Joshua 15:60

KJV

Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages:

KJV (with Strong's)

Kirjathbaal {H7154}, which is Kirjathjearim {H7157}, and Rabbah {H7237}; two {H8147} cities {H5892} with their villages {H2691}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Kiryat-Ba'al (that is, Kiryat-Ye'arim) and Rabbah - two cities, together with their villages.

Berean Standard Bible

Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), and Rabbah—two cities, along with their villages.

American Standard Version

Kiriath-baal (the same is Kiriath-jearim), and Rabbah; two cities with their villages.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:60 precisely identifies two significant cities, Kirjathbaal (also known as Kirjathjearim) and Rabbah, along with their surrounding villages, as integral components of the expansive territorial inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah. This verse, though brief, serves as a meticulous record within the larger narrative of land distribution, underscoring God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Israel by providing them with a detailed and tangible possession in the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15:60 is embedded within the lengthy and highly detailed account of the land allocation to the tribe of Judah, specifically within the comprehensive list of cities assigned to them (Joshua 15:20-63). This extensive catalog follows the successful military campaigns against the Canaanites and precedes the distribution of territory to the other tribes. The meticulous nature of these lists, including the mention of specific cities and their associated villages, emphasizes the thoroughness of the conquest and the precise fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land. The verse serves as a geographical anchor, laying the groundwork for future historical events tied to these locations and highlighting the orderly nature of God's provision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Joshua is the immediate aftermath of the Israelite conquest of Canaan, roughly 1400-1350 BC. The land was inhabited by various Canaanite peoples, many of whom worshipped pagan deities like Baal. The renaming of Kirjathbaal to Kirjathjearim reflects the Israelite appropriation of the land and, implicitly, the displacement or subjugation of Canaanite religious practices and influence. The concept of "cities with their villages" (Hebrew: `חֲצֵרֵיהֶן`, _ḥaṣerehen_) was a common administrative and economic unit in the ancient Near East, signifying not just the main urban center but also its agricultural hinterland and smaller satellite settlements, all under the jurisdiction of the central city. This precise detailing ensured clear boundaries and ownership for the newly settled tribes, minimizing disputes and establishing a stable societal structure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the broader chapter, powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Joshua. It highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to the promises made to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan, as seen in passages like [God's covenant with Abraham](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). The meticulous listing also underscores **Order and Meticulous Provision**, revealing God's precise and orderly nature in providing a specific, detailed inheritance for each tribe, down to individual cities and their surrounding territories. Furthermore, the mention of Kirjathbaal/Kirjathjearim establishes **Historical Continuity**, foreshadowing the city's later significant role in Israelite history, particularly as the temporary home of the [Ark of the Covenant](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1 - The Ark at Kirjathjearim"), thereby linking these seemingly dry geographical lists to the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His presence among His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kirjathbaal (Hebrew, _Qiryath Baʻal'_):** Literally meaning "City of Baal," this name indicates the city's original Canaanite identity and its association with the worship of the pagan storm god Baal. Its inclusion highlights the Israelite conquest and the subsequent re-appropriation of territories formerly dedicated to idolatry, signifying the triumph of Yahweh over the false gods of Canaan.
* **Kirjathjearim (Hebrew, _Qiryath Yᵉʻârîym'_):** Meaning "City of Forests" or "City of Towns," this is the alternative and later more common Israelite name for Kirjathbaal. The name change signifies the Israelite dominion over the city and, subtly, a shift away from its pagan identity, reflecting the new religious and cultural landscape under Israelite rule where the worship of Yahweh was to prevail.
* **villages (Hebrew, _châtsêr'_):** This term refers to a "yard" or "enclosed space," and by extension, a "hamlet" or "village" surrounded by walls or fences. In this context, it denotes the smaller, dependent settlements and agricultural lands surrounding the main urban centers. Its inclusion emphasizes that the inheritance included not just the walled cities themselves, but their entire sphere of influence and economic sustenance, granting Judah full dominion over these territories.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim":** This clause identifies a single city by two names, indicating that Kirjathjearim was the Israelite name for the city previously known as Kirjathbaal. This appositional phrasing clarifies the identity of the location, bridging its Canaanite past with its Israelite present and future. It also signifies the transition of ownership and, implicitly, the religious and cultural shift from pagan worship to the worship of Yahweh.
* **"and Rabbah":** This simply adds a second distinct city to the list of Judah's inheritance. While this specific Rabbah is distinct from the more famous Ammonite capital, its inclusion here further details the extent of Judah's inheritance, emphasizing the comprehensiveness of the land distribution.
* **"two cities with their villages":** This concluding phrase serves as a summary for the preceding two named locations. The term "villages" (`חֲצֵרֵיהֶן`, _ḥaṣerehen_) denotes the smaller, dependent settlements and agricultural lands surrounding the main urban centers. This emphasizes that the inheritance included not just the walled cities themselves, but their entire sphere of influence and economic sustenance, granting Judah full dominion over these territories and ensuring their economic viability and security.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Listing** and **Apposition**. The listing of "Kirjathbaal... and Rabbah" contributes to the extensive catalog of cities in Joshua 15, emphasizing the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the land distribution. This detailed enumeration underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises precisely. **Apposition** is evident in "Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim," where the second name clarifies and identifies the first, indicating that they refer to the same location. This device is crucial for understanding the historical continuity and the renaming process that often accompanied Israelite conquest and settlement. Additionally, the phrase "cities with their villages" can be seen as a form of **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts (urban centers and rural outposts) are mentioned to represent the whole, implying complete jurisdiction and control over the entire region, from its bustling centers to its agricultural hinterlands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:60, though a seemingly mundane geographical detail, profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous provision for His people. It is a tangible manifestation of the ancient covenant promises, demonstrating that God keeps His word, even down to the precise boundaries and specific cities He swore to give. The inclusion of Kirjathbaal/Kirjathjearim also subtly speaks to the theme of divine sovereignty over paganism, as a city once dedicated to Baal is now part of Israel's inheritance under Yahweh, signifying the displacement of false worship. This detailed allocation ensures order, prevents disputes, and establishes the physical foundation for the nation of Israel, upon which its future history and redemptive narrative would unfold, all according to God's sovereign plan.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")
* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34:1-12 - The Boundaries of the Promised Land")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalms/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Inheritance for Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail in Joshua 15:60, specifying cities and their villages, might seem tedious to a modern reader, but it carries profound spiritual implications. It reveals a God who is not vague or indifferent but precise, intentional, and utterly faithful in His promises. Just as He meticulously provided a tangible inheritance for each Israelite tribe, down to specific cities like Kirjathjearim and Rabbah, so too does He meticulously care for the details of our lives. This passage reminds us that God's plans are comprehensive, extending to every facet of our existence, ensuring our provision and guiding our paths. It encourages us to trust in His detailed providence, knowing that His faithfulness is not just a grand theological concept but is demonstrated in the specific, tangible ways He works in our world and in our personal journeys. Furthermore, understanding the historical significance of these places enriches our appreciation for the unfolding drama of redemption, showing how God uses specific locations and times to accomplish His overarching purposes and demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for Israel in Joshua 15:60 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's care for the details of your own life?**
* **In what ways can seemingly "dry" or genealogical/geographical passages of Scripture reveal profound truths about God's character and faithfulness?**
* **How does the fulfillment of land promises to Israel, as seen in this verse, strengthen your faith in God's ability to fulfill His promises to you today?**

### FAQ

**Why is Kirjathbaal also called Kirjathjearim?**

Answer: The verse explicitly states "Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim," indicating that these are two names for the same city. "Kirjathbaal" (City of Baal) was likely its original Canaanite name, reflecting the worship of the pagan deity Baal. After the Israelite conquest and settlement, the city was renamed "Kirjathjearim" (City of Forests or City of Towns), reflecting the new Israelite dominion and a shift away from its pagan associations. This renaming signifies the cultural and religious transformation of the land under Israelite rule. Kirjathjearim later gained significant prominence as the place where the [Ark of the Covenant resided for many years](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1 - The Ark of the Covenant at Kirjathjearim") after its return from the Philistines, further cementing its Israelite identity.

**What is the significance of "cities with their villages" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "cities with their villages" (Hebrew: `חֲצֵרֵיהֶן`, _ḥaṣerehen_) is a common biblical idiom used to describe a complete administrative and territorial unit. It signifies that the inheritance included not just the main walled city itself but also its surrounding agricultural lands, smaller hamlets, and satellite settlements. This detail emphasizes that the tribe of Judah was granted full and undisputed jurisdiction over these territories, encompassing both urban centers and their rural hinterlands. It highlights the thoroughness of the land distribution and God's comprehensive provision for His people's needs, including their economic sustenance and security. This concept is also seen in other tribal allocations, such as those described for the Levitical cities in [Numbers 35:2-3](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-3 - Levitical Cities and Pasturelands").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 15:60 details a physical inheritance in the Old Testament, it finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in Christ. The meticulous provision of land to Israel foreshadows the far greater and eternal inheritance believers receive in Christ, which is not a geographical territory but a spiritual kingdom and a secure place in God's eternal family. Just as Kirjathbaal was transformed into Kirjathjearim, a place where the Ark of God would eventually dwell, so too are believers transformed from a state of spiritual bondage (like the "city of Baal") into a new creation in Christ, indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Christ Himself is the true "city" and "inheritance" for His people, the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem") where God dwells among His people forever. The detailed allocation of land in Joshua points to the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ, who secures for us an [inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance"), kept in heaven for us. Through Him, we are not just given a piece of land, but are made [heirs with Christ](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ") to all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places, fulfilling God's promises in a way far grander than any earthly territory could contain.

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.

Cross-References

Joshua 18:14

And the border was drawn [thence], and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that [lieth] before Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah: this [was] the west quarter.

1 Samuel 7:1

¶ And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.