47 "Joshua 15:33-47 - Cities in the Shephelah")), a fertile and strategically important area nestled between the central Judean highlands and the Philistine coastal plain. The meticulous enumeration, including the precise count of "sixteen cities with their villages" for this particular sub-region, emphasizes the thoroughness and exactitude of the land distribution, reflecting the tangible fulfillment of God's promises and the reality of Israel's inheritance. This detailed cataloging serves as a formal, legal record of Judah's territorial claims and responsibilities within the newly conquered land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land among the Israelite tribes, as meticulously recorded in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13-19 "Joshua 13-19 - The Division of the Land"), represented a monumental undertaking following the successful conquest of Canaan. This process was not merely an administrative task but a profound theological act, serving as the concrete fulfillment of the covenant promises made to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")) and subsequently reiterated to Moses and Joshua. The Shephelah, where the cities mentioned in Joshua 15:41 are located, was a frequently contested zone, particularly with the Philistines who would later exert significant influence over parts of this region. Names like Bethdagon, meaning "house of Dagon," explicitly indicate the pervasive presence of Canaanite or Philistine worship of the deity Dagon, highlighting the significant cultural and religious challenges Israel faced in fully possessing and purifying the land. Makkedah holds particular historical significance as the site where Joshua executed five Amorite kings, a pivotal event in the conquest that solidified Israel's dominance (as vividly described in [Joshua 10:16-27](/joshua/10-16-27 "Joshua 10:16-27 - Joshua's Victory and the Execution of Five Kings")). The recurring phrase "with their villages" accurately reflects the ancient Near Eastern settlement pattern where a central, fortified city functioned as the administrative, economic, and defensive hub for numerous smaller, dependent agricultural settlements scattered in its vicinity.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme permeating the entire [Book of Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua - Conquest and Inheritance") is God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, especially the foundational promise of land. Joshua 15:41 contributes powerfully to this theme by demonstrating the tangible, precise nature of that fulfillment. The meticulous listing of cities underscores the divine order and meticulous planning behind the land distribution, ensuring that each tribe received its designated inheritance not through haphazard chance, but through divine design and the sacred casting of lots (compare [Joshua 14:1-2](/joshua/14-1-2 "Joshua 14:1-2 - The Division of the Land by Lot")). Furthermore, this verse highlights the crucial theme of possession and stewardship: while the land was divinely given, it necessitated the Israelites to actively claim, occupy, and responsibly steward it. The enumeration serves as a divine "deed," outlining what was rightfully theirs to inhabit, reminding them of their ongoing responsibility to live in obedience within the divinely established boundaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bêyth-Dâgôwn (Hebrew, _Bêyth-Dâgôwn'_):** Translates directly as "house of Dagon." This name is profoundly significant as it directly references the worship of Dagon, a prominent Philistine and Canaanite deity often associated with grain, fertility, and sometimes depicted as a fish-god. Its presence in Judah's inheritance highlights the pervasive idolatrous practices in Canaan that Israel was commanded to displace and overcome, underscoring the spiritual battles inherent in possessing the land.
* **Maqqêdâh (Hebrew, _Maqqêdâh'_):** From the same root as a word meaning "fold" (for sheep), suggesting a place of enclosure or a sheepfold. However, its primary significance is historical. Makkedah is famously known as the site of the cave where five Amorite kings sought refuge from Joshua, only to be discovered and executed there, marking a decisive and divinely orchestrated victory for Israel (as detailed in [Joshua 10:16-27](/joshua/10-16-27 "Joshua 10:16-27 - Joshua's Victory at Makkedah")).
* **Naʻămâh (Hebrew, _Naʻămâh'_):** Meaning "pleasantness" or "delightful." While less historically prominent in the biblical narrative than Makkedah or Bethdagon, its inclusion contributes to the comprehensive nature of the land registry. The name itself suggests a potentially agreeable or fertile location, adding to the mosaic of characteristics within Judah's vast inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Gederoth, Bethdagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah;":** This clause precisely lists four specific cities located within the Shephelah region, a vital part of Judah's extensive inheritance. These names are not merely geographical markers but are imbued with historical, cultural, and even theological weight. Gederoth (meaning "walls" or "enclosures") suggests a pastoral or fortified area; Bethdagon explicitly points to pagan worship, representing the spiritual challenges of the land; and Makkedah recalls a pivotal moment of divine victory in Israel's conquest. Naamah, while less narratively prominent, completes this quartet of named cities, contributing to the detailed and exhaustive nature of the land registry. The inclusion of these specific names underscores the tangible reality of the promised land and the precise fulfillment of God's word.
* **"sixteen cities with their villages:":** This phrase provides a numerical summary for the specific sub-region of the Shephelah, encompassing the cities listed in [Joshua 15:33-41](/joshua/15-33-41 "Joshua 15:33-41 - Cities of the Shephelah"). It indicates that the four named cities in this verse, along with twelve others enumerated previously in this section (Joshua 15:33-40), collectively total sixteen central cities. The crucial addition of "with their villages" signifies that each of these primary cities served as an administrative, economic, and population center for a cluster of smaller, dependent settlements or hamlets. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the inheritance, encompassing not just urban centers but also the surrounding agricultural and pastoral lands and populations dependent on them, thereby ensuring a complete and viable territory for the tribe of Judah.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 15:41, like much of the land distribution chapters in the book, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Cataloging**. The meticulous listing of individual city names serves to document and validate the precise fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land. This detailed **Topographical Description** provides a concrete, tangible record of the inheritance, emphasizing its reality, specificity, and precision. The sheer volume of names presented across the chapter creates a powerful sense of **Completeness** and **Thoroughness**, reinforcing the theological idea that every part of the promised land was accounted for and divinely allocated. Furthermore, the names themselves, such as Bethdagon, utilize **Allusion** by referencing existing cultural or religious realities (e.g., pagan worship), subtly highlighting the spiritual challenges and responsibilities associated with possessing the land. The repetitive structure of listing cities and then summarizing their total number (e.g., "sixteen cities with their villages") functions as a form of **Repetition with Variation**, reinforcing the systematic and orderly nature of the divine distribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:41, despite its seemingly dry enumeration of geographical names, is profoundly theological. It powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness, His meticulous attention to detail, and His absolute reliability in fulfilling His covenant promises. The precise enumeration of cities and their associated villages underscores that God's word is not vague or abstract, but concrete, specific, and utterly dependable. Just as He promised Abraham a specific land for his descendants, He delivered it with geographical precision. This verse also speaks to the profound themes of divine order and meticulous provision; God did not merely give land but orchestrated its systematic division, ensuring each tribe received its designated inheritance according to His perfect plan. It stands as a tangible testament to God's sovereignty over history and geography, demonstrating His active involvement in the lives of His people and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")
* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1-12 "Numbers 34:1-12 - The Boundaries of the Promised Land")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalm/105-8-11 "Psalm 105:8-11 - God's Everlasting Covenant and Land Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Joshua 15:41 details ancient geographical boundaries, it offers profound and enduring spiritual lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's promises are specific, detailed, and utterly reliable. Just as He meticulously fulfilled His promise of land to Israel, He remains faithful to fulfill every promise He has made to us, whether they pertain to His provision for our daily needs, His constant presence in our lives, or His ultimate plan for our eternal destiny. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in the meticulous nature of God's providence, recognizing that even the seemingly mundane details of Scripture reveal His unchanging character and unwavering commitment. Furthermore, it calls us to diligent stewardship of the blessings, talents, and responsibilities He has entrusted to us. Just as Israel was called to possess and steward their physical inheritance, we are called to actively engage with and wisely manage the spiritual and material gifts God has given us, living in obedience within the boundaries of His perfect will. This passage cultivates a deep assurance that God is a God of order, precision, and perfect fulfillment, inviting us to rest securely in His sovereign and benevolent care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land distribution in [Joshua 15:41](/joshua/15-41 "Joshua 15:41 - Cities of Judah") deepen your trust in His faithfulness to His promises in your own life today?**
* **What "inheritance"—whether spiritual gifts, material resources, significant relationships, or unique opportunities—has God entrusted to you, and how are you stewarding it with the same precision and intentionality seen in this passage?**
* **Considering the historical presence of places like "Bethdagon" (house of Dagon), what "idols" or cultural challenges in your own "territory" (your sphere of influence or personal life) might God be calling you to confront and overcome as you possess your spiritual inheritance in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why are these lists of cities so detailed in Joshua? Are they just historical records?**

Answer: While these lists certainly serve as invaluable historical records documenting the tribal inheritances, their primary purpose is profoundly theological. They meticulously demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants concerning the land (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")). The precision embedded within these enumerations underscores that God's word is concrete, reliable, and not vague or abstract. Furthermore, these lists establish the legal and administrative basis for Israel's occupation, clearly outlining the boundaries and responsibilities of each tribe. They also highlight the divine order inherent in the land distribution, emphasizing that it was a divinely orchestrated process, often involving the sacred casting of lots (as seen in [Joshua 14:1-2](/joshua/14-1-2 "Joshua 14:1-2 - Division of Land by Lot")). Beyond mere geography, they serve as a tangible testament to God's sovereignty and His active, detailed involvement in the lives of His people.

**What is the significance of the phrase "with their villages" in the land descriptions?**

Answer: The phrase "with their villages" (Hebrew: וַחֲצֵרֶיהָ, _wahaṣereha_) is highly significant because it indicates that the listed cities were not isolated entities but functioned as central hubs for numerous surrounding smaller settlements. In ancient Near Eastern society, a major, fortified city would typically have a network of dependent villages or hamlets that relied on it for defense, administration, economic markets, and religious services. These villages were primarily agricultural communities, producing food for the city and its inhabitants. Therefore, the phrase "sixteen cities with their villages" signifies a complete and viable territorial unit, encompassing both the urban centers and the essential agricultural lands and populations that sustained them. It highlights the comprehensive nature of Judah's inheritance, ensuring they received not just urban strongholds but also the productive land necessary for their sustenance, growth, and flourishing as a nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 15:41, with its meticulous detailing of an earthly inheritance, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the far greater and eternal spiritual inheritance granted to believers in Jesus Christ. Just as God precisely and faithfully fulfilled His promise of land to ancient Israel, He has, with even greater precision and unwavering faithfulness, fulfilled His ultimate promise of salvation and eternal life through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly boundaries and specific cities of Judah find their ultimate spiritual counterpart in the boundless and eternal kingdom of God, which believers inherit not through physical conquest but solely through divine grace and adoption (as powerfully articulated in [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Jesus, the true and greater Joshua, leads His people not into a temporary earthly rest, but into a spiritual rest and an eternal inheritance that infinitely surpasses any earthly territory ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8-10 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Rest in Christ")). The "villages" accompanying the cities can be seen as a metaphor for the comprehensive nature of this spiritual blessing, encompassing every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, freely given to us in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")). Our "possession" of this inheritance is not through physical occupation but through faith in Christ, who has secured our place in the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of God ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem")). Thus, this ancient list of cities ultimately points to the meticulous, glorious, and complete provision of God in Christ, who is our true and eternal inheritance ([Colossians 3:24](/colossians/3-24 "Colossians 3:24 - Our Inheritance is from the Lord")).

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

Joshua 10:21

And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.

Joshua 10:28

¶ And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that [were] therein; he let none remain: and he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the king of Jericho.

Joshua 12:16

The king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one;

Joshua 10:10

And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.