Joshua 15:28
And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,
Hatzar-Shu'al, Be'er-Sheva, Bizyot-Yah,
Hazar-shual, Beersheba, Biziothiah,
and Hazar-shual, and Beer-sheba, and Biziothiah,
Cross-References
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Genesis 26:33 (3 votes)
And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the city [is] Beersheba unto this day. -
Genesis 21:31 (2 votes)
Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them. -
Genesis 21:33 (2 votes)
¶ And [Abraham] planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God. -
1 Chronicles 4:28 (2 votes)
And they dwelt at Beersheba, and Moladah, and Hazarshual, -
Genesis 21:14 (2 votes)
¶ And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave [it] unto Hagar, putting [it] on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. -
Joshua 19:2 (2 votes)
And they had in their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah, -
Joshua 19:3 (2 votes)
And Hazarshual, and Balah, and Azem,
Commentary
Joshua 15:28 lists three specific towns—Hazarshual, Beersheba, and Bizjothjah—as part of the extensive inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah in the southern region of the land of Canaan. This verse is embedded within a meticulous geographical description detailing the boundaries and cities assigned to Judah after the successful conquest under Joshua.
Context of Judah's Inheritance
Following the significant military victories and the establishment of the tabernacle at Shiloh, the book of Joshua systematically records the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Chapter 15 is dedicated entirely to the vast territory given to Judah, the largest and most prominent tribe. This detailed list of cities, including those in verse 28, served as a legal and historical document, affirming the boundaries and possessions of each clan within Judah. It underscored the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants this land (see Genesis 12:7 and Deuteronomy 1:8).
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic and Historical Insights
Among the names in this verse, Beersheba (Hebrew: בְּאֵר שָׁבַע, Be'er Sheva) is the most historically significant. Its name often means "well of the oath" or "well of seven," referring to the covenant made between Abraham and Abimelech (Genesis 21:31) and later reaffirmed by Isaac (Genesis 26:33). Beersheba frequently marks the southern boundary of Israel, hence the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba" (Judges 20:1). Hazarshual translates to "village of foxes," and Bizjothjah's meaning is less certain, possibly related to "despised places" or "olive trees of Yah."
Practical Application
While a list of ancient cities might seem distant, Joshua 15:28 and the broader context of the tribal allotments offer timeless truths:
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