Joshua 15:62

KJV

And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Nibshan {H5044}, and the city of Salt {H5898}, and Engedi {H5872}; six {H8337} cities {H5892} with their villages {H2691}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nivshan, 'Ir-Hamelach and 'Ein-Gedi - six cities, together with their villages.

Berean Standard Bible

Beth-arabah, Middin, Secacah, Nibshan, the City of Salt, and En-gedi—six cities, along with their villages.

American Standard Version

and Nibshan, and the City of Salt, and En-gedi; six cities with their villages.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:62 meticulously lists "Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi," identifying them as three of the six cities, along with their associated villages, within a specific district of Judah's vast wilderness inheritance. This verse forms an integral part of a comprehensive geographical catalog that underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by providing them with a tangible land, even in its most challenging and remote regions, thereby establishing their divinely appointed boundaries and dwelling places.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15 provides an exhaustive and meticulous description of the territorial inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes. This chapter serves as a detailed legal and historical record of the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan. Verse 62 falls within the sixth and final district of Judah's territory, specifically the wilderness region adjacent to the Dead Sea. The preceding verses [Joshua 15:61-62](/joshua/15-61-62 "Joshua 15:61-62 - Cities in the Wilderness of Judah") enumerate a cluster of six cities in this arid zone, with our verse specifically naming three of them. The precise listing of towns and their associated villages emphasizes the thoroughness of the land distribution and its significance as a divine gift, ensuring every parcel of the promised land was accounted for.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wilderness region described in [Joshua 15:62](/joshua/15-62 "Joshua 15:62 - Cities in Judah's Wilderness") is the Judean Wilderness, a harsh and arid landscape stretching from the central highlands eastward towards the Dead Sea. This area was sparsely populated due to its challenging terrain and limited water resources. The "city of Salt" (ʻÎyr ham-Melach) likely refers to a settlement near the Dead Sea, a region historically significant for its salt deposits and mineral resources, indicating a potential economic activity. Engedi (ʻÊyn Gedîy), however, stands out as a crucial oasis, its name (meaning "fountain of a kid") reflecting its life-sustaining springs and lush vegetation amidst the desolation. This oasis was strategically important for its water, agriculture, and as a natural refuge, famously serving as a hiding place for [David from King Saul](/1_samuel/24 "1 Samuel 24 - David Spares Saul at Engedi"). The inclusion of such diverse locations, from barren salt flats to verdant oases, highlights the comprehensive nature of Judah's inheritance, encompassing all geographical and ecological variations.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous cataloging of cities in [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - Judah's Inheritance"), including verse 62, powerfully illustrates several core themes. First, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, as He faithfully delivered the land to His people, just as He swore to [Abraham](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"). Second, it emphasizes **Order and Inheritance**, showcasing the systematic and orderly distribution of the land among the tribes, reflecting God's sovereign plan for His people's settlement and future. Third, the **Geographical Precision** evident in the Bible's attention to specific cities and regions affirms the historical reality of the events described and the tangible nature of the inheritance. Finally, the sheer size and diversity of Judah's territory, spanning from the Mediterranean to the Dead Sea, foreshadows **Judah's Prominence** and future leadership role among the tribes of Israel, ultimately culminating in the line of David and the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nibshan (Hebrew, _Nibshân'_):** Of uncertain derivation, Nibshan is listed as a specific place in Palestine within Judah's inheritance. Its inclusion, despite its obscure nature to modern readers, emphasizes the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the land distribution, ensuring every designated settlement was accounted for.
* **City of Salt (Hebrew, _ʻÎyr ham-Melach'_):** Literally "city of (the) salt," this name suggests a settlement closely associated with the Dead Sea, historically known as the Salt Sea. This region was significant for its abundant salt and mineral deposits, indicating a place likely involved in salt harvesting or trade, and highlighting the diverse economic aspects of the inherited land.
* **Engedi (Hebrew, _ʻÊyn Gedîy'_):** Meaning "fountain of a kid," Engedi is a prominent oasis in the Judean Wilderness. This name perfectly describes its nature as a vital source of fresh water and lush vegetation in an otherwise arid region, making it a crucial strategic and life-sustaining location within Judah's territory.
* **cities (Hebrew, _ʻîyr'_):** This term refers to a city or town, often implying a guarded or watched place. Its use here, alongside "villages," denotes the comprehensive nature of the inheritance, encompassing both the primary urban centers and their surrounding dependent settlements, signifying a complete and functional territorial grant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Nibshan":** This clause introduces the first of three specific cities named in this verse, part of a cluster of six cities allotted to Judah in the wilderness district. While its exact location and historical significance remain largely unknown today, its inclusion underscores the meticulous detail of the land distribution, indicating that every settlement, however small or remote, was accounted for in God's provision for His people.
* **"and the city of Salt":** This phrase denotes another key settlement within this particular sub-region of Judah's inheritance. As highlighted in the key word analysis, it likely refers to a location near the Dead Sea, possibly involved in salt production or trade, emphasizing the diverse geographical and economic aspects of the inherited land that God provided.
* **"and Engedi":** This clause names the most prominent and identifiable location in the list. As a significant oasis, Engedi provided a rare source of life and refuge in the desolate Judean Wilderness. Its mention grounds the abstract list of names in a tangible, historically important place, known for its springs and strategic value.
* **"six cities with their villages":** This concluding phrase clarifies that Nibshan, the city of Salt, and Engedi are three of a total of six cities designated for this specific wilderness district of Judah. The phrase "with their villages" indicates that the inheritance included not just the main urban centers but also the smaller, dependent settlements and agricultural areas surrounding them, signifying a complete and comprehensive territorial grant from God.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 15:62, like much of the chapter, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Geographical Cataloging**. The meticulous listing of cities and their associated villages serves as a detailed inventory, emphasizing the thoroughness and precision of the land distribution. This extensive **Listing** acts as a legal and historical record, validating the fulfillment of God's promises. The repetitive use of the conjunction "and" ("And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi") is a form of **Polysyndeton**, which, while simple, reinforces the cumulative nature of the inheritance and the exhaustive scope of the divine provision. The very act of naming these places, even obscure ones, imbues the text with a sense of **Verisimilitude**, lending credibility to the historical account and the tangible reality of the land given to Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:62, though a seemingly dry list of names, is deeply theological. It serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Just as God precisely delineated and delivered a physical inheritance to the tribe of Judah, down to obscure wilderness towns, so too does He provide a comprehensive spiritual inheritance for His people today. This passage reminds us that God's promises are not vague but concrete, tangible, and delivered with divine precision, even in the most challenging or seemingly barren circumstances. It underscores that every detail of His plan is purposeful, ensuring His people are fully provided for, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8-10 "Hebrews 11:8-10 - Abraham's Faith and the Heavenly City")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed accounting of Judah's inheritance in Joshua 15:62, even for seemingly insignificant wilderness towns, offers profound lessons for the modern believer. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, who faithfully fulfills every promise, no matter how small or challenging the circumstances. Just as He provided a tangible land for Israel, He has provided a rich spiritual inheritance for us in Christ. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect plan and provision, even when our lives feel like a "wilderness"—barren, difficult, or uncertain. It challenges us to recognize and claim the spiritual blessings and provisions that are ours through faith, understanding that our inheritance is not just a future hope but a present reality to be lived out. We are called to steward the spiritual "land" God has given us, cultivating it for His glory, knowing that His faithfulness extends to every corner of our lives, transforming even the desolate into places of provision and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in providing Judah's inheritance challenge or affirm your understanding of His faithfulness in your own life?**
* **What "wilderness" areas in your life (challenges, uncertainties, barren seasons) do you need to trust God's provision and faithfulness in, much like the Israelites trusted Him for their land?**
* **In what practical ways can you "claim" or live out your spiritual inheritance in Christ, as described in passages like [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"), in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why is there such a detailed list of cities in Joshua, including seemingly obscure ones like Nibshan?**

Answer: The detailed lists of cities and boundaries in Joshua, including [Joshua 15:62](/joshua/15-62 "Joshua 15:62 - Cities in Judah's Wilderness"), serve several crucial purposes. Primarily, they function as a legal and historical record, meticulously documenting the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to give the land of Canaan to Israel. This precision underscores God's faithfulness and the tangible reality of His gift. Furthermore, these lists defined the tribal boundaries, preventing disputes and ensuring an orderly settlement. They also provided a practical administrative framework for the nascent nation, outlining the extent of their territory and the specific responsibilities of each tribe. For the original audience, it was a concrete demonstration that God had delivered on His word, providing a secure and defined inheritance, even down to the most remote "wilderness" regions like those mentioned in [Joshua 15:61-62](/joshua/15-61-62 "Joshua 15:61-62 - Cities in the Wilderness of Judah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Joshua 15:62](/joshua/15-62 "Joshua 15:62 - Cities in Judah's Wilderness") describes a physical inheritance of land, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Christ, who embodies the spiritual inheritance of God's people. The meticulous detail of Judah's land allotment, even in the wilderness, points to the comprehensive and perfect provision God makes for His children. In the New Covenant, our inheritance is not a geographical territory but a spiritual reality in Christ. Through His atoning work, Jesus has secured for us "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). He is our ultimate "promised land," the one in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). We are "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), receiving not just a portion of land but reconciliation with God, eternal life, and participation in His glorious kingdom. The faithfulness of God in providing a physical inheritance to Israel foreshadows His even greater faithfulness in providing a spiritual and eternal inheritance to all who are "in Christ" ([Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Sharing in the Inheritance of the Saints")), a reality far surpassing any earthly possession.

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

1 Samuel 23:29

And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.

2 Chronicles 20:2

Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they [be] in Hazazontamar, which [is] Engedi.