Joshua 15:44

KJV

And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Keilah {H7084}, and Achzib {H392}, and Mareshah {H4762}; nine {H8672} cities {H5892} with their villages {H2691}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Ke'ilah, Akhziv and Mareshah - nine cities, together with their villages.

Berean Standard Bible

Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah—nine cities, along with their villages.

American Standard Version

and Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:44 meticulously lists Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah as three of nine cities, along with their associated villages, within a specific district of the Shephelah allocated to the tribe of Judah. This verse serves as a precise legal and historical record, underscoring the comprehensive fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the inheritance of the land of Canaan, thereby establishing Judah's extensive and divinely sanctioned territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15 presents an exhaustive geographical inventory of the inheritance granted to the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes. This chapter directly follows the general account of the land's division by lot in [Joshua 14](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Division of the Land Begins"), emphasizing the tangible fulfillment of God's promise. Verses [Joshua 15:21-62](/joshua/15-21-62 "Joshua 15:21-62 - Cities of Judah") systematically list Judah's cities by district, typically moving from south to north and west to east through the various geographical zones. Joshua 15:44 is situated within the description of cities located in the Shephelah (the lowlands), specifically as part of a sub-grouping of nine cities in a particular district (often identified by scholars as District 3 or 4). The repetitive phrase of listing cities followed by "with their villages" throughout this chapter highlights the thoroughness, comprehensiveness, and administrative precision of the land division, ensuring every part of the promised land was accounted for and assigned to its rightful inheritors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period under Joshua's leadership marks a pivotal transition for the Israelites from nomadic wilderness wandering to settled agrarian life in the Promised Land. The meticulous land distribution was far more than a mere geographical exercise; it was a foundational act for the nascent nation, directly fulfilling the divine promise given to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham") and reiterated throughout the Pentateuch, as seen in [Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Land Division by Lot"). The detailed recording of city names and their associated villages reflects common ancient Near Eastern administrative practices for land tenure, census-taking, and establishing territorial claims. Cities like Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah were strategically important locations in the fertile Shephelah, a region characterized by rolling hills, productive valleys, and access to vital trade routes. Their precise allocation was crucial for defining tribal identity, ensuring economic stability, and establishing defensive strongholds. The term "villages" (Hebrew: *chatzarim*) denotes smaller, often unfortified settlements or agricultural outposts that were administratively, economically, and militarily dependent on the main, fortified city, indicating a highly structured and organized habitation system.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 15:44, though a seemingly dry enumeration, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness**, serving as tangible evidence of God's unwavering commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by granting them the land He swore to their forefathers. Every listed city, including Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah, stands as a concrete testament to the reliability of His word. Secondly, the precise and systematic division of the land reflects **Divine Order and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's meticulous governance over the territory and the destiny of His people. This was not a chaotic conquest but an ordered inheritance, divinely orchestrated and meticulously documented. Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **Inheritance and Possession**, emphasizing that the land was a sacred gift from God, to be occupied, stewarded, and lived in according to His commands. This possession was both a divinely granted right and a profound responsibility, foundational to Israel's identity as God's chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Keilah (Hebrew, _Qᵉʻîylâh'_):** From the root meaning "to enclose," suggesting a "citadel" or fortified place. This city, located in the Shephelah of Judah, is more than a mere geographical marker; it later gains historical prominence in the narrative of David's flight from Saul. David famously delivered Keilah from a Philistine attack, only to learn that its inhabitants would betray him to Saul, prompting his departure (see [1 Samuel 23:1-13](/1_samuel/23-1-13 "1 Samuel 23:1-13 - David Delivers Keilah and Escapes")). Its inclusion here establishes its early tribal affiliation and importance within Judah's territory.
* **Achzib (Hebrew, _ʼAkzîyb'_):** Derived from a root meaning "deceitful," often used in the sense of a "winter-torrent which fails in summer." This city is distinct from the Achzib located in Asher's territory (cf. [Joshua 19:29](/joshua/19-29 "Joshua 19:29 - Achzib in Asher's Territory")). While less frequently mentioned in biblical narratives than Keilah or Mareshah, its name might allude to the unreliability of seasonal wadis in the region or perhaps a forgotten historical event. Its inclusion signifies the comprehensive nature of the tribal allotment, accounting for all settlements, regardless of their later narrative prominence.
* **Mareshah (Hebrew, _Marʼêshâh'_):** Formed like a word meaning "summit," suggesting a prominent or elevated location. This city, also in the Shephelah, held significant strategic importance. It is later mentioned as the birthplace of the prophet Eliezer (see [2 Chronicles 20:37](/2_chronicles/20-37 "2 Chronicles 20:37 - Eliezer from Mareshah")) and, more famously, as the site near which King Asa of Judah achieved a significant victory over the invading Ethiopians (see [2 Chronicles 14:9-13](/2_chronicles/14-9-13 "2 Chronicles 14:9-13 - Asa's Victory at Mareshah")). Its presence in this list highlights its early establishment as a key city within Judah's territory, recognized for its strategic value from the outset of the tribal inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah;":** This initial clause precisely names three specific cities. The repeated conjunction "and" (Hebrew: *waw*) serves to connect them as part of a series, indicating their collective inclusion within the same geographical district being described. The meticulous naming of individual cities underscores the precise, detailed, and almost legalistic nature of the land allocation, akin to a formal land deed or census record. This detail emphasizes the thoroughness with which God's promise of inheritance was being fulfilled.
* **"nine cities with their villages:":** This concluding phrase provides a numerical summary for the preceding list of cities within this particular sub-district. The number "nine" indicates that Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah are three of a larger group of nine cities that comprise this specific territorial unit. The crucial phrase "with their villages" (Hebrew: *wəḥaṣrêhen*) refers to *châtsêr*, denoting smaller, often unfortified settlements, hamlets, or agricultural outposts that were administratively, economically, and politically dependent on the main, fortified city. This detail paints a vivid picture of established, organized habitation and a comprehensive claim to the entire populated area, not just isolated strongholds. It emphasizes the totality of the inheritance and the full extent of Judah's divinely apportioned territory.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 15:44, and indeed throughout much of [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah"), is **Cataloging** or **Enumeration**. This extensive listing of cities and their associated villages serves a crucial purpose beyond mere geographical description. It functions as a legal and historical record, meticulously documenting the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel regarding the land. The repetitive structure of city names followed by "with their villages" creates a powerful sense of thoroughness, precision, and divine certainty. While not poetic in the traditional sense, this detailed listing imbues the text with an authoritative and declarative tone, underscoring the undeniable reality of Israel's inheritance. Furthermore, the text employs a subtle form of **Metonymy**, where the named cities and their villages stand in for the entire tribal territory and, by extension, the divine act of giving and possessing it. The specific names become representative of the broader fulfillment of God's promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:44, though seemingly a dry list of names, is profoundly theological in its implications. It stands as a tangible testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the meticulous precision with which He fulfills His covenant promises. The detailed allocation of land, down to specific cities and their associated villages, demonstrates that God's promises are not vague generalities but concrete, measurable realities. This divine order and sovereignty over the land underscore His ultimate control over history and the destiny of His people. It also serves as a foundational narrative for Israel's identity as a people rooted in a specific, divinely appointed inheritance, a concept that would shape their understanding of blessing, responsibility, and their unique relationship with Yahweh. This passage reminds us that God is a God of detail, ensuring that every aspect of His plan is brought to fruition.

* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1-12 "Numbers 34:1-12 - God's Instructions for Land Boundaries")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalm/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Provision of Land")
* [Ezekiel 47:13-23](/ezekiel/47-13-23 "Ezekiel 47:13-23 - Future Division of the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail of Joshua 15:44, listing cities and their villages, might initially appear mundane, yet it offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of precision, order, and absolute faithfulness. Just as He meticulously oversaw the division of the land for Israel, ensuring every tribe received its specific, divinely appointed inheritance, so too does He orchestrate the details of our lives and faithfully fulfill His promises to us. This verse encourages us to trust in God's detailed providence, knowing that He oversees even the seemingly small aspects of our circumstances and our spiritual inheritance in Christ. It calls us to recognize that our "inheritance"—whether it be our spiritual gifts, vocational callings, relationships, or material resources—is divinely appointed and should be stewarded with gratitude and purpose. We are invited to find deep peace in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He has a unique place and purpose for each of us within His grand design, just as He did for each city and village in Judah's territory. This level of divine attention should inspire both awe and confidence in His care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land allocation in Joshua 15:44 deepen your understanding of His faithfulness and attention to detail in your own life?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust God's precise providence and meticulous planning, even when the details seem overwhelming or insignificant?**
* **How does the concept of an "inherited possession" in this verse relate to our spiritual inheritance as believers in Christ, and what responsibilities come with it?**
* **What specific "villages" or smaller areas of responsibility has God entrusted to you that you might be overlooking or underappreciating in His larger plan?**

### FAQ
**Why is there such a detailed list of cities in Joshua 15?**

Answer: The detailed list of cities in [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah"), including those in Joshua 15:44, serves several crucial purposes that extend beyond mere geography. Firstly, it functions as a **legal and administrative document** for the newly formed nation of Israel, meticulously recording the precise boundaries and specific cities allocated to each tribe. This was essential for establishing tribal identity, defining land ownership, and organizing administrative control over the territory. Secondly, it provides **historical and theological validation** for the absolute fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, demonstrating that God had indeed given them the land He swore to them (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Every city listed is a tangible testament to God's faithfulness and the reliability of His word. Thirdly, it underscores the **divine order and sovereignty** in the land's distribution, showing that it was not a chaotic conquest but a divinely orchestrated inheritance, distributed by lot under God's explicit guidance (cf. [Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Land Division by Lot")). This meticulous record was vital for future generations to understand their heritage, their identity as God's chosen people, and the foundational basis of their national existence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:44 is a geographical listing in the Old Testament, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the spiritual inheritance promised and secured by Jesus Christ for all believers. Just as the land of Canaan was a physical inheritance for Israel, a tangible and meticulously defined fulfillment of God's covenant, so too Christ has secured for His people an eternal, spiritual inheritance that is far richer and more enduring. The meticulous detail of the land division in Joshua foreshadows God's precise and perfect plan for our salvation and sanctification, where every divine promise is irrevocably "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ Jesus ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). The stability, security, and rest offered by Judah's inherited cities like Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah point to the ultimate security, peace, and eternal rest found exclusively in Christ, who is our true "promised land" and eternal dwelling place ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9-11 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). Furthermore, the concept of "cities with their villages" speaks to the comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive work, encompassing not just our individual salvation but also our inclusion into the "household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")), the spiritual city whose builder and maker is God ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham's Hope for a City")). Our inheritance in Christ is not merely a piece of land but full participation in His eternal kingdom, a dwelling place prepared for us by the Lord Himself ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")).

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

Micah 1:14

Therefore shalt thou give presents to Moreshethgath: the houses of Achzib [shall be] a lie to the kings of Israel.

Micah 1:15

Yet will I bring an heir unto thee, O inhabitant of Mareshah: he shall come unto Adullam the glory of Israel.

1 Samuel 23:1

¶ Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshingfloors.

1 Samuel 23:14

¶ And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.

Genesis 38:5

And she yet again conceived, and bare a son; and called his name Shelah: and he was at Chezib, when she bare him.