Joshua 15:50

KJV

And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Anab {H6024}, and Eshtemoh {H851}, and Anim {H6044},

Complete Jewish Bible

'Anav, Esht'moh, 'Anim,

Berean Standard Bible

Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim,

American Standard Version

and Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:50, "And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim," meticulously lists three cities located in the hill country of Judah. This verse is part of an extensive and precise 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 faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land, underscoring the divine order and provision for His chosen people as they settled into their divinely appointed territories.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15 is entirely dedicated to delineating the vast and diverse territorial inheritance of the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes. Following the initial conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership, the land was divided by lot among the twelve tribes, a process that meticulously fulfilled God's ancient promises regarding the land of Canaan, first articulated to [Abraham in Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram"). Specifically, verses 48-51 enumerate cities situated in the "mountains" or hill country of Judah, a region characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic importance. The inclusion of such detailed lists throughout the chapter underscores the precision with which the land was distributed, serving as a legal and historical record ensuring that each tribe received its divinely appointed and clearly defined portion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land in Joshua occurs at a pivotal moment in Israelite history—the transition from nomadic wandering and military conquest to settled agricultural life. This period was marked by the establishment of tribal boundaries, which were crucial for maintaining social order, tribal identity, and property rights for generations to come. The names of cities, like those in Joshua 15:50, often reflected their natural features, primary economic activities, or historical significance. For instance, a city named "Anab" (grape) would likely be known for vineyards, while "Anim" (fountains) would indicate vital water sources. These details provided practical information for the Israelites regarding resources and strategic locations within their new homeland, reflecting a culture deeply connected to the land and its productivity as a divine blessing.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of cities such as Anab, Eshtemoh, and Anim contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**, as the detailed land allocation serves as undeniable proof that God meticulously kept His covenant promises to Israel, delivering the land He had sworn to their ancestors centuries earlier (compare with [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34 "Numbers 34 - Boundaries of the Promised Land")). This passage also highlights **Order and Inheritance**, emphasizing God's systematic and orderly provision for His people. The precise boundaries and city lists underscore the divine design for a structured society and the secure establishment of each tribe within its designated inheritance, reflecting the importance of a clear and undisputed patrimony for future generations. Furthermore, the **Geographical Significance** of these named locations, though seemingly mundane to a modern reader, was paramount to the ancient Israelites, serving as vital landmarks, administrative centers, and strategic points within Judah's vast territory, illustrating the challenges and responsibilities inherent in fully possessing their promised land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anab (עֲנָב, _‘Ănāḇ_):** This Hebrew place name likely derives from the root meaning "grape" or "grape-city." Its inclusion suggests a region known for viticulture, indicating fertile land suitable for vineyards. In ancient Israel, grapes were a vital crop, symbolizing prosperity and blessing, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 8:8](/deuteronomy/8-8 "Deuteronomy 8:8 - A Land of Wheat and Barley, of Vines and Fig Trees"). The presence of such a city within Judah's inheritance speaks to the richness of the land promised by God.
* **Eshtemoh (אֶשְׁתְּמֹועַ, _’Eštemōa‘_):** This name is thought to originate from a root meaning "to hear" or "to obey." It could imply a place of assembly, a site for judicial proceedings, or a location where divine or human pronouncements were made. Later, Eshtemoh became a Levitical city ([Joshua 21:14](/joshua/21-14 "Joshua 21:14 - Levitical Cities in Judah")), further supporting its potential role as a center for religious instruction or legal administration.
* **Anim (עָנִים, _‘Ānîm_):** Meaning "fountains" or "springs," this name points to a location blessed with vital water sources. In the generally arid climate of the ancient Near East, access to fresh water was paramount for survival, agriculture, and settlement. A city named Anim would have been a crucial resource hub, underscoring the practical value of the territories being enumerated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Anab,":** This initial listing introduces the first of three specific cities, immediately placing the reader within the geographical context of Judah's inheritance. The conjunction "And" serves to connect this city to the broader list, emphasizing its distinct yet integrated place within the tribal territory. Anab's name suggests agricultural richness, highlighting a facet of the promised land's bounty.
* **"and Eshtemoh,":** The second city listed, Eshtemoh, follows in a similar conjunctive pattern. Its name, potentially linked to hearing or obedience, hints at a place of significance beyond mere settlement, perhaps a center for community gathering, legal decisions, or religious instruction. Its later designation as a Levitical city reinforces its importance.
* **"and Anim,":** The final city in this short triplet, Anim, completes the enumeration. Its name, signifying "fountains," points to the critical natural resource of water. The inclusion of such a detail underscores the practical and life-sustaining aspects of the land God was providing, ensuring the viability of the settlements within Judah's allotted boundaries. Together, these three names represent a small but significant segment of the diverse and divinely provided inheritance.

#### 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, 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.

### 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.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram") - The initial promise of land to Abraham, which Joshua 15:50 helps fulfill.
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8-10 - Abraham's Faith in the Promised Land") - Abraham's faith in a promised land and a heavenly city, connecting the earthly inheritance to a greater spiritual reality.
* [2 Peter 1:3-4](/2_peter/1-3 "2 Peter 1:3-4 - God's Divine Power and Precious Promises") - God's divine power has granted us everything pertaining to life and godliness through His precious and very great promises.

### 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. 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in dividing the land for Israel encourage your trust in His plans for your own life?**
* **What aspects of your spiritual inheritance in Christ do you tend to overlook or undervalue, and how can you more fully appreciate them?**
* **In what ways can you actively "take possession" of the spiritual blessings and promises God has given you, just as Israel took possession of their land?**

### 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. 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 and tribal identity for generations. Thirdly, these names often contained clues about the region's geography, resources, or historical significance (e.g., "Anab" suggesting vineyards, "Anim" indicating 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](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land East of the Jordan").

### 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](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The land of Canaan, with its specific cities, was a temporary inheritance; Christ offers an eternal one, not bound by geographical limits but by spiritual reality. He is the true "promised land," the one in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Our inheritance is not merely a piece of ground but a new creation, a heavenly citizenship, and an unbreakable covenant relationship with God through the blood of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). 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](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

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.