Joshua 15:31

And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,

And Ziklag {H6860}, and Madmannah {H4089}, and Sansannah {H5578},

Ziklag, Madmanah, Sansanah,

Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah,

and Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,

Commentary

Joshua 15:31 is a concise verse found within the extensive and meticulous record of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah in the Promised Land. This particular verse lists three cities: Ziklag, Madmannah, and Sansannah, all situated in the southern region of Judah's vast territory.

Context

The Book of Joshua details the conquest and division of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel after their exodus from Egypt. Chapter 15 specifically outlines the boundaries and cities belonging to Judah, the largest and most prominent tribe, from which the lineage of King David and ultimately the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would emerge. The detailed enumeration of towns, often grouped by region, underscores the precision with which God fulfilled His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, granting Israel their long-awaited homeland. This painstaking record, while seemingly a dry list, serves as a legal document solidifying Israel's claim to the land and demonstrating God's faithfulness in every detail (Joshua 21:45).

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Promise Fulfilled: The very existence of these detailed lists testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, meticulously delivering on His promise to give them the land.
  • Order and Ownership: The precise naming of cities and boundaries established clear ownership and prevented future disputes among the tribes, reflecting God's desire for order and peace within His people.
  • Judah's Significance: The extensive nature of Judah's inheritance, including these southern towns, highlights its central role in Israel's history and its future importance as the royal tribe.

Significance of Ziklag

While Madmannah and Sansannah are mentioned primarily in these geographical lists, Ziklag holds significant historical importance later in Israel's narrative. It became a strategic Philistine city that King Achish of Gath gave to David as a refuge when David was fleeing from King Saul (1 Samuel 27:6). It was from Ziklag that David conducted raids against various enemies of Israel. Later, during David's time there, the Amalekites raided and burned Ziklag, taking captives, including David's two wives. It was here that David, greatly distressed, famously "encouraged himself in the Lord his God" before pursuing and recovering all that was lost (1 Samuel 30:1-20). This later history adds a rich layer of meaning to its initial mention as part of Judah's inheritance.

Practical Application

Even seemingly mundane lists of names and places in Scripture carry profound meaning. Joshua 15:31, though brief, reminds us of God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling every promise. Just as He precisely allotted land to His people, He is equally precise and faithful in His plans for our lives. This verse encourages us to trust in His detailed providence and to recognize that even the small, seemingly insignificant parts of His Word contribute to the grand narrative of His redemptive work. It also highlights the importance of historical context, showing how a simple place name can later become the setting for significant biblical events and personal spiritual growth, as seen in David's experience at Ziklag.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 27:6 (5 votes)

    Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day.

  • 1 Samuel 30:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;

  • 1 Chronicles 12:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now these [are] they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they [were] among the mighty men, helpers of the war.

  • Joshua 19:5 (2 votes)

    And Ziklag, and Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusah,