Joshua 15:46

KJV

From Ekron even unto the sea, all that [lay] near Ashdod, with their villages:

KJV (with Strong's)

From Ekron {H6138} even unto the sea {H3220}, all that lay near {H3027} Ashdod {H795}, with their villages {H2691}:

Complete Jewish Bible

from 'Ekron to the sea; all those near Ashdod, with their villages;

Berean Standard Bible

from Ekron to the sea, all the cities near Ashdod, along with their villages;

American Standard Version

from Ekron even unto the sea, all that were by the side of Ashdod, with their villages.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:46 precisely delineates a crucial western segment of the territory divinely allotted to the tribe of Judah within the Promised Land. This verse specifies the region stretching from Ekron, a prominent Philistine city, westward to the Mediterranean Sea, encompassing the area near Ashdod and all its surrounding villages. It underscores the comprehensive nature of Judah's inheritance, extending to the very edge of the land promised by God, even including areas held by formidable adversaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15:46 is embedded within the extensive and meticulous land allocation accounts found in [Joshua chapters 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-19 - The Allotment of the Land"). Specifically, [Joshua chapter 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah") details the boundaries and cities assigned to the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent tribe, which received the southern portion of Canaan. The chapter begins with a general description of Judah's borders (verses 1-12) and then proceeds to list its cities by region (verses 21-62). Verse 46 falls within the list of cities located in the "lowland" or Shephelah, specifically those extending towards the western coastal plain. This detailed enumeration underscores the divine precision and fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The cities mentioned, Ekron and Ashdod, were two of the five principal cities of the Philistine Pentapolis, a powerful confederation of city-states that dominated the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan. At the time of Joshua, these cities were formidable strongholds, and their inhabitants, the Philistines, were a significant military and cultural force. The inclusion of these areas in Judah's inheritance (even if not fully conquered immediately) signifies God's intention for Israel to possess the entire land, including regions held by their most potent enemies. However, the complete expulsion of the Philistines from these areas proved to be a persistent challenge for the Israelites, leading to centuries of conflict, as vividly illustrated in later historical narratives in books like [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges") and [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/5 "1 Samuel 5 - The Ark of God Captured"). The phrase "unto the sea" clearly designates the Mediterranean Sea as the ultimate western boundary, a natural geographical limit for the promised territory.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the broader context of [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah"), highlights several key themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's meticulous adherence to His covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land (cf. [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). It also underscores the theme of **Inheritance and Possession**, as the land is not merely given but must be actively taken and settled by the tribes. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **Unfinished Conquest**, as the presence of unconquered Philistine cities within the allotted territory foreshadows the ongoing struggle and Israel's partial failure to fully dispossess the inhabitants, a reality explicitly noted in [Judges 1:19](/judges/1-19 "Judges 1:19 - Judah's Incomplete Conquest"). The detailed geographical descriptions emphasize the **Order and Precision** of God's plan for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ekron (עֶקְרוֹן, _ʿEqrôn_):** One of the five major Philistine city-states, located in the northern part of the Philistine plain. Its mention here marks a significant strategic point on Judah's western border, indicating the northernmost extent of this coastal strip. Ekron was known for its cult of Baal-zebub (cf. [2 Kings 1:2](/2_kings/1-2 "2 Kings 1:2 - Ahaziah's Inquiry to Baal-zebub")).
* **Ashdod (אַשְׁדּוֹד, _ʾAšdôd_):** Another principal Philistine city, situated further south on the coastal plain. Its proximity to the described territory suggests that the land "near Ashdod" was also included in Judah's domain. Ashdod was a major cultic center for Dagon (cf. [1 Samuel 5:1-7](/1_samuel/5-1 "1 Samuel 5:1-7 - The Ark in Ashdod")).
* **Villages (חֲצֵרִים, _ḥaṣērîm_):** This Hebrew term refers to unwalled settlements, hamlets, or encampments, often associated with agricultural or pastoral communities surrounding a main city. Its inclusion emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the land distribution, indicating that not just the fortified cities but also all the smaller, dependent settlements were part of the designated inheritance, ensuring full control over the designated region.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"From Ekron":** This phrase establishes the northernmost point of this specific segment of Judah's western boundary. Ekron, despite being a strong Philistine city, was intended to be the northern anchor of Judah's coastal reach.
* **"even unto the sea":** This defines the westernmost limit of the territory as the Mediterranean Sea, providing a clear and natural geographical boundary for Judah's inheritance. It signifies the full extent of the land promised by God, reaching from the interior to the very edge of the continent.
* **"all that [lay] near Ashdod":** This clause indicates the inclusion of the territory influenced by or immediately adjacent to the major Philistine city of Ashdod, extending Judah's claim further south along the coast within this western strip. The KJV's "[lay]" clarifies the spatial relationship.
* **"with their villages":** This final detail emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of the inheritance. It means that not only the major cities and their immediate environs but also all the smaller, dependent, and often unwalled settlements associated with them were part of Judah's divinely apportioned land.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 15:46 primarily employs **Geographic Detail** and **Enumeration** to precisely delineate the boundaries of Judah's inheritance. The verse lists specific locations—Ekron, the sea, and Ashdod—to create a clear mental map of the territory. This meticulous listing is characteristic of the entire chapter, reflecting the legalistic and administrative nature of the land distribution. Furthermore, the phrase "with their villages" serves as a device of **Inclusivity**, ensuring that the reader understands the comprehensive nature of the inheritance, extending beyond just major urban centers to encompass all surrounding settlements, thereby leaving no ambiguity about the extent of Judah's claim.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:46, within the broader context of the land distribution, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The meticulous detail in describing Judah's boundaries, including areas still occupied by formidable enemies like the Philistines, underscores that the land was a divine gift, precisely measured and granted according to God's word. This fulfillment is a tangible demonstration of God's reliability, a theme beautifully summarized in [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - God's Faithfulness to His Promises"), which declares, "There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass." Yet, the historical reality that Judah did not immediately dispossess the Philistines from Ekron and Ashdod (cf. [Judges 1:19](/judges/1-19 "Judges 1:19 - Judah's Incomplete Conquest")) highlights the tension between divine promise and human responsibility. God faithfully gives the inheritance, but His people must, through faith and obedience, fully possess it. This serves as a theological reminder that while God's promises are sure, their full realization often requires human cooperation and perseverance in the face of spiritual opposition.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")
* [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - God's Unfailing Promises to Israel")
* [Judges 1:19](/judges/1-19 "Judges 1:19 - Judah's Partial Conquest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 15:46, though a seemingly dry geographical description, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of precision, order, and absolute faithfulness. Just as He meticulously detailed the boundaries of Judah's inheritance, He has a specific and detailed plan for our lives, for our spiritual inheritance, and for the "territory" He calls us to possess in Christ. We are called to trust in His detailed provision and to step into the full measure of what He has granted us. The fact that Ekron and Ashdod were included in Judah's inheritance, despite being strongholds of the enemy, teaches us that God's promises often extend into areas where we face significant spiritual opposition. Our "promised land" may include areas of our lives, ministries, or communities that are currently dominated by "Philistines"—strongholds of sin, unbelief, or spiritual darkness. We are called not to shrink back but to press forward in faith, knowing that God has already given us the victory and the right to possess these areas through Christ. This verse encourages perseverance, reminding us that while the initial grant is divine, the ongoing possession requires our active faith and obedience, trusting that God's boundaries for our lives are sure and His provision is complete.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Philistine strongholds" (areas of persistent sin, fear, or unbelief) might be within the "territory" God has given me to possess in my life?**
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land distribution in Joshua encourage me to trust in His precise and ordered plan for my own life?**
* **In what ways am I called to actively "possess" the spiritual inheritance and promises God has given me, rather than passively waiting?**
* **How does the tension between God's promise and Israel's incomplete conquest challenge or encourage my understanding of faith and obedience?**

### FAQ

**Why are Philistine cities like Ekron and Ashdod mentioned as part of Judah's inheritance if they weren't immediately conquered?**

Answer: The inclusion of Ekron and Ashdod in Judah's allotted territory highlights the divine intention and scope of God's promise to Israel. God's grant of the land was comprehensive, extending to all the regions He had promised to Abraham (cf. [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). Even though these cities were powerful Philistine strongholds at the time of the allotment, their inclusion in the boundaries signified that they were divinely designated for Israelite possession. The fact that they were not immediately or fully conquered (as noted in [Judges 1:19](/judges/1-19 "Judges 1:19 - Judah's Partial Conquest")) speaks more to Israel's failure in complete obedience and faith than to any deficiency in God's promise or power. It underscores the tension between God's perfect will and humanity's imperfect execution.

**What is the significance of the phrase "unto the sea" in defining Judah's boundary?**

Answer: The phrase "unto the sea" explicitly designates the Mediterranean Sea as the ultimate western boundary of Judah's inheritance. This is significant because it marks a clear, natural, and undeniable limit to the territory. It emphasizes the completeness of the land grant, indicating that Judah's portion extended from the interior all the way to the very edge of the continent. It visually confirms the vastness and comprehensiveness of the land God had given to His people, fulfilling the ancient promise of a land from the river to the sea (cf. [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")).

**What does the inclusion of "with their villages" imply about the inheritance?**

Answer: The detail "with their villages" (Hebrew: _ḥaṣērîm_) signifies the comprehensive nature of the land distribution. It means that the inheritance was not limited to just the fortified major cities, but also included all the smaller, unwalled settlements, hamlets, and agricultural communities that were dependent on or associated with those cities. This ensured that Judah had full and complete control over the entire designated region, including its agricultural lands, pastures, and all inhabited areas, leaving no ambiguity about the extent of their divinely appointed domain. It speaks to the meticulousness of God's provision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 15:46, detailing the earthly inheritance of Judah, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The land of Canaan, with its precise boundaries and the challenge of possessing it, serves as a powerful type of the spiritual inheritance and "rest" that believers receive in Christ. Just as Judah was granted a vast territory, including areas still contested by enemies, believers in Christ are granted a spiritual inheritance that is "in Christ" (cf. [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ"))—an inheritance of eternal life, righteousness, peace, and every spiritual blessing (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The "sea" as a boundary points to the ultimate scope of Christ's dominion, which is universal and without limit (cf. [Psalm 72:8](/psalm/72-8 "Psalm 72:8 - Christ's Universal Dominion")). While Israel struggled to fully dispossess the Philistines from Ekron and Ashdod, Christ has already triumphed over all spiritual enemies, disarming principalities and powers on the cross (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true Joshua, leading His people into a spiritual rest that the earthly land could only foreshadow (cf. [Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Sabbath Rest")). Our "villages" and every aspect of our lives are brought under His gracious rule, and through Him, we are empowered to walk in the fullness of the spiritual inheritance and victory He has secured for us, anticipating the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells (cf. [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heavens and New Earth")).

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 Chronicles 26:6

And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.

Amos 1:8

And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD.

1 Samuel 5:1

¶ And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod.

Nehemiah 13:23

¶ In those days also saw I Jews [that] had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, [and] of Moab:

Nehemiah 13:24

And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.

Isaiah 20:1

¶ In the year that Tartan came unto Ashdod, (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him,) and fought against Ashdod, and took it;

1 Samuel 5:6

¶ But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, [even] Ashdod and the coasts thereof.