Joshua 15:49

KJV

And Dannah, and Kirjathsannah, which [is] Debir,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Dannah {H1837}, and Kirjathsannah {H7158}, which is Debir {H1688},

Complete Jewish Bible

Danah, Kiryat-Sanna (that is, D'vir),

Berean Standard Bible

Shamir, Jattir, Socoh, Dannah, Kiriath-sannah (that is, Debir),

American Standard Version

and Dannah, and Kiriath-sannah (the same is Debir),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:49, a concise verse within the detailed account of Judah's tribal inheritance, names Dannah, Kirjathsannah, and explicitly identifies Kirjathsannah with Debir. This seemingly simple geographical notation underscores God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by precisely allocating the Promised Land. It also serves as a crucial historical marker, linking the current narrative to earlier significant events concerning the conquest and settlement of these specific cities, thereby reinforcing the historical veracity of the biblical record.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15 is dedicated entirely to the territorial inheritance of the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the tribes. Beginning with its southern border and extending northward, the chapter meticulously lists cities and regions, often grouped by geographical proximity. Verses 48-51 specifically enumerate cities in the hill country (the Shephelah), following the coastal plain and preceding the wilderness cities. Verse 49, by explicitly stating "Kirjathsannah, which is Debir," clarifies the identity of a significant city, avoiding ambiguity in the extensive catalogue. This precision is characteristic of the entire chapter, which functions as a legal and historical record of God's fulfillment of His promise to provide a land for His people, ensuring no detail of the inheritance is left unrecorded.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Joshua is the immediate aftermath of the conquest of Canaan, a time of transition from nomadic life to settled existence in the Promised Land. The meticulous division of land by lot, overseen by Joshua and Eleazar, was a divinely ordained process to ensure each tribe received its rightful portion, as promised by God to Abraham (see [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham") and [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - Covenant with Abraham")). Cities like Debir (Kirjathsannah/Kirjath-sepher) were significant Canaanite strongholds, often fortified and serving as administrative or cultural centers. Their capture, as detailed in [Joshua 15:15-19](/joshua/15-15 "Joshua 15:15-19 - Othniel Captures Debir") and [Judges 1:11-15](/judges/1-11 "Judges 1:11-15 - Othniel and Achsah"), was a testament to God's power enabling Israel to overcome formidable enemies. The renaming or identification of cities (like Kirjathsannah being Debir) was a common practice in the ancient Near East, reflecting changes in inhabitants, political control, or simply providing clarification for record-keeping.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in Joshua 15, and indeed the entire book of Joshua, is **Divine Faithfulness** and the **Fulfillment of God's Promises**. The detailed land distribution serves as tangible proof that God keeps His word, even to the precise geographical boundaries and cities. This verse also highlights **Historical Continuity**, linking the current list to earlier narratives of conquest and specific heroic deeds, such as Othniel's capture of Debir. Furthermore, the **Meticulous Providence** of God is evident in the precise allocation of land, demonstrating that God's plan is not vague but detailed and purposeful, ensuring each part of His covenant is fulfilled with accuracy. The very act of listing these cities underscores the **Tangibility of Inheritance**, making the abstract promise of land a concrete reality for the Israelite tribes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dannah (Hebrew, _Dannāh'_):** This city name is relatively obscure in biblical texts, appearing only here. Its precise meaning is uncertain, but some scholars suggest it might relate to "lowland" or "judgment," though this is speculative. Its inclusion in the list, alongside more prominent cities like Debir, emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Judah's inheritance, encompassing even smaller or less historically significant settlements within its designated territory.
* **Kirjathsannah (Hebrew, _Qiryath Sannāh'_):** Meaning "city of palm branches" or potentially "city of learning/scribes." The latter interpretation is strengthened by its identification with Debir, which was also known as Kirjath-sepher, "city of the book." This suggests Kirjathsannah/Debir was a significant cultural or intellectual center in Canaan, perhaps a repository of ancient records or a place where scribal arts flourished. The name change or clarification implies a continuity of location despite differing names.
* **Debir (Hebrew, _Devîr'_):** This name means "back," "innermost sanctuary," or "oracle." It is a significant city, also known as Kirjath-sepher ("city of the book") as mentioned in [Joshua 15:15](/joshua/15-15 "Joshua 15:15 - Othniel's Capture of Kirjath-sepher") and [Judges 1:11](/judges/1-11 "Judges 1:11 - Othniel and Achsah"). The name "Debir" itself is intriguing, as it is also the term used for the inner sanctuary of the tabernacle and temple (the Most Holy Place), where God's presence dwelled and where He spoke (the "oracle"). While likely coincidental in terms of the city's original naming, the connection highlights its strategic importance and perhaps its role as a significant, perhaps sacred, Canaanite center before its conquest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Dannah,"**: This introduces the first of three place names in this concise verse, indicating a specific city included within the inheritance of Judah. Its placement at the beginning suggests it is listed as a distinct entity, part of the broader enumeration of cities in the hill country.
* **"and Kirjathsannah,"**: This second city name is presented alongside Dannah, continuing the list. The conjunction "and" links it directly to the preceding name, maintaining the catalogue format typical of this chapter. Its significance is immediately amplified by the subsequent clause.
* **"which [is] Debir,"**: This crucial clarifying phrase explicitly identifies Kirjathsannah as being the same city as Debir. This parenthetical explanation is vital for historical and geographical understanding, as Debir is a more widely known and historically significant city, particularly due to its conquest by Othniel (Caleb's nephew) as detailed elsewhere in Joshua and Judges. The KJV's bracketed "[is]" indicates it's supplied for clarity in English, but the Hebrew simply presents the equivalence. This identification consolidates the understanding of these names referring to a single, important location.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 15:49 primarily employs **Catalogue** (or listing), a common literary device throughout the chapter and indeed much of the Pentateuch and historical books, to meticulously record the tribal inheritances. This precise enumeration of cities and boundaries serves as a legal and historical document, emphasizing the tangible fulfillment of God's promises. The phrase "which is Debir" functions as a form of **Clarification** or **Identification**, resolving potential ambiguity for the ancient reader who might have known the city by different names (Kirjathsannah, Kirjath-sepher, Debir). This precise identification adds to the historical verisimilitude and reliability of the biblical record. Furthermore, the very act of naming specific places contributes to the **Realism** of the narrative, grounding the theological claims about God's faithfulness in concrete geographical and historical realities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:49, though brief, powerfully reiterates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The meticulous naming of cities like Dannah, Kirjathsannah, and Debir, and the clarification of their identities, serves as tangible proof that God's word is not vague or abstract but is fulfilled with precise attention to detail. This specificity underscores the reality of the inheritance God provided for His people, demonstrating His faithfulness in granting them the land He swore to Abraham. It highlights that God's divine plan unfolds in concrete historical events and geographical locations, ensuring His people receive their promised portion.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Promises Fulfilled")
* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34:1-12 - Borders of the Promised Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail found in Joshua 15:49, a seemingly minor geographical notation, holds profound spiritual implications for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of precision and faithfulness, fulfilling His promises not just broadly, but with intricate care for every detail. Just as He meticulously ensured Judah received its exact inheritance, down to every city and border, so too does He orchestrate the details of our lives and His redemptive plan. This should cultivate a deep trust in His providence, knowing that even in what appears to be a "list of names," God's character of reliability is on full display. We are called to trust that God's promises to us, whether concerning provision, guidance, or eternal life, are as sure and detailed as the land inheritance for Judah. This verse encourages us to look for God's faithfulness in the "small" details of our lives, recognizing that His comprehensive plan encompasses every aspect of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of God's land distribution in Joshua 15, including verses like 15:49, deepen your understanding of His faithfulness?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's meticulous providence, even when the details seem obscure or insignificant?**
* **How does the historical and geographical grounding of biblical narratives, like the identification of Kirjathsannah with Debir, strengthen your faith in the Bible's reliability?**

### FAQ

**Why are there so many lists of cities in Joshua, and what is their significance?**

Answer: The extensive lists of cities and boundaries in the book of Joshua, particularly in chapters 13-19, serve multiple critical purposes. First, they are a **legal and historical record** of God's fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land")). These lists demonstrate that the inheritance was not a vague concept but a tangible, precisely defined territory. Second, they provided a **practical guide** for the Israelite tribes, delineating their specific boundaries and assigned cities, which was essential for governance, taxation, and tribal identity. Third, they underscore the **divine authority** behind the land distribution; the land was not seized by human might alone but was a gift from God, allocated according to His sovereign will. Finally, the specificity of these lists authenticates the biblical narrative, providing verifiable geographical and historical details that attest to the accuracy and reliability of the Scripture.

**What is the significance of Kirjathsannah being identified as Debir?**

Answer: The identification of "Kirjathsannah, which is Debir" in [Joshua 15:49](/joshua/15-49 "Joshua 15:49 - Dannah, Kirjathsannah, which is Debir") is significant for several reasons. Primarily, it provides **geographical and historical clarity**. Debir was a well-known and strategically important Canaanite city, also referred to as Kirjath-sepher ("city of the book") in other accounts (e.g., [Joshua 15:15](/joshua/15-15 "Joshua 15:15 - Othniel's Capture of Kirjath-sepher")). By explicitly stating that Kirjathsannah is Debir, the text resolves potential ambiguity arising from multiple names for the same location, a common occurrence in ancient nomenclature. This clarification ensures that the reader understands which specific city is being referred to in the context of Judah's inheritance. It also links this verse directly to the heroic account of Othniel, Caleb's nephew, who conquered Debir, demonstrating the continuity of the narrative and the historical reality of the conquest and settlement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:49 appears to be a mere geographical detail, it subtly points to Christ in profound ways, particularly through the themes of inheritance, faithfulness, and the "city of the book." The meticulous fulfillment of the land promise to Judah foreshadows the ultimate inheritance granted to believers in Christ—not a physical land, but a spiritual kingdom and eternal life (see [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ") and [Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Inheritance of the Saints in Light")). Just as God was faithful to His promises concerning the land, He is supremely faithful to His new covenant promises in Jesus, who is the "Yes" and "Amen" to all of God's promises (see [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Furthermore, the name Debir, meaning "innermost sanctuary" or "oracle," resonates with Christ as the ultimate revelation of God. He is the Word made flesh, through whom God speaks and dwells among us (see [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). The "city of the book" (Kirjath-sepher/Debir) can be seen as a type of the divine wisdom and revelation that finds its perfect embodiment and fulfillment in Christ, the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (see [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). Thus, this seemingly obscure verse, through its themes and names, subtly directs our gaze to the comprehensive and faithful work of Christ, who secures our true and eternal inheritance.

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 15:15

And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before [was] Kirjathsepher.

Judges 1:11

And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before [was] Kirjathsepher: