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Commentary on Joshua 15 verses 20–63
20 ¶ This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.
21 And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,
22 And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,
23 And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,
24 Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth,
25 And Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, and Hezron, which is Hazor,
26 Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,
27 And Hazargaddah, and Heshmon, and Bethpalet,
28 And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,
29 Baalah, and Iim, and Azem,
30 And Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah,
31 And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,
32 And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:
33 And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,
34 And Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam,
35 Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,
36 And Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages:
37 Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdalgad,
38 And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,
39 Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon,
40 And Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kithlish,
41 And Gederoth, Bethdagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages:
42 Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,
43 And Jiphtah, and Ashnah, and Nezib,
44 And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:
45 Ekron, with her towns and her villages:
46 From Ekron even unto the sea, all that lay near Ashdod, with their villages:
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:
48 And in the mountains, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,
49 And Dannah, and Kirjathsannah, which is Debir,
50 And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim,
51 And Goshen, and Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages:
52 Arab, and Dumah, and Eshean,
53 And Janum, and Bethtappuah, and Aphekah,
54 And Humtah, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages:
55 Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Juttah,
56 And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,
57 Cain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages:
58 Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor,
59 And Maarath, and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages:
60 Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages:
61 In the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah,
62 And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.
63 As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.
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.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–63. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 15:50, "And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim," precisely enumerates three cities located within the rugged hill country of Judah. This verse is an integral part of an extensive and meticulous geographical inventory detailing the tribal inheritance allotted to Judah following the Israelite conquest of Canaan. Far from being mere obscure names, these settlements represent tangible evidence of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land, underscoring the divine order, provision, and meticulous care for His chosen people as they settled into their divinely appointed territories.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 15:50 primarily employs Enumeration and Repetition as key literary devices. The verse is part of a larger, extensive list of cities, demonstrating a meticulous and exhaustive accounting of Judah's territory. The repeated use of the conjunction "and" ("And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim") creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, emphasizing the sheer volume and precision of the land division. This detailed listing can also be seen as a form of Synecdoche, where the naming of specific, representative cities stands for the entirety of the region or the vastness of the inheritance. Furthermore, the very act of listing these names, though seemingly dry to a modern reader, serves as a powerful testament to Divine Faithfulness, as the tangible reality of these settlements proves God's fulfillment of His ancient promises, turning abstract covenant into concrete possession. The meticulous detail itself functions as a literary device, conveying the thoroughness of God's provision and the legal precision of the land distribution, underscoring the divine order in the establishment of Israel.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:50, by listing specific cities within Judah's inheritance, powerfully underscores the theme of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Just as God meticulously delivered the physical land of Canaan to Israel, down to the specific cities and their boundaries, so too does He remain faithful to His spiritual promises for believers today. This passage serves as a tangible reminder that God's word is reliable and His plans are precise, providing a foundation of trust for His people across generations. The detailed record of inheritance also speaks to God's design for order and provision, ensuring that His people are securely established and well-resourced within the bounds of His grace, demonstrating His providential care for every detail of their existence.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail of Joshua 15:50, though seemingly dry, invites us to reflect on the profound truth of God's faithfulness and His attention to every aspect of His promises. Just as God ensured Israel received every inch of their promised inheritance, we can trust that He is equally meticulous in fulfilling His promises to us, particularly the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ. This includes not only the promise of eternal life but also the present blessings of salvation, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and access to God's presence and wisdom. We are called to value this spiritual inheritance, to explore its "boundaries" through deeper study of God's Word, fervent prayer, and active participation in the body of Christ. Recognizing God's detailed provision in the past should inspire us to live with greater confidence in His present and future care, knowing that He has a specific and good plan for each of our lives, just as He did for the tribes of Israel, providing not just for our eternal destiny but also for our daily needs and spiritual growth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these seemingly obscure city names so important in the biblical text?
Answer: The inclusion of specific, sometimes obscure, city names like Anab, Eshtemoh, and Anim in Joshua 15:50 serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, they provide tangible, verifiable proof of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Israel regarding the land of Canaan. These lists transformed an abstract promise into a concrete reality, demonstrating God's reliability. Secondly, they functioned as a legal and historical record, establishing clear boundaries and property rights for each tribe, which was vital for maintaining social order, tribal identity, and preventing future disputes over land for generations. Thirdly, these names often contained clues about the region's geography, resources, or historical significance (e.g., "Anab" suggesting vineyards, "Anim" indicating vital water sources), providing practical information for the Israelites settling the land. Finally, the sheer detail underscores the divine precision and thoroughness in God's provision for His people, demonstrating that every aspect of their inheritance was divinely appointed and secured, as seen in the comprehensive nature of Joshua 13-19.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:50 details a physical land inheritance, its ultimate theological trajectory points to the greater spiritual inheritance found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous fulfillment of God's promise of land to Israel foreshadows the perfect and complete fulfillment of all God's promises in Christ. Just as the Israelites found rest and a home in Canaan, believers find their ultimate spiritual rest and eternal dwelling place in Christ (Matthew 11:28). The land of Canaan, with its specific cities, was a temporary inheritance, a type and shadow of the greater reality; Christ offers an eternal one, not bound by geographical limits but by spiritual reality and an unbreakable covenant. He is the true "promised land," the one in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). Our inheritance is not merely a piece of ground but a new creation, a heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20), and an unbreakable covenant relationship with God secured through the blood of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The detailed record of Judah's inheritance thus becomes a powerful type, pointing to the infinitely richer and more secure inheritance that awaits those who are "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17).