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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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SUMMARY
Joshua 15:58 is a concise enumeration of three specific towns—Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor—located within the central hill country region of Judah's tribal inheritance. This verse is an integral part of the extensive geographical survey in Joshua 15, meticulously detailing the cities and boundaries allotted to the tribe of Judah. It underscores the tangible reality of God's precise fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating divine faithfulness in providing the Promised Land as a secure and defined inheritance.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 15:58, and indeed throughout much of Joshua 15, is Enumeration or Cataloging. This involves the detailed listing of names, places, or items. In this context, the enumeration of towns like Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor serves several purposes. Firstly, it provides Verisimilitude, lending an air of authenticity and historical accuracy to the narrative by presenting specific, verifiable geographical data. This meticulous detail reinforces the idea that the events described were real and tangible. Secondly, it functions as a form of Proof or Evidence of God's faithfulness. The sheer volume and specificity of the listed cities serve as undeniable testimony that God fulfilled His promise to give Israel the land, down to every town and boundary. The repetition of such lists throughout the chapter creates a cumulative effect, emphasizing the thoroughness of the divine provision. While seemingly dry, this cataloging technique transforms abstract theological concepts—like promise and fulfillment—into concrete, geographical realities for the ancient Israelite reader, solidifying their understanding of their divinely appointed inheritance.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:58, though a simple list of names, powerfully contributes to the overarching biblical narrative of divine faithfulness and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. The meticulous detail in cataloging Judah's inheritance, including these three specific towns, serves as tangible evidence that God is a promise-keeping God who meticulously brings His word to pass. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, demonstrating that God's plans are precise and His commitment to His people unwavering. The land itself was not merely real estate but a foundational element of Israel's identity and their covenant relationship with Yahweh, a place where they were to live in obedience and experience His blessings. This detailed record assures believers that every word of God is trustworthy and will ultimately be accomplished, whether in historical events or in personal lives.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 15:58, seemingly a dry geographical list, offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It is a powerful reminder of God's meticulous attention to detail and His absolute commitment to fulfilling His word, even in what might appear to be mundane administrative tasks. Just as He precisely and faithfully provided a tangible inheritance for the tribe of Judah, down to every town and boundary, we can trust in His unwavering faithfulness and the certainty of His promises in our own lives. This verse encourages us to reflect on the nature of God as sovereign, trustworthy, and precise in His plans, whether for a nation, a community, or an individual. It invites us to rest in the assurance that if God has promised something, it will come to fruition, often with a level of detail and precision far beyond our comprehension. Our security and hope are rooted not in our circumstances or efforts, but in the immutable character of a God who keeps every single one of His words.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these detailed lists of cities important in the Bible?
Answer: These detailed lists, like the one in Joshua 15:58, are profoundly important for several reasons. Primarily, they serve as concrete, tangible evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan, as seen in Genesis 12:7. The meticulous enumeration demonstrates that God's word is not vague but precise and fully accomplished. Secondly, these lists established the legal and historical basis for tribal claims to the land, defining boundaries and ensuring order among the twelve tribes, preventing disputes and confirming their identity as a settled nation. Thirdly, they provide historical and geographical authenticity to the biblical narrative, allowing for archaeological and geographical verification of the places mentioned, reinforcing the Bible's reliability. They transform abstract promises into a concrete reality, showcasing God's sovereignty and meticulous care for His people.
What is the significance of the name "Bethzur" meaning "House of Rock"?
Answer: The name "Bethzur" (Hebrew, _Bêyth _Tsûwr'__), meaning "house of (the) rock," is highly significant because it directly reflects the geological and strategic nature of the place. Bethzur was indeed built on a prominent rocky outcrop in the Judean hills, making it a naturally defensible location. Throughout history, it served as a crucial fortress and strategic stronghold, controlling access routes to Jerusalem and Hebron. Its name, therefore, is not just a label but a descriptive identifier that highlights its military importance and the security it offered. In a broader sense, it symbolizes the secure and established nature of the inheritance God provided for His people, a "house" built on a firm "rock." This concept of a "rock" as a symbol of strength and refuge is a recurring motif in Scripture, often applied to God Himself as a rock of refuge.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:58 is a geographical detail from the Old Testament, its underlying themes profoundly point to Christ. The meticulous fulfillment of God's promise to provide a physical inheritance for Judah foreshadows the ultimate spiritual inheritance believers receive through Jesus Christ. Just as God precisely delivered the Promised Land to Israel, so too has He, with divine precision, delivered salvation and eternal life through His Son. The land of Canaan, with its specific towns like Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor, was a type of the secure and abundant life found in Christ. He is the true "House of Rock" and the firm foundation upon which our spiritual inheritance is built, a foundation that cannot be shaken, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:4 and Matthew 7:24-25. Our ultimate inheritance is not a plot of land, but rather adoption into God's family, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and a future in the new heavens and new earth, as promised in Ephesians 1:11-14 and Revelation 21:1-4. Thus, the ancient promise of land finds its ultimate and infinitely greater fulfillment in the person and work of Christ, who secures for us an eternal and unshakable inheritance in the heavenly kingdom, far surpassing any earthly territory.