TRV
Translation
American Standard Version
and Maarath, and Beth-anoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages.
Young's Literal Translation
and Maarath, and Beth-Anoth, and Eltekon; six cities and their villages.
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In the KJVVerse 6,262 of 31,102
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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 15:59 meticulously lists three specific towns—Maarath, Bethanoth, and Eltekon—along with their associated villages, as part of the intricate territorial inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah. This verse, though seemingly a mere catalog entry, underscores the divine precision and faithfulness in fulfilling God's ancient promises of land to His people Israel, demonstrating the thoroughness with which the vast territory of Judah was surveyed and apportioned.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Joshua 15:59 is embedded within the extensive and highly detailed account of Judah's tribal inheritance, which spans from Joshua 15:21 to Joshua 15:62. This lengthy gazetteer meticulously lists cities and their associated villages, often grouped geographically (e.g., cities in the Negeb, the Shephelah, the hill country). The verse itself concludes a sub-section of cities within the hill country, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the land distribution. The broader literary context is Joshua chapters 13-19, which systematically records the division of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel following the successful conquest. These lists served as vital legal and administrative documents, establishing clear boundaries and ownership for each tribal entity.
Historical & Cultural Context: The division of the land occurred after the initial military campaigns under Joshua's leadership, marking the transition from conquest to settlement. Land was the primary source of wealth, identity, and security in ancient Israelite society, directly tied to the covenant promises made to Abraham. The meticulous nature of these lists reflects the importance of land tenure and inheritance in the ancient Near East, where boundaries were often marked and legally recorded to prevent disputes. While many of the cities listed, including Maarath, Bethanoth, and Eltekon, are obscure and their exact modern locations debated or unknown, their inclusion validates the historical and geographical reality of the biblical narrative. The mention of "villages" (Hebrew: ḥaṣērîm) indicates a common settlement pattern where a central, fortified city served as the hub for smaller, dependent agricultural communities.
Key Themes: The meticulous cataloging of towns, even minor ones like Maarath, Bethanoth, and Eltekon, powerfully underscores the theme of Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment. God's ancient promises to Abraham, particularly concerning the land (e.g., Genesis 15:18-21), were now being precisely and tangibly fulfilled. This detailed record highlights God's Order and Specificity in His dealings with His people, demonstrating that the inheritance was not haphazard but a divinely ordained and carefully managed process, ensuring each tribe received its designated portion. Furthermore, the sheer volume of geographical detail contributes to the theme of Historical and Geographical Accuracy, grounding the biblical narrative in a verifiable reality and providing a foundational identity for the nascent Israelite nation, establishing their place within the land God had given them. This detailed accounting points to the truth that God is attentive to the specifics of His promises and His people's lives, as seen throughout the book of Joshua.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 15:59, like the rest of the chapter, primarily employs Cataloging or Listing, a common literary device in ancient Near Eastern administrative and historical texts. This systematic enumeration of place names serves to emphasize the thoroughness and legal precision of the land distribution. The Repetition of the conjunction "and" (וְ) before each city name creates a cumulative effect, reinforcing the exhaustive nature of the inventory. Furthermore, the inclusion of such detailed Topography and geographical specifics grounds the narrative in a tangible reality, lending credibility and historical weight to the account of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land. This meticulous detail, even for minor towns, highlights the divine Precision and Order in the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry list of cities in Joshua 15:59 carries profound theological weight. It is not merely a geographical record but a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The precise allocation of land, down to the smallest villages, demonstrates that God is meticulous in fulfilling His word, a truth that echoes throughout salvation history. This physical inheritance in Canaan foreshadows the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ. Just as Israel received a tangible land, believers receive an eternal inheritance, not of earthly territory, but of spiritual blessings and an eternal dwelling in God's presence. This divine precision in land distribution also highlights God's orderly nature, establishing boundaries and order for His people, which is a principle applicable to all aspects of life.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a list of ancient cities might seem far removed from contemporary life, Joshua 15:59, like the entire chapter, serves as a powerful reminder of God's character. His meticulous attention to detail in fulfilling His promises, down to the specific names of obscure villages, assures us that He is equally attentive to the specifics of our lives. We can trust that if God so precisely and faithfully managed the physical inheritance of Israel, He will certainly fulfill His spiritual promises to us, working out every detail of our salvation and sanctification. This verse encourages us to find peace in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He has a precise and orderly purpose for our lives, establishing boundaries and providing for our needs. It calls us to reflect on the inheritance we have in Christ and to live with confidence in the God who keeps every single one of His words.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these specific cities (Maarath, Bethanoth, Eltekon) mentioned, and what is their significance?
Answer: These cities are mentioned as part of the exhaustive and legally binding record of Judah's tribal inheritance. While they might seem obscure to us today, their inclusion underscores the meticulous detail with which the land was surveyed and apportioned. Their significance lies not in their individual prominence (as they were likely minor settlements) but in their collective contribution to the complete and precise fulfillment of God's promise to Israel. The very act of naming every village, no matter how small, validates the historical reality of the land division and highlights God's faithfulness in granting the full extent of the promised territory to His people.
What is the meaning of "six cities" when only three are explicitly named in Joshua 15:59 (KJV)?
Answer: This is a known textual issue in the Masoretic Text (MT) of Joshua 15:59. The King James Version, based on the MT, lists "Maarath, Bethanoth, and Eltekon," followed by "six cities with their villages." This discrepancy has led to various scholarly explanations. One prominent view is that the Septuagint (LXX), an ancient Greek translation, includes additional cities in this section (e.g., Tekoa, Karem, Bether, Manahath, and others) which, if present in the original Hebrew, would indeed bring the total to six. This suggests that the MT may have experienced some textual loss or truncation in this specific passage. Alternatively, some interpret "six cities" as a summary referring to a preceding group of cities that, when combined with the three named here, would total six. Regardless, the intent is to convey that these cities were part of a larger administrative grouping, each with its dependent settlements, signifying a complete and functional territory.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:59 details a physical land inheritance, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the spiritual inheritance and eternal rest promised through Jesus Christ. The meticulous division of Canaan among the tribes foreshadows the precise and comprehensive nature of the New Covenant, where believers, through faith in Christ, receive an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them (1 Peter 1:3-4). The earthly rest that Israel found in the Promised Land, though imperfect and temporary, points to the ultimate and eternal rest found in Christ, who is our true Sabbath (Hebrews 4:9-10). Jesus, the true Son of God, is the ultimate heir of all things (Hebrews 1:2), and through Him, we become co-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17). The specific boundaries and detailed lists in Joshua reflect God's precision in fulfilling His promises, culminating in the New Jerusalem, a city with foundations whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10), where all who are in Christ will dwell in perfect communion with Him, receiving an inheritance far grander than any earthly territory.