Joshua 15
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1The lot for the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families was to the border of Edom, even to the wilderness of Zin southward, at the uttermost part of the south. 2Their south border was from the uttermost part of the Salt Sea, from the bay that looks southward; 3and it went out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh Barnea, and passed along by Hezron, went up to Addar, and turned towards Karka; 4and it passed along to Azmon, went out at the brook of Egypt; and the border ended at the sea. This shall be your south border. 5The east border was the Salt Sea, even to the end of the Jordan. The border of the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the end of the Jordan. 6The border went up to Beth Hoglah, and passed along by the north of Beth Arabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. 7The border went up to Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that faces the ascent of Adummim, which is on the south side of the river. The border passed along to the waters of En Shemesh, and ended at En Rogel. 8The border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom to the side of the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem) southward; and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the farthest part of the valley of Rephaim northward. 9The border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of Mount Ephron; and the border extended to Baalah (also called Kiriath Jearim); 10and the border turned about from Baalah westward to Mount Seir, and passed along to the side of Mount Jearim (also called Chesalon) on the north, and went down to Beth Shemesh, and passed along by Timnah; 11and the border went out to the side of Ekron northward; and the border extended to Shikkeron, and passed along to Mount Baalah, and went out at Jabneel; and the goings out of the border were at the sea. 12The west border was to the shore of the great sea. This is the border of the children of Judah according to their families. 13He gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh a portion among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of Yahweh to Joshua, even Kiriath Arba, named after the father of Anak (also called Hebron). 14Caleb drove out the three sons of Anak: Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak. 15He went up against the inhabitants of Debir: now the name of Debir before was Kiriath Sepher. 16Caleb said, “He who strikes Kiriath Sepher, and takes it, to him I will give Achsah my daughter as wife.” 17Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife. 18When she came, she had him ask her father for a field. She got off her donkey, and Caleb said, “What do you want?” 19She said, “Give me a blessing. Because you have set me in the land of the South, give me also springs of water.” So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. 20This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families. 21The farthest cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the border of Edom in the South were Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur, 22Kinah, Dimonah, Adadah, 23Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan, 24Ziph, Telem, Bealoth, 25Hazor Hadattah, Kerioth Hezron (also called Hazor), 26Amam, Shema, Moladah, 27Hazar Gaddah, Heshmon, Beth Pelet, 28Hazar Shual, Beersheba, Biziothiah, 29Baalah, Iim, Ezem, 30Eltolad, Chesil, Hormah, 31Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah, 32Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain, and Rimmon. All the cities are twenty-nine, with their villages. 33In the lowland, Eshtaol, Zorah, Ashnah, 34Zanoah, En Gannim, Tappuah, Enam, 35Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, Azekah, 36Shaaraim, Adithaim and Gederah (or Gederothaim); fourteen cities with their villages. 37Zenan, Hadashah, Migdal Gad, 38Dilean, Mizpah, Joktheel, 39Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon, 40Cabbon, Lahmam, Chitlish, 41Gederoth, Beth Dagon, Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages. 42Libnah, Ether, Ashan, 43Iphtah, Ashnah, Nezib, 44Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages. 45Ekron, with its towns and its villages; 46from Ekron even to the sea, all that were by the side of Ashdod, with their villages. 47Ashdod, its towns and its villages; Gaza, its towns and its villages; to the brook of Egypt, and the great sea with its coastline. 48In the hill country, Shamir, Jattir, Socoh, 49Dannah, Kiriath Sannah (which is Debir), 50Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim, 51Goshen, Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages. 52Arab, Dumah, Eshan, 53Janim, Beth Tappuah, Aphekah, 54Humtah, Kiriath Arba (also called Hebron), and Zior; nine cities with their villages. 55Maon, Carmel, Ziph, Jutah, 56Jezreel, Jokdeam, Zanoah, 57Kain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages. 58Halhul, Beth Zur, Gedor, 59Maarath, Beth Anoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages. 60Kiriath Baal (also called Kiriath Jearim), and Rabbah; two cities with their villages. 61In the wilderness, Beth Arabah, Middin, Secacah, 62Nibshan, the City of Salt, and En Gedi; six cities with their villages. 63As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah couldn’t drive them out; but the Jebusites live with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.
World English Bible (public domain)
“And Caleb said, "He who conquers Kiriath-sepher, to him will I give Achsah my daughter as wife."”
Joshua 15:16
Summary
Joshua chapter 15 details the allotment of land to the tribe of Judah as they take possession of Canaan. The chapter opens with the boundaries of Judah's inheritance being outlined, emphasizing the significance of territory for the Israelite tribes. This clarifies God's promise to His people concerning their land and helps reinforce the importance of their heritage and identity as God's chosen ones. Caleb, a prominent figure, is highlighted as he joyfully claims Hebron, showcasing the rewards of faithfulness and courage in trusting God's promises. The chapter also includes the cities that were part of the Judean territory, underscoring the fulfillment of God's promise to provide for the Israelites in the land He swore to give them. Key themes arise throughout the chapter, such as the significance of land inheritance, representing stability and God's faithfulness. Additionally, the courage of Caleb demonstrates personal faith and perseverance amidst challenges, reminding readers of the need to remain steadfast in their faith. The detailed descriptions of cities also reflect God's care in providing for His people, with a reminder that their obedience and faith pave the way for experiencing His blessings. Overall, Joshua 15 serves as an affirmation of God's promises to His people and invites believers to trust in His provision and goodness throughout their journey.
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Chapter outline
How Joshua 15 unfolds
Joshua 15:1–12 Boundaries of Judah's Inheritance
The chapter outlines the borders of Judah's territory, specifying geographical markers from the southern edge near Edom to the western sea, affirming their land allotment.
Joshua 15:13–19 Caleb's Inheritance and Faith
Caleb is granted Hebron as his inheritance due to his faithfulness, showcasing his courage in driving out the Anakim and claiming God's promise.
Joshua 15:20–32 Cities in the Southern Region
The chapter lists numerous cities belonging to Judah, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise to provide a place for His people.
Joshua 15:33–47 Cities in the Lowland and Coastal Areas
Further enumeration of cities continues, detailing Judah's holdings in the lowlands and along the coastal regions, reflecting God's provision.
Joshua 15:48–61 Cities in the Hill Country
The chapter details additional cities in the hilly regions of Judah, reinforcing the vast area allotted to this tribe.
Joshua 15:62–63 Remaining Inhabitants
The chapter concludes by noting that the Jebusites remain in Jerusalem, highlighting ongoing challenges and the incomplete conquest.
Key verses
Joshua 15:16Caleb's declaration in the key verse illustrates the connection between faith, action, and God's promised rewards.
Main themes in Joshua 15
Land Inheritance
The theme of land inheritance is prominently featured in Joshua 15, particularly in verses 1-12, where the boundaries of Judah are carefully outlined. This detailed allocation of territory emphasizes the importance of land in shaping Israelite identity and reflects God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. By delineating the inheritance for the tribes of Israel, the chapter illustrates the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of the Israelites in the land of Canaan.
God's Faithfulness
God's faithfulness is illustrated through the granting of Hebron to Caleb in verse 13, affirming His promises to those who trust Him. Caleb's experience serves as a testament to God’s unwavering commitment to His people, rewarding their perseverance. The chapter as a whole emphasizes that God's promises are fulfilled in tangible ways for Israel.
Courage and Faith
Caleb's courage is prominently displayed in Joshua 15:14, where he boldly confronts the Anakim, showcasing his unwavering faith in God's promises even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. His decisive actions not only secure a significant inheritance for himself but also serve as an inspiration to the people around him, illustrating how faith can lead to remarkable victories. This narrative movement encourages readers to embrace similar courage and faith in their own journeys, reminding them of the potential for divine assistance.
Obedience and Blessing
The theme of obedience and blessing is evident as Caleb and Othniel act in alignment with God's commands in verses 15-17. Their faithfulness leads to blessings, such as land and marriage, illustrating the connection between obedience and divine favor. The chapter reinforces that God's blessings often follow those who trust and obey Him.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Joshua 15
- Joshua 10This chapter connects as both highlight God's faithfulness in granting the Israelites victory and land.
- Judges 1Judges 1 echoes this chapter's theme of land allotment and the challenges faced by the tribes in maintaining it.
- Joshua 18This passage develops the theme of inheritance as the remaining tribes receive their lands, reflecting God’s provision.
- 1 Samuel 231 Samuel 23 connects by continuing the narrative of territory and struggles within the land promised to Israel.
- Numbers 34Numbers 34 provides background on the boundaries of the promised land, paralleling the descriptions in this chapter.
- 1 Chronicles 4This chapter develops the significance of lineage and territory as it recounts the tribes and their inheritances.
Study questions
Questions for studying Joshua 15
- What geographical markers define the borders of Judah's inheritance?
- How does Caleb demonstrate his faithfulness in this chapter?
- What specific cities are mentioned in Judah's territory?
- What request does Achsah make of her father Caleb?
- How does the presence of Jebusites affect the tribe of Judah?
- In what ways does the chapter highlight God's faithfulness to Israel?
- What does the detailed listing of cities signify for the Israelites?
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