Joshua 15:7

And the border went up toward Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that [is] before the going up to Adummim, which [is] on the south side of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel:

And the border {H1366} went up {H5927} toward Debir {H1688} from the valley {H6010} of Achor {H5911}, and so northward {H6828}, looking {H6437} toward Gilgal {H1537}, that is before {H5227} the going up {H4608} to Adummim {H131}, which is on the south side {H5045} of the river {H5158}: and the border {H1366} passed {H5674} toward the waters {H4325} of Enshemesh {H5885}, and the goings out {H8444} thereof were at Enrogel {H5883}:

then the border went up to D'vir from the Akhor Valley, then northward facing Gilgal (that is, across from Ma'alei-Adumim, which is on the south side of the vadi); next the border passed to the 'Ein-Shemesh Spring and went out at 'Ein-Rogel.

Then the border went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor, turning north to Gilgal, which faces the Ascent of Adummim south of the ravine. It continued along the waters of En-shemesh and came out at En-rogel.

and the border went up to Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is over against the ascent of Adummim, which is on the south side of the river; and the border passed along to the waters of En-shemesh, and the goings out thereof were at En-rogel;

Commentary

Joshua 15:7 describes a specific segment of the northern boundary line for the tribe of Judah, outlining part of the land allotted to them after the conquest of Canaan. This verse, along with others in the chapter, meticulously details geographical landmarks to define tribal territories, emphasizing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Joshua 15:1-12) that provides a detailed description of the northern border of the tribe of Judah. After the initial victories under Joshua, the land of Canaan was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel by lot, as commanded by God. The precision of these geographical descriptions was vital for establishing clear boundaries, preventing future disputes over land, and signifying the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham regarding the inheritance of the land (Genesis 15:18).

Key Geographical Points & Significance

  • Valley of Achor: The starting point mentioned, meaning "valley of trouble" or "disturbance." This valley is famously associated with the sin of Achan and the subsequent punishment of Israel, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience (Joshua 7:26). Its inclusion here shows how even places marked by past failures are integrated into God's plans for inheritance.
  • Gilgal: A highly significant site in early Israelite history, where the Israelites first encamped after crossing the Jordan River, underwent circumcision, and celebrated the Passover (Joshua 5:9). It served as a base for many of Joshua's campaigns.
  • Adummim: Likely referring to the "Ascent of Adummim," a notorious pass on the road between Jericho and Jerusalem. Its name, possibly meaning "the red ones," may refer to the reddish rocks or the blood shed by robbers, making it a dangerous route, perhaps alluded to in the parable of the Good Samaritan (though not explicitly named in the Bible in that context).
  • Enshemesh & Enrogel: Both are important ancient water sources or springs near Jerusalem. Enshemesh means "Fountain of the Sun." Enrogel, meaning "Fountain of the Fuller" or "Fountain of the Foot," was a prominent spring at the confluence of the Hinnom and Kidron Valleys, south of ancient Jerusalem. It played a role in later biblical events, such as being a hiding place for David's spies (2 Samuel 17:17) and the site where Adonijah attempted to usurp the throne (1 Kings 1:9). The mention of these springs underscores the importance of water for survival and settlement in ancient Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Faithfulness: The meticulous detailing of the tribal borders underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, fulfilling what He had sworn to Abraham centuries earlier.
  • Order and Inheritance: The precise division of the land highlights the divine order established for the nation of Israel, ensuring each tribe received its rightful and secure inheritance.
  • Tangible Reality: These geographical specifics ground the biblical narrative in real places, emphasizing that God's actions and promises are not abstract but have concrete, historical manifestations.

Practical Application

While a geographical description, Joshua 15:7 reminds us that God is a God of order and detail. He fulfills His promises with precision, often using seemingly ordinary details to accomplish His grand purposes. For believers today, this can be a source of encouragement: God's plans for our lives, though sometimes appearing complex or mundane in their details, are part of a larger, faithful design. We can trust in His meticulous care and the certainty of His word, knowing that He oversees every boundary and every inheritance, both spiritual and temporal.

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 Kings 1:9 (4 votes)

    And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which [is] by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants:

  • 2 Samuel 17:17 (4 votes)

    Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.

  • Joshua 7:26 (3 votes)

    And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.

  • Joshua 10:43 (2 votes)

    And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal.

  • Joshua 5:9 (2 votes)

    And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day.

  • Joshua 5:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.

  • Hosea 2:5 (2 votes)

    For their mother hath played the harlot: she that conceived them hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give [me] my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink.