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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Joshua 15:20–63. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here a list of the several cities that fell within the lot of the tribe of Judah, which are mentioned by name, that they might know their own, and both keep it and keep to it, and might neither through cowardice nor sloth lose the possession of what was their own.
I.The cities are here named, and numbered in several classes, which they then could account for the reason of better than we can now. Here are,
1.Some that are said to be the uttermost cities towards the coast of Edom, Jos 15:21-32. Here are thirty-eight named, and yet said to be twenty-nine (Jos 15:32), because nine of these were afterwards transferred to the lot of Simeon, and are reckoned as belonging to that, as appears by comparing Jos 19:2, etc.; therefore those only are counted (though the rest are named) which remained to Judah.
2.Others that are said to be in the valley (Jos 15:33) are counted to be fourteen, yet fifteen are named; but it is probable that Gederah and Gederathaim were either two names or two parts of one and the same city.
3.Then sixteen are named without any head of distinction, Jos 15:37-41, and nine more, Jos 15:42-44.
4.Then the three Philistine-cities, Ekron, Ashdod, and Gaza, Jos 15:45-47.
5.Cities in the mountains, eleven in all (Jos 15:48-51), nine more (Jos 15:52-54), ten more (Jos 15:55-57), six more (Jos 15:58, Jos 15:59), then two (Jos 15:60), and six in the wilderness, a part of the country not so thick of inhabitants as some others were.
II.Now here,
1.We do not find Bethlehem, which was afterwards the city of David, and was ennobled by the birth of our Lord Jesus in it. But that city, which at the best was but little among the thousands of Judah (Mic 5:2), except that it was thus dignified, was now so little as not to be accounted one of the cities, but perhaps was one of the villages not named. Christ came to give honour to the places he was related to, not to receive honour from them.
2.Jerusalem is said to continue in the hands of the Jebusites (Jos 15:63), for the children of Judah could not drive them out, through their sluggishness, stupidity, and unbelief. Had they attempted it with vigour and resolution, we have reason to think God would not have been wanting to them to give them success; but they could not do it, because they would not. Jerusalem was afterwards to be the holy city, the royal city, the city of the great King, the brightest ornament of all the land of Israel. God has designed it should be so. It may therefore be justly looked upon as a punishment of their neglect to conquer other cities which God had given them that they were so long kept out of this.
3.Among the cities of Judah (in all 114) we meet with Libnah, which in Joram's days revolted, and probably set up for a free independent state (Kg2 8:22), and Lachish, where king Amaziah was slain (Kg1 14:19); it led the dance in idolatry (Mic 1:13); it was the beginning of sin to the daughter of Zion. Giloh, Ahithophel's town, is here mentioned, and Tekoa, of which the prophet Amos was, and near which Jehoshaphat obtained that glorious victory, Ch2 20:20, etc., and Maresha, where Asa was a conqueror. Many of the cities of this tribe occur in the history of David's troubles. Adullam, Ziph, Keilah, Maon, Engedi, Ziklag, here reckoned in this tribe, were places near which David had most of his haunts; for, though sometimes Saul drove him out from the inheritance of the Lord, yet he kept as close to it as he could. The wilderness of Judah he frequented much, and in it John Baptist preached, and there the kingdom of heaven commenced, Mat 3:1. The riches of this country no doubt answered Jacob's blessing of this tribe, that he should wash his garments in wine, Gen 49:11. And, in general, Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise, not envy.
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Summary
Joshua 15:47 meticulously details a crucial segment of the southwestern boundary of the land allotted to the tribe of Judah. This verse specifies prominent Philistine cities like Ashdod and Gaza, and extends the border to significant geographical markers such as the River of Egypt and the Great Sea. It forms an integral part of the comprehensive record of tribal inheritances within the book of Joshua, underscoring God's precise and faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises regarding the Promised Land, even in areas that would present future challenges for Israel's complete possession.
Context
Literary Context
Joshua 15:47 is situated within the extensive and detailed account of the land division for the tribe of Judah, which spans the entirety of Joshua chapter 15. This chapter meticulously outlines Judah's vast territory, stretching from the Dead Sea in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, and from the wilderness of Zin in the south to the vicinity of Jerusalem in the north. As the largest and most prominent tribe, Judah received the largest and most diverse portion of land. Verse 47 specifically delineates a significant part of Judah's western and southern coastal frontier, listing key Philistine cities and natural geographical boundaries, thereby completing the description of Judah's inheritance on its western flank, following the enumeration of cities in the hill country, Negev, and Shephelah.
Historical & Cultural Context
The mention of Ashdod and Gaza immediately places this verse within the historical reality of the Philistine presence in Canaan. These cities were two of the five major city-states of the Philistine Pentapolis (along with Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron), formidable maritime powers with distinct cultural and military prowess. Located strategically along the Mediterranean coast, they controlled vital trade routes and possessed significant military strongholds. The "River of Egypt" (נחל מצרים, Naḥal Miṣrayim) refers to the Wadi el-Arish, a seasonal riverbed or dry streambed that served as a long-recognized natural boundary between Canaan and Egypt, distinct from the Nile River itself. "The Great Sea" is the common biblical designation for the Mediterranean Sea, forming the natural western border of the Promised Land. The inclusion of these Philistine cities within Judah's inheritance highlights the divine intention for Israel to possess the entirety of the land promised to Abraham, even areas occupied by powerful, unconquered peoples, setting the stage for future conflicts detailed in books like Judges chapter 1.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes Divine Allotment and Fulfillment, showcasing God's meticulous and unwavering faithfulness in bringing to pass His covenant promise to Abraham regarding the land, as articulated in passages like Genesis 15:18. Every boundary and city, whether conquered or not, was divinely ordained as part of Israel's rightful inheritance. Secondly, it highlights Territorial Claims and Future Challenges. While these Philistine cities are claimed for Judah, their formidable nature and the subsequent history of Israel (see Judges 1:18-19) reveal that their full possession would be a persistent, often unfulfilled, challenge. This tension between divine promise and human obedience is a third significant theme: God's provision of the land was complete, but Israel's full enjoyment of it was contingent upon their obedience in driving out the inhabitants, a task they often failed to complete, leading to ongoing conflicts and spiritual tests.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "ravager." Ashdod was one of the five major Philistine city-states, strategically located on the coastal plain between Joppa and Gaza. It was a significant cultic center for Dagon (as seen in 1 Samuel 5:1-7) and a powerful military and economic hub. Its inclusion here signifies the intended breadth of Judah's territory, extending into the heart of Philistine land, indicating a comprehensive claim over its sphere of influence.
Meaning "strong." Gaza was another major Philistine city, the southernmost of the pentapolis, strategically located on the trade route between Egypt and Syria. It served as a key stronghold and a vital port. Its mention alongside Ashdod underscores the extent of Judah's claim to the entire southwestern coastal region, reaching to the traditional border with Egypt, encompassing its dependent settlements.
Meaning "a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water." This term specifically refers to the Mediterranean Sea in this context, serving as the natural western boundary of the Promised Land. Its inclusion as a border marker emphasizes the comprehensive and natural limits of the territory allotted to Judah, extending fully to the coast and providing access to maritime trade and resources.
Verse Breakdown
"Ashdod with her towns and her villages"
This clause specifies the inclusion of the major Philistine city of Ashdod, along with its dependent settlements. The term "towns" (H1323, bath) can refer to daughter-settlements or dependent villages, while "villages" (H2691, châtsêr) often denotes smaller, enclosed hamlets or unfortified settlements. This indicates a comprehensive claim, not just to the central city but to its entire sphere of influence and surrounding agricultural and residential areas, underscoring the intended scope of Judah's inheritance.
"Gaza with her towns and her villages"
Similar to Ashdod, this clause designates Gaza and its surrounding dependent communities as part of Judah's inheritance. The repetition of "with her towns and her villages" emphasizes the thoroughness of the territorial claim, extending to the full administrative and economic control of these strategic Philistine centers.
"unto the river of Egypt"
This phrase marks the southernmost extent of Judah's territory, typically identified as the Wadi el-Arish (H5158, nachal, "brook" or "river," and H4714, Mitsrayim, "Egypt"). This seasonal riverbed served as a traditional and divinely ordained border of the Promised Land, signifying the endpoint of the coastal strip claimed for Judah and demonstrating the fulfillment of the promise that Israel's land would stretch to this recognized boundary.
"and the great sea"
This identifies the western boundary of Judah's inheritance—the Mediterranean Sea (H1419, gâdôwl, "great," and H3220, yâm, "sea"). It serves as a natural and unmistakable geographical marker, confirming that Judah's territory extended fully to the coast, providing access to maritime trade and resources.
"and the border [thereof]"
This concluding phrase emphasizes the precision and definitive nature of the described boundary (H1366, gᵉbûwl, "border" or "boundary"). It leaves no ambiguity regarding the extent of Judah's rightful claim, reinforcing the meticulousness of the divine allotment and the legal clarity of the land division.
Literary Devices
Joshua 15:47 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is Enumeration or Listing, as it systematically itemizes specific cities and geographical markers to define a boundary. This precise listing technique provides a legalistic and authoritative tone, emphasizing the divine decree and the formal nature of the land distribution. Coupled with this is Geographic Precision, where the detailed naming of Ashdod, Gaza, the River of Egypt, and the Great Sea creates a vivid and accurate mental map of the territory, reinforcing the reality and tangibility of God's fulfilled promise. Furthermore, the inclusion of unconquered Philistine cities within Judah's claimed territory serves as a subtle form of Foreshadowing, hinting at the future struggles and incomplete obedience of Israel that would characterize the period of the Judges, where these very cities would remain thorns in Israel's side.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Joshua 15:47, while seemingly a dry geographical listing, is profoundly theological. It stands as a testament to God's absolute faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The precise delineation of Judah's inheritance, extending even to the formidable Philistine strongholds and the recognized border with Egypt, underscores that the land was a divine gift, meticulously apportioned according to God's sovereign plan. This verse demonstrates that God's promises are not vague aspirations but concrete realities, even when their full realization requires human effort and obedience. It highlights the tension between divine provision and human responsibility: God grants the inheritance, but Israel must actively possess it. The presence of unconquered territories within the promised boundaries also foreshadows the ongoing spiritual battles that believers face, reminding us that while our inheritance in Christ is secure, its full experience often requires active faith and perseverance against spiritual adversaries.
Reflection and Application
Joshua 15:47, detailing the precise boundaries of Judah's inheritance, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God meticulously planned and faithfully delivered the Promised Land to Israel, He has provided a spiritual inheritance for us in Christ—a full and complete salvation, abundant life, and eternal hope. This verse reminds us that our spiritual "territory" is divinely appointed and secured. However, like Judah, we often find "unconquered cities" within our promised land—areas of our lives, habits, or spiritual strongholds that resist God's full reign. The call to possess the land, even the challenging parts, is a call to active faith and obedience. It means engaging in spiritual warfare (as described in Ephesians 6:12) against sin and the schemes of the enemy, trusting that God has already given us victory. We are to walk by faith, claiming the spiritual ground that has been divinely allotted to us, and striving for complete surrender and obedience so that we might fully experience the breadth and depth of our inheritance in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are Philistine cities like Ashdod and Gaza listed as part of Judah's inheritance if they were not fully conquered at this time?
The listing of Ashdod and Gaza within Judah's inheritance in Joshua 15:47 signifies God's divine intention and ultimate claim over the entire Promised Land. It represents the ideal, full extent of the territory God had promised to Israel, even if the immediate reality of conquest had not yet caught up with the divine decree. This highlights the principle that God's promises are sure and complete, even when human obedience or effort falls short. While the land was "given," its full possession often required ongoing faith, military action, and adherence to God's commands. The fact that these cities remained strongholds for centuries (as seen in Judges 3:3) serves as a poignant reminder of Israel's incomplete obedience and the challenges that arose from it.
What is the significance of "the River of Egypt" as a boundary marker?
"The River of Egypt" (נחל מצרים, Naḥal Miṣrayim) is a crucial boundary marker, typically identified as the Wadi el-Arish, a seasonal riverbed or dry streambed that flows from the Sinai Peninsula into the Mediterranean Sea. Its significance lies in its role as the traditional and divinely ordained southwestern border of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. This boundary was explicitly mentioned in God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:18, where the land was promised "from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates." Its inclusion in Judah's inheritance confirms the fulfillment of this ancient promise and defines the full extent of Israel's God-given territory to the south. It is important to distinguish it from the Nile River, which is a much larger and more distant waterway.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Joshua 15:47, with its precise delineation of an earthly inheritance, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous division of land among the tribes foreshadows the spiritual inheritance that believers receive in Christ, which is far greater and eternal. Just as Judah was given a vast and specific territory, so too are believers granted "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). Christ is the true Joshua, leading His people not into a physical land, but into the spiritual reality of God's kingdom and the rest that remains for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9-10). The unconquered Philistine cities within Judah's boundaries serve as a powerful type for the ongoing spiritual battles we face; while our victory is secured in Christ's finished work on the cross (Colossians 2:15), we are still called to "possess" our inheritance by faith, engaging with the spiritual strongholds of sin and the enemy in our lives (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Ultimately, the earthly inheritance was a shadow pointing to the new creation and the eternal dwelling with God, where Christ has fully conquered every enemy and secured an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4).