Joshua 15:20

¶ This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.

This is the inheritance {H5159} of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} according to their families {H4940}.

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the descendants of Y'hudah, by clans.

This is the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Judah.

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.

Commentary

Joshua 15:20 serves as a concluding statement for the detailed description of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. It emphatically confirms that the land boundaries and cities listed in the preceding verses (Joshua 15:1-19) represent the divinely appointed inheritance for the descendants of Judah, according to their family divisions.

Context

This verse is situated within the larger narrative of the book of Joshua, specifically concerning the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes. After the initial conquests under Joshua's leadership, the task turned to allocating specific territories. Chapters 15 to 19 meticulously record these allotments. Joshua 15 focuses entirely on Judah, the largest and most influential tribe. Verse 20 acts as a clear demarcation, signaling the end of Judah's territorial description before moving on to other tribes.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness: This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7; Genesis 15:18). The meticulous detail of the land division demonstrates God's precision and commitment to His word.
  • Tribal Inheritance: The specific allocation of land to each tribe, as seen here with Judah, was fundamental to Israel's identity and future. It established their permanent dwelling places and was tied to their tribal genealogies and blessings, such as Jacob's prophecy concerning Judah's future prominence.
  • Order and Structure: The systematic recording of boundaries and cities highlights the orderly nature of God's work and the careful administration of the land by Joshua and Eleazar, the priest. This wasn't a haphazard distribution but a divinely guided process.

Significance and Application

Joshua 15:20, though brief, is significant because it affirms the completion and validity of Judah's inheritance. It reminds us that God's promises are not vague but concrete and precise. For the Israelites, this meant security, identity, and the foundation for their future as a nation. For believers today, this verse can serve as a powerful reminder of God's reliability:

  • God Keeps His Promises: Just as God faithfully delivered the land to Judah, He is faithful to fulfill all His promises to us, including our spiritual inheritance in Christ and the hope of eternal life.
  • Security in God's Provision: The defined boundaries provided security and a sense of belonging. Similarly, believers find security and identity in their relationship with God, knowing their spiritual boundaries and provisions are established by Him.
  • Attention to Detail: The detailed description of the land shows God's care even in the specifics. This encourages us to trust God not only with the big picture but also with the intricate details of our lives.

Ultimately, this verse is a testament to God's sovereign plan and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, a foundational truth for understanding the entire biblical narrative.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 49:8 (2 votes)

    ¶ Judah, thou [art he] whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand [shall be] in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

  • Genesis 49:12 (2 votes)

    His eyes [shall be] red with wine, and his teeth white with milk.

  • Deuteronomy 33:7 (2 votes)

    And this [is the blessing] of Judah: and he said, Hear, LORD, the voice of Judah, and bring him unto his people: let his hands be sufficient for him; and be thou an help [to him] from his enemies.