What number verse is Joshua 15:62 in the Bible?

Joshua 15:62 is the 6,265th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Joshua 15:62 sits at position 6,265.

Translation

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

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

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Complete Jewish Bible

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

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Berean Standard Bible

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

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American Standard Version

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

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World English Bible Messianic

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

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And Nibshan, and the citie of salt, and Engedi: sixe cities with their villages.

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Young's Literal Translation

and Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and En-Gedi; six cities and their villages.

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Study This Verse

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 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 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. 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, 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. 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', H5044): 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'_, H5892): 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', H5872): 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', H5892): 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.

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, 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, 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.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Joshua 15:62 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). He is our ultimate "promised land," the one in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). We are "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17), 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), a reality far surpassing any earthly possession.

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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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