Joshua 15:1

ยถ [This] then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; [even] to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward [was] the uttermost part of the south coast.

This then was the lot {H1486} of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} by their families {H4940}; even to the border {H1366} of Edom {H123} the wilderness {H4057} of Zin {H6790} southward {H5045} was the uttermost part {H7097} of the south coast {H8486}.

The territory chosen by lot for the tribe of the descendants of Y'hudah according to their families extended to the border of Edom in the Tzin Desert, toward the Negev in the far south.

Now the allotment for the clans of the tribe of Judah extended to the border of Edom, to the Wilderness of Zin at the extreme southern boundary:

And the lot for the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families was unto the border of Edom, even to the wilderness of Zin southward, at the uttermost part of the south.

Commentary

Joshua 15:1 begins the detailed description of the land inheritance allocated to the tribe of Judah, one of the largest and most significant tribes of Israel. This verse specifically outlines the southern boundary of their vast territory, stretching towards the wilderness regions.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following the successful conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, the Promised Land was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel by lot, as God had commanded (Numbers 26:55-56). This process ensured impartiality and affirmed the divine hand in the distribution. Joshua 15 focuses entirely on Judah's extensive portion, highlighting its future prominence. The mention of "the border of Edom" and "the wilderness of Zin" provides crucial geographical markers, situating Judah's southern frontier in the arid regions bordering the land of their historical kin, the Edomites.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Allotment and Fulfillment: The phrase "the lot" underscores that Judah's inheritance was not merely a human decision but a divinely ordained allocation. This division was a direct fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham (Genesis 15:18) and Jacob (Genesis 49:8) regarding the land and the future of their descendants.
  • Precision and Order: The meticulous detailing of boundaries throughout Joshua 15, starting with this verse, demonstrates God's orderly nature and the precise fulfillment of His word. Every tribe received a clearly defined inheritance.
  • Significance of Judah: As the first tribe whose territory is extensively described, Judah's preeminent position among the tribes is emphasized. This tribe would later become the royal tribe, from which King David and ultimately the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would descend.

Linguistic Insights

The term "lot" (Hebrew: ื’ึผื•ึนืจึธืœ, goral) refers to a system of casting lots, often stones or marked sticks, which was a common ancient practice used to determine an outcome believed to be guided by divine will. In the context of the land division, it reinforced the idea that God Himself was overseeing and approving the distribution, ensuring fairness and His intended plan for each tribe's portion of the Promised Land.

Practical Application

Joshua 15:1 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God's Faithfulness: This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness in keeping His promises. Just as He meticulously fulfilled His word to Israel concerning their land, we can trust in His faithfulness to His promises to us in Christ.
  • Receiving Our Inheritance: While our inheritance is not a physical plot of land, believers have a rich spiritual inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:11). This passage encourages us to understand and embrace the spiritual blessings and provisions God has graciously given us.
  • Order and Boundaries: The detailed boundaries reflect God's love for order and clear definition. In our own lives, this can encourage us to seek clarity, establish healthy boundaries, and discern God's specific will for our paths.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 26:55 (3 votes)

    Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.

  • Numbers 26:56 (3 votes)

    According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few.

  • Ezekiel 47:19 (2 votes)

    And the south side southward, from Tamar [even] to the waters of strife [in] Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And [this is] the south side southward.

  • Joshua 14:2 (2 votes)

    By lot [was] their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and [for] the half tribe.

  • Numbers 33:36 (2 votes)

    And they removed from Eziongaber, and pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which [is] Kadesh.

  • Numbers 33:37 (2 votes)

    And they removed from Kadesh, and pitched in mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom.

  • Numbers 34:3 (2 votes)

    Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward: