Joshua 15:51

And Goshen, and Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages:

And Goshen {H1657}, and Holon {H2473}, and Giloh {H1542}; eleven {H259}{H6240} cities {H5892} with their villages {H2691}:

Goshen, Holon and Giloh - eleven cities, together with their villages.

Goshen, Holon, and Giloh—eleven cities, along with their villages.

and Goshen, and Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages.

Commentary

Joshua 15:51 is a concise yet significant verse within the extensive geographical survey of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. It lists three specific cities—Goshen, Holon, and Giloh—as part of a group of "eleven cities with their villages" located within a particular district of Judah's inheritance.

Context of Joshua 15:51

This verse is part of Joshua chapter 15, which meticulously details the boundaries and cities assigned to the tribe of Judah after the conquest of Canaan. Following the initial division of land by lot (Joshua 14:1-2), each tribe received its designated portion. Judah, being the largest tribe and the one from which the Messiah would eventually come, received a vast and diverse territory. The chapter lists various cities grouped by region (e.g., the Negev, the Shephelah, the hill country), and this verse specifically enumerates cities within one of the hill country districts, emphasizing the thoroughness of the land distribution process.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Fulfillment of Divine Promise: The detailed enumeration of cities like Goshen, Holon, and Giloh underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promise to Abraham to give his descendants the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7). This meticulous record serves as a tangible testament to God's reliability.
  • Divine Order and Meticulous Detail: The painstaking effort to list every city and its associated villages highlights the precise and orderly nature of God's plan. It demonstrates that God's work is not haphazard but is executed with great care and attention to detail, even in geographical allocations.
  • Inheritance and Possession: Each city named, including Goshen, Holon, and Giloh, represented a piece of the tribal inheritance. This wasn't merely conquered land but a divinely appointed possession, establishing the permanent dwelling for the Israelite families.
  • Tribal Identity and Boundaries: These geographical lists were crucial for defining the identity and specific boundaries of each tribe, preventing future disputes and establishing a structured society. Giloh, for instance, is later known as the hometown of Ahithophel, King David's counselor (2 Samuel 15:12), showing these places became integral to Israelite history.

Practical Application and Reflection

While a list of ancient cities might seem mundane, Joshua 15:51 offers profound insights for today. It reminds us of God's unwavering commitment to His promises. Just as He meticulously ensured Israel's inheritance, we can trust in His faithfulness to fulfill His promises to us, whether they pertain to salvation, provision, or eternal life. The detail in this chapter also encourages us to recognize God's attention to the small things in our lives, assuring us that no aspect is too minor for His concern. Moreover, it speaks to the importance of order, boundaries, and stewardship in our own lives, reflecting the divine pattern established in the distribution of the Promised Land.

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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 11:16

    So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same;

  • Joshua 10:41

    And Joshua smote them from Kadeshbarnea even unto Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even unto Gibeon.

  • 2 Samuel 15:12

    And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, [even] from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
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