Joshua 15:56

KJV

And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jezreel {H3157}, and Jokdeam {H3347}, and Zanoah {H2182},

Complete Jewish Bible

Yizre'el, Yokde'am, Zanoach,

Berean Standard Bible

Jezreel, Jokdeam, Zanoah,

American Standard Version

and Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:56 is a concise verse within a comprehensive list detailing the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah as part of their divinely appointed inheritance in the land of Canaan. It specifically names Jezreel, Jokdeam, and Zanoah, serving as a meticulous record of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by providing them with a tangible homeland. This verse underscores the precision and order of the divine plan for His people's settlement, demonstrating God's commitment to every detail of His word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15 meticulously outlines the territorial inheritance of the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes. The chapter begins by delineating Judah's extensive boundaries in [Joshua 15:1-12](/joshua/15-1-12 "Joshua 15:1-12 - Judah's Borders"), then transitions to the specific cities assigned to them, commencing from [Joshua 15:21](/joshua/15-21 "Joshua 15:21 - Cities of Judah"). These cities are often grouped geographically, reflecting the various regions within Judah's vast territory, including the Negeb, the Shephelah (lowland), the hill country, and the wilderness. Joshua 15:56 falls within the section enumerating cities in the hill country, highlighting God's precise and exhaustive fulfillment of His promise to provide a dwelling place for His people, down to every town and village. This detailed catalog reinforces the narrative of God's faithfulness in bringing His people into the promised land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes, as meticulously recorded in the book of Joshua, was a monumental event following decades of wandering and conquest. This process was not arbitrary but was often determined by lot, as seen in [Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Land Divided by Lot"), signifying God's sovereign hand in the distribution. For the ancient Israelites, these detailed lists of cities and boundaries were far more than mere geographical data; they served as vital legal and theological documents. They affirmed their God-given right to the land, established clear tribal claims, and provided a tangible testament to the successful completion of the conquest under Joshua's leadership. Culturally, land ownership was central to identity, security, and the fulfillment of the covenant, ensuring each family and tribe had a permanent stake in the promised inheritance.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed catalog of cities in [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - Judah's Inheritance") powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Fulfillment of Promise**. Every city listed, including Jezreel, Jokdeam, and Zanoah, represents a tangible manifestation of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, specifically the promise of land found in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). This meticulousness also highlights the theme of **Order and Specificity** in God's plan; the land division was not haphazard but a precise allotment, demonstrating God's sovereign and meticulous involvement in every detail of Israel's settlement. Furthermore, the extensive nature of **The Inheritance of Judah** lays the groundwork for its future prominence as the leading tribe, from which King David would emerge and, ultimately, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, as prophesied in [Genesis 49:10](/genesis/49-10 "Genesis 49:10 - The Scepter from Judah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jezreel (Hebrew, _Yizrᵉʻêʼl'_):** From the root meaning "God will sow" or "God scatters." In this context, Jezreel is simply one of the cities allotted to Judah, signifying a literal "sowing" or establishment of God's people into the land He promised. While this specific Jezreel is distinct from the more famous Jezreel Valley in the northern kingdom (associated with King Ahab, Queen Jezebel, and later prophetic events in [Hosea 1:4-5](/hosea/1-4-5 "Hosea 1:4-5 - Prophecy against Jezreel")), its inclusion here underscores the divine act of settling Israel throughout the land. The very act of naming and listing these cities confirms God's active hand in establishing His people's inheritance.
* **Jokdeam (Hebrew, _Yoqdᵉʻâm'_):** Meaning "burning of (the) people." The precise significance of this name's etymology in this context is less about a specific event and more about its function as a distinct geographical marker. Like many other obscure names in these extensive lists, its primary significance in [Joshua 15:56](/joshua/15-56 "Joshua 15:56 - Cities of Judah") is its contribution to the exhaustive nature of the inventory. Its inclusion demonstrates that every part of the promised territory, even the less prominent settlements, was meticulously accounted for and assigned by divine decree, leaving no ambiguity about the extent of Judah's inheritance.
* **Zanoah (Hebrew, _Zânôwach'_):** From a root meaning "rejected" or "stinking," possibly indicating a marshy or unpleasant geographical feature. Despite its potentially negative connotation, its presence in this list is crucial. It serves to meticulously document the precise boundaries and contents of Judah's inheritance, leaving no ambiguity about what belonged to them by divine right. The inclusion of such a name, regardless of its etymological meaning, reinforces the thoroughness of the biblical record and the comprehensive nature of God's provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jezreel,"**: This phrase introduces the first of three specific cities listed in this verse, continuing the extensive enumeration of Judah's inheritance. The conjunction "And" links it seamlessly to the preceding list of cities, emphasizing the continuous and comprehensive nature of the land division. Its inclusion signifies a distinct, identifiable settlement within Judah's allocated hill country, marking a tangible piece of the fulfillment of God's promise.
* **"and Jokdeam,"**: This second city further expands the detailed inventory of Judah's possessions. The repetition of "and" reinforces the cumulative nature of the list, underscoring the vastness and completeness of the inheritance. Each named city represents a tangible piece of the fulfillment of God's promise, a specific location now under Israelite dominion, demonstrating the meticulousness of the divine allocation.
* **"and Zanoah,"**: The final city named in this verse completes a small cluster of settlements within the larger list. Its presence here, like the others, serves to meticulously document the precise boundaries and contents of Judah's inheritance, leaving no ambiguity about what belonged to them by divine right. The naming of each city, even those less prominent, affirms the divine precision in the distribution of the promised land.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 15:56, and indeed throughout much of [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - Judah's Inheritance"), is **Catalog** or **List**. This exhaustive enumeration of cities serves several crucial purposes: it provides a precise legal and historical record of the land division, emphasizes the completeness of God's fulfillment of His promises, and underscores the meticulousness of the divine plan. The repetitive use of the conjunction "and" (**Polysyndeton**) between each city name creates a sense of continuous accumulation, reinforcing the vastness and thoroughness of Judah's inheritance. While the individual names themselves might carry etymological significance (**Toponymy**), their collective function within this list is to serve as concrete markers of possession, transforming abstract promises into tangible reality. This detailed listing also contributes to the **Verisimilitude** of the narrative, lending an air of authenticity and historical accuracy to the account of Israel's settlement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:56, though seemingly a dry list of names, powerfully reinforces the theological truth of God's absolute faithfulness to His covenant promises. The meticulous detail in enumerating every city, no matter how obscure, demonstrates that God's word is precise and will be fulfilled down to the smallest particular. This passage reminds us that God is not vague in His commitments; He is a God of order, specificity, and unwavering resolve. The inheritance of land to Judah foreshadows the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ, an inheritance secured not by conquest but by grace, and ultimately far more enduring than any earthly territory. It speaks to God's sovereign provision and His desire for His people to dwell securely in the blessings He has prepared for them, a testament to His character as a God who keeps His word.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Numbers 26:55-56](/numbers/26-55-56 "Land Divided by Lot")
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8-10 "Abraham's Faith and the Heavenly City")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The inclusion of such detailed lists in Scripture, like Joshua 15:56, serves as a profound testament to God's character: His faithfulness, His meticulousness, and His commitment to fulfilling every promise He makes. In a world often characterized by uncertainty and broken promises, this verse reminds us that God is utterly reliable. Just as He precisely allotted every city to Judah, He has a specific and perfect plan for our lives, down to the details we might overlook or deem insignificant. This should inspire us to trust Him with the seemingly small aspects of our existence as much as with the grand narratives. Furthermore, if God was so diligent in securing an earthly inheritance for His people, how much more diligent is He in securing our eternal, spiritual inheritance in Christ? This passage calls us to reflect on the tangible blessings God has already provided and to rest in the assurance that His future promises for us will also be perfectly fulfilled, knowing that His divine plan is always precise and purposeful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for Israel, as seen in this verse, encourage your trust in His care for the details of your own life?**
* **What "inheritance" has God promised to you as a believer, and how does this passage deepen your appreciation for its certainty and value?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's precise plan, even when the specific details are not yet clear or seem insignificant?**

### FAQ

**Why is this verse, which is just a list of names, included in the Bible?**

Answer: Joshua 15:56, along with the entire chapter, is included in the Bible for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it serves as a vital historical and legal record, documenting the precise fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham to give his descendants the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). These lists were essential for establishing tribal boundaries, resolving disputes, and affirming Israel's God-given right to the land. Secondly, it highlights God's meticulousness and faithfulness; every single city, whether prominent or obscure, was accounted for, demonstrating that God's promises are fulfilled with absolute precision. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of divine order and sovereignty, showing that the distribution of the land was not arbitrary but divinely orchestrated, often by lot ([Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Land Divided by Lot")). Thus, even a seemingly "dry" list like this is rich with theological significance, affirming God's character and His active involvement in the history of His people.

**What is the significance of the names Jezreel, Jokdeam, and Zanoah in this context?**

Answer: In the context of [Joshua 15:56](/joshua/15-56 "Joshua 15:56 - Cities of Judah"), the primary significance of Jezreel, Jokdeam, and Zanoah lies in their function as specific geographical markers. They are not chosen for any profound individual etymological revelation in this particular verse but rather for their role in completing the exhaustive inventory of cities within Judah's inheritance. Their inclusion demonstrates the thoroughness of the land division and the tangible nature of the fulfillment of God's promise. While "Jezreel" has a rich and complex history elsewhere in the Bible, particularly in the northern kingdom and prophetic contexts (e.g., [Hosea 1:4-5](/hosea/1-4-5 "Hosea 1:4-5 - Prophecy concerning Jezreel")), in this specific passage, it simply identifies one of the many towns now belonging to the tribe of Judah. The names collectively serve to confirm the vast extent and specific boundaries of the land God had given to His people, underscoring the precision of His divine plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Joshua 15:56](/joshua/15-56 "Joshua 15:56 - Cities of Judah") details an earthly inheritance, it profoundly points to the greater, spiritual inheritance found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous division of land among the tribes foreshadows God's precise and perfect plan for the redemption of humanity and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Just as Judah received a tangible land as a fulfillment of God's promise, believers in Christ receive an incorruptible and eternal inheritance, not of earthly territory, but of spiritual blessings and co-heirship with Christ ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ"); [Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Inheritance of the Saints in Light")). Jesus Himself is the ultimate "land" or "rest" for God's people, the one in whom all promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The earthly possession in Joshua points to the heavenly reality where Christ, the true King from the line of Judah, secures for His people a spiritual dwelling place and an eternal rest ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). Ultimately, the detailed mapping of Judah's territory prefigures the new heaven and new earth, where God's people will dwell eternally in His presence, a fulfillment far grander and more glorious than any earthly inheritance ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")).

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.