Joshua 15:62

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Joshua 15:62 is part of a detailed enumeration of cities allotted to the tribe of Judah within the wilderness region of their vast inheritance. This verse specifically lists "Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi," indicating these as six cities with their associated villages within this challenging, arid landscape.

Context

Chapter 15 of the book of Joshua meticulously describes the boundaries and cities assigned to the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes. This detailed geographical account underscores the fulfillment of God's ancient promises regarding the land of Canaan. The cities mentioned in verse 62 belong to the sixth and final district of Judah's territory, specifically the wilderness area bordering the Dead Sea. The "city of Salt" likely refers to a location near the Dead Sea, known for its high salinity. Engedi, a significant oasis known for its fresh springs and lush vegetation, was a strategic and habitable location in this otherwise desolate region, notably later serving as a hiding place for David from King Saul.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness: The meticulous cataloging of cities highlights 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).
  • Order and Inheritance: This chapter emphasizes the systematic and orderly distribution of the land among the tribes, demonstrating God's sovereign plan for His people's settlement and future.
  • Geographical Precision: The Bible's attention to precise geographical details, naming specific cities and regions, affirms the historical reality of the events described and the tangible nature of the inheritance.
  • Judah's Prominence: The sheer size and diversity of Judah's territory, spanning from the Mediterranean to the Dead Sea, foreshadows its future leadership role among the tribes of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The names themselves offer some insights: "Engedi" (Hebrew: עֵין גֶּדִי, ‘Ein Gedi) literally means "fountain of the kid (goat)," aptly describing this vital oasis in an arid region, a place where wild goats (ibex) still thrive. While the names "Nibshan" and "City of Salt" are primarily geographical markers, their inclusion underscores the comprehensive nature of Judah's assigned territory, encompassing even the most challenging and remote areas.

Practical Application

For the modern reader, Joshua 15:62, though seemingly a mere list of ancient place names, serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and meticulous attention to detail in fulfilling His promises. Just as He precisely provided a physical inheritance for ancient Israel, He also provides a spiritual inheritance for believers today. We are called to understand and claim our spiritual inheritance in Christ, which includes every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect plan and provision, even when our circumstances seem like a "wilderness."

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 23:29 (4 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 20:2 (2 votes)

    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.