Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Joshua 15:9

Next

And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which [is] Kirjathjearim:

And the border {H1366} was drawn {H8388} from the top {H7218} of the hill {H2022} unto the fountain {H4599} of the water {H4325} of Nephtoah {H5318}, and went out {H3318} to the cities {H5892} of mount {H2022} Ephron {H6085}; and the border {H1366} was drawn {H8388} to Baalah {H1173}, which is Kirjathjearim {H7157}:

From this hilltop the border was drawn to the source of the Neftoach Spring and continued out to the cities of Mount 'Efron; next the border was drawn to Ba'alah (that is, Kiryat-Ye'arim).

From the hilltop the border curved to the spring of the Waters of Nephtoah, proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron, and then bent around toward Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim).

and the border extended from the top of the mountain unto the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border extended to Baalah (the same is Kiriath-jearim);

Commentary

Context of Joshua 15:9

Joshua 15 details the tribal allocation of land to the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes, as part of God's fulfillment of His covenant promises. After the conquest of Canaan, the land was divided by lot among the tribes (Joshua 14:2), and meticulous geographical descriptions were recorded to define each tribe's inheritance. This verse specifically describes a segment of Judah's northern border, tracing its path through significant natural landmarks and settlements. The precise delineation of these boundaries was crucial for defining tribal identity, property rights, and avoiding future disputes among the tribes.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment: The detailed description of land borders, including obscure geographical points like the "fountain of the water of Nephtoah" and specific cities, underscores God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the land of Canaan.
  • Order and Inheritance: The systematic division of the land reflects God's desire for order and justice within His people. Each tribe, clan, and family was to receive a defined inheritance, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and belonging within the community of Israel.
  • Geographical Specificity: The verse's precise geographical markers highlight the tangible reality of the promised land. These were not abstract concepts but actual physical territories that the Israelites were now inhabiting and possessing.

Linguistic Insights

The name Nephtoah (Hebrew: נֶפְתּוֹחַ, Nephtoach) likely refers to an "opening" or "spring," indicating a natural water source that emerges from the ground. This "fountain" would have been a vital landmark in an arid region. The city of Baalah is explicitly identified as Kirjath-jearim (Hebrew: קִרְיַת יְעָרִים, Qiryath Ye'arim), meaning "city of forests." This dual naming was common in ancient times, providing clarity and confirming the location. Kirjath-jearim later gained significant historical importance as the place where the Ark of the Covenant resided for many years before being moved to Jerusalem.

Practical Application

While Joshua 15:9 describes ancient land boundaries, it offers timeless principles. It reminds us of God's unwavering commitment to His promises, even to the smallest details. Just as God precisely delineated the inheritance for Judah, He also provides a spiritual inheritance for believers today. This verse encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness in all areas of our lives, knowing that He is a God of order who meticulously works out His plans. It also highlights the importance of boundaries, whether personal, communal, or spiritual, as they provide clarity, protection, and a sense of identity and belonging.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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 Chronicles 13:6 (5 votes)

    And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, [that is], to Kirjathjearim, which [belonged] to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth [between] the cherubims, whose name is called [on it].

  • Joshua 18:15 (4 votes)

    And the south quarter [was] from the end of Kirjathjearim, and the border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah:

  • Judges 18:12 (3 votes)

    And they went up, and pitched in Kirjathjearim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahanehdan unto this day: behold, [it is] behind Kirjathjearim.

  • Joshua 9:17 (2 votes)

    And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities [were] Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.

  • 2 Samuel 6:2 (2 votes)

    And David arose, and went with all the people that [were] with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth [between] the cherubims.