Joshua 15:47

Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border [thereof]:

Ashdod {H795} with her towns {H1323} and her villages {H2691}, Gaza {H5804} with her towns {H1323} and her villages {H2691}, unto the river {H5158} of Egypt {H4714}, and the great {H1419}{H1366} sea {H3220}, and the border {H1366} thereof:

Ashdod, with its towns and villages; 'Azah, with its towns and villages, to the Vadi of Egypt, with the Great Sea as its border.

Ashdod, with its towns and villages; Gaza, with its towns and villages, as far as the Brook of Egypt and the coastline of the Great Sea.

Ashdod, its towns and its villages; Gaza, its towns and its villages; unto the brook of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border thereof.

Commentary

Commentary on Joshua 15:47

Joshua 15:47 details a significant portion of the southwestern border and key cities included in the tribal inheritance of Judah, specifically outlining the region extending from the Philistine cities to the natural geographical boundaries. This verse is part of the extensive and meticulous record of the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises.

Context

This verse falls within Joshua chapter 15, which is dedicated entirely to describing the vast and diverse territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. Judah, as the largest tribe, received the largest portion of land, stretching from the Dead Sea in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, and from Jerusalem in the north to the wilderness of Zin in the south. Joshua 15:47 specifically defines part of Judah's western and southern coastal boundary. The inclusion of major Philistine cities like Ashdod and Gaza within Judah's assigned territory highlights God's intention for Israel to possess the entire Promised Land, even areas held by formidable enemies.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Allotment and Fulfillment: The precise geographical details underscore God's meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promise to Abraham regarding the land. Every boundary and city, even those not yet fully conquered, was divinely ordained as part of Israel's inheritance.
  • Territorial Claims and Future Challenges: While Ashdod and Gaza are listed as part of Judah's inheritance, they were prominent cities of the Philistine pentapolis. Their inclusion within Judah's boundary signifies God's intention for them to be possessed, though their full conquest would prove to be a persistent challenge for Israel throughout the period of the Judges and early monarchy.
  • God's Faithfulness vs. Human Obedience: This verse, like others in Joshua, points to God's unwavering faithfulness in providing the land. However, the ongoing presence of the Philistines in these cities also foreshadows Israel's incomplete obedience in driving out all the inhabitants, leading to future conflicts and spiritual tests.

Linguistic and Geographical Insights

  • Ashdod and Gaza: These were two of the five major Philistine city-states (along with Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron). They were strategically located near the Mediterranean coast, serving as significant trade centers and military strongholds. Their mention here emphasizes the extent of the land God intended for Judah to possess.
  • Unto the River of Egypt: This phrase typically refers to the Wadi el-Arish, a seasonal riverbed or dry streambed that runs from the Sinai Peninsula into the Mediterranean Sea. It served as a widely recognized traditional boundary marker between Canaan and Egypt, distinct from the Nile River itself.
  • The Great Sea: This is the common biblical term for the Mediterranean Sea, forming the natural western boundary of the land of Israel.
  • The Border Thereof: This emphasizes the precise, well-defined nature of the boundary, leaving no ambiguity about the extent of Judah's rightful claim.

Practical Application and Reflection

Joshua 15:47, while detailing ancient geography, carries timeless spiritual lessons. It reminds us of God's perfect plan and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even when the full realization of those promises requires human effort and perseverance. Just as Judah was given a vast inheritance, believers today are given spiritual territories and blessings in Christ, which require faith and obedience to fully possess. The presence of unconquered cities like Ashdod and Gaza within the promised land serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual battles and challenges often exist within the very 'territory' God has allotted to us. We are called to continually stand firm in faith and obey God's commands to overcome these obstacles and fully experience the breadth of His inheritance.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 15:4 (5 votes)

    [From thence] it passed toward Azmon, and went out unto the river of Egypt; and the goings out of that coast were at the sea: this shall be your south coast.

  • Numbers 34:5 (2 votes)

    And the border shall fetch a compass from Azmon unto the river of Egypt, and the goings out of it shall be at the sea.

  • Numbers 34:6 (2 votes)

    And [as for] the western border, ye shall even have the great sea for a border: this shall be your west border.

  • Acts 8:26 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

  • Amos 1:6 (2 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver [them] up to Edom:

  • Amos 1:7 (2 votes)

    But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof:

  • Zephaniah 2:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.