Josué 15
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
Josué 15
Utley points out that "The tribe of Simeon was incorporated very early into the tribe of Judah and lost all of its identity (cf. Josh 19:1–9)." (Look at the map above and notice the large area occupied by the tribe of Judah and in the middle of that area is the tribe of Simeon). These detailed descriptions of the boundaries may look boring, but they are powerful reminders that God is faithful to keep His promises. He did to His Chosen People and he will you you His chosen disciple! It was because of God's faithfulness that His servant Joshua could confidently declare... “Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed. (Joshua 23:14+) Irving Jensen - Judah, the imperial tribe most blessed of Jacob’s sons (cf. Gen. 49:8–12), was given a large and good land (15:1–12). Three prominent prophecies of Jacob’s blessing were fulfilled in this land assignment: (1) Exposure to the enemies (Gen. 49:8–9). Bordering Judah were the Moabites to the east, Edomites to the south, Amalekites to the southwest, and Philistines to the west. The exposure demanded a strong Judah, and from his ranks emerged such mighty men as David. (2) Land of the vineyard (Gen. 49:11–12). Moses’ spies made special note of the grape produce of the area (Num. 13:22–24). (3) Land of the scepter (Gen. 49:10). Jerusalem was allotted nominally to Benjamin, but it became identified with Judah. The throne of David was eventually set up there, and the messianic (“Shiloh”) rule was associated with it. (Joshua- Everyman's Bible Commentary: Rest-Land Won) Utley - “Edom” This refers to the nation east of the Jordan which came from the descendants of Esau. The basic meaning is “red”. The term “south” is teman, which is the same term as the name of one of Edom’s major cities. “Wilderness of Zin” This should not be confused with the Wilderness of Sin, which is located in the southern part of the Sinai peninsula. This wilderness is in the northern part of the Sinai peninsula in which Kadesh-barnea is located (cf. Num. 34:2–5). South (07097)(teman from yamin - right hand) is a feminine noun meaning south. It refers to the direction lying to the right of a person facing east (Ex. 26:18, 35; 27:9; 36:23; 38:9). It can refer to a southern area of land (Josh. 15:1). With āh on the end, it means toward the south, southward (Ex. 26:18). It is used with reference to the entire south country (Zech. 6:6). It stands for a south wind controlled by God (Ps; 78:26; Song 4:16). It is used figuratively of the south personified (Isa. 43:6; Ezek. 20:46). (The Complete Word Study Old Testament) Strong adds "1) south, southward, whatever is on the right (so the southern quarter), south wind 1a) south (of territory) 1b) southern quarter (of the sky) 1c) toward the south, southward (of direction) 1d) south wind." Gilbrant - Used literally, it refers to a person’s right hand (derived from yamin - right hand)) as opposed to his left. As a person faces east, the south would be at his right hand. In its different applications, the substantive indicates “south,” “south side,” “south wind” and “south country.” Têmān is used to denote an architectural design, the layout of a thing (a camp, an allotment of land), a geographic region and a poetic setting. As its corresponding side to the north, the tabernacle’s south side was constructed with twenty supporting frames (Ex 26:18; 36:23). The lampstand’s proper placement was at the south wall of the sanctuary’s first room (Ex 26:35). The perimeter featured a linen hanging delineating the limits of the outer court. Southward, the fence had twenty pillars Ex (27:9; 38:9). Reuben was the standard bearer of the three tribes camped to the south of the Tabernacle (Num. 2:10). Nearer the sanctuary on the south was the encampment of the Kohathites whose responsibility was the sanctuary’s vessels and furniture (Nu 3:29). Those camps on the south set out at the second sounding of the trumpets (Nu 10:6). Prior to his death, Moses viewed Canaan to the north and south from Mount Pisgah east of the Dead Sea (Deut. 3:27). East of the Jordan, the conquered territory extended south to the slopes of Pisgah (Josh. 12:3). West of that river, there remained land to be secured southward (Josh 13:4). Judah’s allotment ended south at Edom’s frontier (Josh 15:1). God will bring his people back to the land, including those regions to the south, possibly Egypt (Isa. 43:6). In an allegory portending the coming Babylonian invasion, têmān directs attention to the forests of the Negeb, a region to the south. An attack would come from the north, setting the trees ablaze, a prophetic allusion to Judah (Ezek. 20:46). Psalm 78 recalls Yahweh’s marvelous intervention in the desert. He beckoned the south wind, and quail were provided (Ezek 20:26). Habakkuk 3:3 contains a reference to the south country (parallel to Mount Paran, the northwest mountains of Sinai bordered by the wilderness with that name). “God came from Teman, the Holy One from mount Paran” brings to recollection what has been done in the past. He is still ready to help. In Zechariah’s vision, the chariot pulled by dappled horses went in the direction of the south country (Zech. 6:6). “Whirlwinds of the south” (9:14) is possibly a reference to the Sinai experience. Others understand it to have been a demonstration of God’s power—a storm in the south or over the southland. Reminiscent of the beloved, a south breeze wafts the fragrance of the flower garden (Song 4:16). A hawk spreads its wings to ride the south wind, anticipating the coming storm (Job 39:26). Job affirmed God as Creator, the One Who placed the constellations of the south in the heavens (Job 9:9). (Complete Biblical Library - Incredible Resource) Teman- 22x in 21v - south(15), south side(2), south wind(1), south*(3), southward(1). Exod. 26:18; Exod. 26:35; Exod. 27:9; Exod. 36:23; Exod. 38:9; Num. 2:10; Num. 3:29; Num. 10:6; Deut. 3:27; Jos. 12:3; Jos. 13:4; Jos. 15:1; Job 9:9; Job 39:26; Ps. 78:26; Cant. 4:16; Isa. 43:6; Ezek. 47:19; Ezek. 48:28; Hab 3:3, Zech. 6:6; Zech. 9:14 Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - Verses 1-12. Joshua allotted to Judah, Ephraim, and the half of Manasseh, their inheritances before they left Gilgal. Afterwards removing to Shiloh, another survey was made, and the other tribes had their portion assigned. In due time all God's people are settled. GEORGE BUSH - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 15 1. This then was the lot, &c. The account of the partition of the land which was commenced ch. 14:1–5, was interrupted by the mention of Caleb’s application to Joshua for Hebron as his inheritance, and that being dispatched, the writer here returns from the digression, and resumes the thread of his narrative respecting the allotment of the tribes. The manner in which the designed partition should be made, had already been settled by Divine appointment, Num. 26:25, ‘The land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of their fathers shall they inherit.’ In obedience to this command Joshua now proceeds. On this part of the history it may be remarked, (1) That the business of casting lots on this occasion was undoubtedly conducted with great seriousness and solemnity, and with devout prayer to God, whose is the disposal of the lot, that he would overrule it all to his own glory and the accomplishment of his wise purposes. (2) That although an exact survey of the land was not taken till some time after this, ch. 18:4, 5, yet some general view of it must have been obtained, and some rude draught have been spread before them, sufficient, at least, to have enabled them to divide the land into nine and a half portions, with more or less accuracy. (3) That the respective lots did not, at this time, so peremptorily and unchangeably determine the bounds of each tribe, that they could not subsequently be either contracted or enlarged, or otherwise altered; for it is evident from what follows, ch. 19:9, that after Judah’s lot was fixed, Simeon’s was taken out of it. It would seem, in fact, that the first designation of the portious of the several tribes was quite vague and general, but that the limits of each were afterwards adjusted and settled by Joshua and the elders, with as much precision as the nature of the case would admit. (4) As to the manner in which the casting of lots took place on this occasion, though we are not expressly informed, yet the probability is, that after the land was geographically divided into the requisite number of portions, these portions properly labelled, or otherwise distinguished, were put into one urn or pot, and the names of the several tribes into another; that then Joshua, for example, put his hand into the vessel containing the names of the tribes, and took out one slip, while Eleazar took out one from the other vessel, in which the names of the portions were put; whereupon the name drawn and the portion drawn being read, it was at once determined what portion was to be appropriated to such a tribe; and so of the rest. It is probable, however, that this plan was adopted, on the present occasion, only in respect to the two large and principal tribes of Judah and Joseph, as they were now at Gilgal, and the division certainly was not completed till after they arrived at Shilo, ch. 18:1, 2. In reference, therefore, to this mode of drawing out the lots from the bottom of the urns, the phraseology of a lot’s ‘coming up’ or ‘coming forth,’ became established. The lot of the tribe of the children of Judah. By the special disposition of providence the lot of Judah came up first, in token of the pre-eminence of that tribe over the rest. This distinction hereby received the Divine sanction. Even to the border of Edom. The geography of the sacred writings presents many difficulties, occasioned by the many changes which the civil state of the promised land has undergone, especially for the last two thousand years. Many of the ancient towns and villages have had their names so totally changed, that their former appellations are no longer discernible; several lie buried under their own ruins; and others have been so long destroyed that not one vestige of them remains. On these accounts, it is very difficult to ascertain the situation of many of the places mentioned in this and the following chapters. Yet the ancient appellations of many of these localities may still be detected in modified forms under the modern names, and the sites of a greater number of them satisfactorily determined, than would at first seem practicable. This portion of the sacred story cannot of course be so interesting, or so profitable to the general reader as details of another character, and we shall not therefore enlarge upon it in our remarks, but as many of the places here mentioned are frequently alluded to in the subsequent history and the prophets, this enumeration is important, as enabling us oftentimes to determine their situation; and it need not to be observed that the geography of a country is of the utmost importance in illustrating its history. The quaint remark of Henry, therefore, on this subject, is deserving of attention, that ‘we are not to skip over these chapters of hard names, as useless and not to be regarded; where God has a mouth to speak and a hand to write, we should find an ear to hear and an eye to read.’ As it respects the lot of Judah, as here marked out, it was bounded on the south by the wilderness of Sin and the southern coast of the Salt Sea; on the east by that sea, reaching to the place at which it receives the waters of the Jordan; on the north, by a line drawn nearly parallel to Jerusalem, across from the northern extremity of the Salt Sea to the south boundary of the Philistines and to the Mediterranean Sea; which sea was its western boundary, as far as the river of Egypt. Joshua is particular in giving the limits of this tribe, as being the first, the most numerous, the most important, that which was to furnish the kings of Judea, that in which pure religion was to be preserved, and that from which the Messiah was to spring. As this portion, however, contained nearly half the southern part of Canaan, it was afterwards found too extensive, and the possessions of Simeon and Dan were taken out of it. Joshua 15:2 Their south border was from the lower end of the Salt Sea, from the bay that turns to the south. the salt sea: Jos 3:16 Ge 14:3 Nu 34:3 Eze 47:8,18 bay: Heb. tongue, Isa 11:15 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF JUDAH Their south border was from the lower end of the Salt Sea (Dead Sea), from the bay that turns to the south - NET = "Their southern border started at the southern tip of the Salt Sea." Hebrew = "Their southern border was from the end of the Salt Sea, from the tongue that faces to the south." GEORGE BUSH - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 15 From the bay that looketh southward. Heb. לשון leshōn, the longue, i. e. a gulf, bay, or arm of the sea. The like phrase occurs Is. 11:15, ‘The Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian Sea.’ The southern extremity of the Dead Sea, as laid down in the best maps, answers in its form to this description. The term among us is generally applied to a jutting promontory of land. Joshua 15:3 Then it proceeded southward to the ascent of Akrabbim and continued to Zin, then went up by the south of Kadesh-barnea and continued to Hezron, and went up to Addar and turned about to Karka. ascent of Akrabbim, Nu 34:4 Jdg 1:36 Zin: Ge 14:7 Nu 20:1 32:8 Adar: Probably the same as Hazar-addar, Nu 34:4. Karka: Supposed to be the Coracea of Ptolemy, in Arabia Petrea Eusebius places a castle called Carcaria at the distance of a day's journey from Petra. Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF JUDAH CONTINUED Then it proceeded southward to the ascent of Akrabbim ('ascent of scorpions,) and continued to Zin, then went up by the south of Kadesh-Barnea and continued to Hezron, and went up to Addar and turned about to Karka Utley Akrabbim” This is the name for “scorpions”. The boundaries of the Promised Land are given in Numbers 34 (cf. Num. 34:4). This pass was part of the unconquered Amorite territory in Jdgs. 1:36. Akrabbim - Fausset's Bible Dictionary the going up to, or ascent of, Akrabbim. MAALEH-AKRABBIM; "the scorpion pass", between the S. of the Dead Sea and Zin: Judah's and Palestine's boundary on the S. (Numbers 34:4; Joshua 15:3). The boundary of the Amorites (Judges 1:36). The scene of Judas Maccabens' victory over Edom. Perhaps now the pass Es-Sufah, the last step from the desert to the level of Palestine. Wilton makes it Sufah. Zin - ATS Dictionary A desert on the south border of Canaan, and the west of Edom, Numbers 34:1-4 . It formed part of the great wilderness of Paran, Numbers 13:26; and in its north-east corner was Kadesh-barnea, memorable for the death of Miriam, the mission of the twelve spies into Canaan, the murmuring of the Israelites, the rock flowing with water, and the unholy passion of Moses, Numbers 13:21 20:1-13 27:14 . Kadesh-Barnea - Holman Bible Dictionary (Wikipedia) (It was Israelite’s invasion of the land of Canaan had they trusted in God Nu 13:26–33) Place name meaning “consecrated.” The site where the Hebrews stayed for most of thirty-eight years after leaving Mount Sinai and before entering the Promised Land. The Old Testament locates it between the Wilderness of Paran and the Wilderness of Zin (Numbers 13:3-21 ,Numbers 13:3-21,13:26 ). Moses sent out the twelve spies into Canaan from Kadesh-Barnea (Numbers 13:3-21 ,Numbers 13:3-21,13:26 ) The Hebrews also attempted their abortive southern penetration into Canaan from there (Numbers 13:26; Numbers 14:40-45 ). Kadesh-Barnea is mentioned as a site where Abraham fought the Amalekites (Genesis 14:7 ) and as the southern border of the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:3 ). The actual site of Kadesh-Barnea has been much debated, but the two most frequently mentioned sites are Ein-Qedeis and Ein el-Qudeirat. Both of these sites are in the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula, and both have a spring. Most scholars today accept Ein el-Qudeirat because of its abundance of water (the largest springs and oasis in northern Sinai). Ein el-Qudeirat is located on the crossroads of two major roads of antiquity—the road from Edom to Egypt and the road from the Red Sea to the Negev and southern Canaan, later southern Judah. The location on the road from Egypt to Edom would fit well the biblical context of Kadesh-Barnea as the oasis home for the Hebrews during the wilderness wandering period. Likewise, the location of Kadesh-Barnea along the north-south road may explain the rationale for attempting the invasion of Canaan at Arad, since Arad lay north of Kadesh-Barnea on that road. Excavations of Ein el-Qudeirat have shown major fortresses dating from the period of Solomon to the fall of the monarchy (tenth century B.C. to sixth century B.C.), but no remains from the period of the wilderness wandering have been found to date. This raises the question about the identity of the site of Kadesh-Barnea. The site has not been fully excavated, however, and as yet no better alternative site has come to light. Hezron - Jewish Encyclopedia meaning, “camping place” or “reeds.” . A place marking the southern limit of the territory assigned to Judah, between Kadesh-barnea and Adar (Joshua 15:3). In the parallel list of Numbers 34:4, Hezron and Addar seem to be described as one place, "Hazar-addar." Addar - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name and personal name meaning, “threshing floor.” 1. City on southwest border of Judah (Joshua 15:3 ). Also called Hazar-addar (Numbers 34:4 ). 2 . Benjamin's grandson (1 Chronicles 8:3 ). Also called Ard (Genesis 46:21; Numbers 26:40 ). Karka - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “ground” or “floor.” A city on the southern border of Judah (Joshua 15:3; KJV has Karkaa). Precise location unknown. GEORGE BUSH - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 15 Maaleh-acrabbim. Or, Heb. ‘the ascent of (the mount of) scorpions;’ probably so called from the multitude of those animals found there. Com. Num. 34:4. Kadesh-Barnea. Called En-mishpat, Gen. 14:7. It was on the edge of the wilderness of Paran, and about twenty-four miles from Hebron. Here Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, died; and here Moses and Aaron rebelled against the Lord; whence the place was called Meribah-Kadesh, or contention of Kadesh. Joshua 15:4 It continued to Azmon and proceeded to the brook (nachal) of Egypt, and the border ended at the sea. This shall be your south border. Azmon: The last city they possessed towards Egypt; east of the River of Egypt or Rhinocorura. Nu 34:5 brook: Jos 13:3 Ex 23:31 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF JUDAH CONTINUED It continued to Azmon and proceeded to the brook (nachal - wadi) of Egypt, and the border ended at the sea (Mediterranean Sea). This shall be your south border - These boundaries are God's boundaries and are very specific so that the 12 Tribes would have no excuse for not accepting and being content with God's "real estate" distribution to each tribe. They were gifts of God's grace. THOUGHT - Every believer is given "divine real estate" (so to speak) because every believer receives the Holy Spirit the moment of regeneration (cf Ro 8:9+). In addition every believer is given at least one spiritual gift, and some more than one (1Co 12:7+ = "to each one is given"). Here's the point. First, do you know your "diviine real estate," your spiritual gift? Second, and just as important, are you content with the Spirit's distribution of gifts, not only to yourself but to other believers you know (1Co 12:11+)? Or to ask it another way, do you ever find yourself jealous of the gifts of other believers? If so, with Whom are you really expressing dissatisfaction? That's essentially a rhetorical question, but in case you did not see it, clearly your dissatisfaction would be with the Holy Spirit. The boundary lines of the tribes were clearly laid out so that each tribe would be content and would not be jealous of the lands another tribe had received from Yahweh! And the same dynamic is at play in God's giving spiritual gifts to each member of His church! See also Spiritual Gifts Chart and Spiritual Gifts. Utley - “the brook of Egypt” The term “brook” is “wadi,” which denotes a river bed or channel which is dry part of the year. Water (i.e., rivers, wadis, lakes, streams, oceans) were often used as boundaries. This one is the most southern boundary of the Promised Land and Egypt (here the southern boundary of Judah, cf. Num. 34:5).Other natural barriers or topological distinctives, like valleys, mountain ranges, plains, were also used as boundary markers. Azmon - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “bones.” Place on southern border of Promised Land (Numbers 34:4 ). Joshua assigned it to Judah (Joshua 15:4 ). It is located near Ain el-Quseimeh, about 60 miles south of Gaza. Some would identify it with Ezem. (See map for Ezem in region of Simeon), (Azmon - ISB Encyclopedia, Azmon - McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia) Brook of Egypt - Holman Bible Dictionary The southwestern limit of Canaanite territory given to Israel as a possession (Numbers 34:5 NAS). It is usually identified with the Wadi el-Arish, which flows from the middle of the Sinai Peninsula to the Mediterranean Sea. It empties into the Mediterranean about midway between the sites of Gaza and Pelusium. See Rivers and Waterways in the Bible . (See also Brook of Egypt, the - ISB Encyclopedia) Joshua 15:5 The east border was the Salt Sea, as far as the mouth of the Jordan. And the border of the north side was from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan. Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries I. THE FOUR BOUNDARIES - Joshua 15:1-12 A. The southern boundary - verses 1-4 B. The eastern boundary - verse 5 C. The northern boundary - verses 5-11 | D . The western boundary - verse 12 EASTERN BOUNDARY OF JUDAH BEGINNING OF NORTHERN BOUNDARY The east border was the Salt Sea (Dead Sea), as far as the mouth of the Jordan. And the border of the north side was from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan - NET = "The eastern border was the Salt Sea to the mouth of the Jordan River. The northern border started north of the Salt Sea at the mouth of the Jordan." The "mouth" is the place where it discharges itself into the Dead Sea. Joshua 15:6 Then the border went up to Beth-hoglah, and continued on the north of Beth-arabah, and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. Beth hogla: Probably the Bethagla mentioned by Jerome is the same as the "threshing-floor of Atad," (Ge 50:10,) situated three miles from Jericho, and two from Jordan; and belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, though serving as a frontier to the tribe of Judah. Jos 18:19,20 the stone: Jos 18:17 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NORTHERN BOUNDARY OF JUDAH CONTINUED The northern boundary - Joshua 15:5-11 Then the border went up to Beth-hoglah, and continued on the north of Beth-arabah, and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben Beth-Hoglah - Holman Bible Dictionary (3x = Jos. 15:6; Jos. 18:19; Jos. 18:21) Place name meaning, “house of the partridge.” Border city between tribes of Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:6; Joshua 18:19 ,Joshua 18:19,18:21 ). It is probably modern Ain Hajlah four miles southeast of Jericho. Strong's - Beth-hoglah = "house of the partridge" or "place of partridge" 1) a place in Benjamin on the border with Judah Beth-Arabah - Holman Bible Dictionary (3x = Jos. 15:6; Jos. 15:61; Jos. 18:22) Place name meaning, “house of the desert.” A border town of tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:6 , Joshua 15:61 ) also claimed as a city of Benjamin (Joshua 18:22 ). It may be modern Ain el-Gharbah southeast of Jericho. Strong's - Beth-arabah = "house of the desert valley" or "place of the depression" 1) a place in Judah or in Benjamin, site unknown Bohan The Stone of - Smith's Bible Dictionary A stone erected in honor of Bohan, on the boundary between Judah and Benjamin, in the valley of Achor, along the eastern side of the present Wady Dahr, running into the Dead Sea. Utley adds "“the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben” We know nothing about this young man or why a memorial stone was raised for him. It is surely possible that this was a boundary marker and not a memorial (cf. 18:17). Bohan - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name and personal name meaning, “thumb” or “big toe.” A place on the northern border of the tribal allotment of Judah called the “stone of Bohan,” “the son of Reuben” (Joshua 15:6 ). This was the southern border of the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:17 ). Some Bible students see this as evidence that some part of the tribe of Reuben once lived west of the Jordan. Others see an otherwise unknown heroic deed of Bohan honored with a memorial boundary stone. GEORGE BUSH - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 15 6. Beth-arabah. Heb. ‘house of solitude;’ perhaps so called from the loneliness and dreariness of the place. The stone of Bohan. A Reubenite, and probably a distinguished commander of the forces of that tribe which came over the Jordan. It is not unlikely that he died in the camp at Gilgal, and was buried not far off, under the stone here alluded to. Joshua 15:7 The border went up to Debir from the valley of Achor, and turned northward toward Gilgal which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, which is on the south of the valley; and the border continued to the waters of En-shemesh and it ended at En-rogel. Debir: Jos 15:15 10:38,39 the valley: Jos 7:26 Isa 65:10 Ho 2:5 Gilgal: Jos 4:19 5:9,10 10:43 Adummim: A town and mountain of Benjamin (Jos 18:17,) near Jericho, towards Jerusalem. En-shemesh : Situated east of Jerusalem, on the confines of Judah and Benjamin. Enrogel: Supposed to be the same as the fountain of Siloam, east of Jerusalem, at the foot of mount Zion. 2Sa 17:17 1Ki 1:9 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NORTHERN BOUNDARY OF JUDAH CONTINUED The northern boundary - Joshua 15:5-11 The border went up to Debir from the valley of Achor, and turned northward toward Gilgal which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, which is on the south of the valley; and the border continued to the waters of En-shemesh and it ended at En-rogel - NET = It then went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor, turning northward to Gilgal (which is opposite the Pass of Adummim south of the valley), crossed to the waters of En Shemesh and extended to En Rogel." Madvig - Because of the orientation of our maps with north at the top, we customarily think that to “go up” means to go north and to “go down” means to go south. These expressions are used in the OT with reference to elevation. Here the border of Judah ascends from the Valley of Achor, which borders on the Dead Sea. “Debir” is not to be confused with the Debir in Joshua 15:15, 49, and Joshua 10:38. (The Expositor's Bible Commentary Volume 3) Achor Valley of - Smith's Bible Dictionary (valley of trouble). The spot at which Achan was stoned. Joshua 7:24; Joshua 7:26. On the northern boundary of Judah, Joshua 15:7, near Jericho. Strong's on Gilgal = "a wheel, rolling" 1) the first site of an Israelite camp west of the Jordan, east of Jericho, here Samuel was judge, and Saul was made king; later used for illicit worship 2) dwelling place of prophets in northern Israel about four miles (7 km) from Shiloh and Bethel 3) a region conquered by Joshua, site unsure. See also Gilgal - Holman Bible Dictionary 38x - Deut. 11:30; Jos. 4:19; Jos. 4:20; Jos. 5:9; Jos. 5:10; Jos. 9:6; Jos. 10:6; Jos. 10:7; Jos. 10:9; Jos. 10:15; Jos. 10:43; Jos. 12:23; Jos. 14:6; Jos. 15:7; Jdg. 2:1; Jdg. 3:19; 1 Sam. 7:16; 1 Sam. 10:8; 1 Sam. 11:14; 1 Sam. 11:15; 1 Sam. 13:4; 1 Sam. 13:7; 1 Sam. 13:8; 1 Sam. 13:12; 1 Sam. 13:15; 1 Sam. 15:12; 1 Sam. 15:21; 1 Sam. 15:33; 2 Sam. 19:15; 2 Sam. 19:40; 2 Ki. 2:1; 2 Ki. 4:38; Hos. 4:15; Hos. 9:15; Hos. 12:11; Amos 4:4; Amos 5:5; Mic. 6:5 Adummim - Holman Bible Dictionary (2x - Jos. 15:7; Jos. 18:17) Place name meaning, “red ones.” A rocky pass on the road descending from Jerusalem to Jericho located at modern Talcat ed-damm. It formed the border of Judah and Benjamin in the tribal allotments Joshua made (Joshua 15:7; Joshua 18:17 ). Today the Inn of the Good Samaritan is there because late traditions locate the Good Samaritan narrative there (Luke 10:30-37 ). Strong's - Adummim = "ruddy one: quieted ones?" 1) pass or ridge of hills, west of Gilgal En-Shemesh - Holman Bible Dictionary (2x - Jos. 15:7; Jos. 18:17) Place name meaning, “spring of the sun.” Town on border between tribal territories of Judah (Joshua 15:7 ) and Benjamin (Joshua 18:17 ). It is located at ain el-Hod, “the spring of the apostles,” about two miles east of Jerusalem on the eastern edge of Bethany. Strong's En-shemesh = "fountain of the sun" a spring on the boundary of Judah on the south and Benjamin on the north En-Rogel - Holman Bible Dictionary (4x - Jos. 15:7; Jos. 18:16; 2 Sam. 17:17; 1 Ki. 1:9) Place name meaning, “spring of the fuller” or “spring of the foot.” A border town between the tribal territory of Judah (Joshua 15:7 ) and that of Benjamin (Joshua 18:16 ). Jonathan and Ahimaaz, the priests' sons, stayed at En-rogel as messengers to relay to David what the priests might learn from Absalom when he took over Jerusalem from his father (2 Samuel 17:17 ). Adonijah staged a party there to proclaim himself as David's successor as king of Judah (1 Kings 1:9 ). En-rogel lay near Jerusalem where the Kidron and Hinnom valleys met at modern Bir Ayyub. Strong's En-rogel = "fount of the fuller" 1) a place near Jerusalem on the border between Judah and Benjamin and from which the permanent source of the pool of Siloam comes GEORGE BUSH - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 15 En-shemesh. Heb. ‘fountain of the sun;’ a place eastward of Jerusalem, on the confines of Judah and Benjamin. Some conjecture that it was a fountain dedicated by the Canaanites to the sun. En-rogel. Heb. ‘fountain of the fuller;’ perhaps from its water having afforded special conveniences to those that exercised the craft of fullers. It is supposed by some to have been the same as the Pool of Siloam; by others placed further down the valley, near the south-east of Jerusalem, and not far from what is now called the Fountain of the Blessed Virgin. Joshua 15:8 Then the border went up the valley of Ben-hinnom to the slope of the Jebusite on the south (that is, Jerusalem); and the border went up to the top of the mountain which is before the valley of Hinnom to the west, which is at the end of the valley of Rephaim toward the north. valley of the son: A valley near to Jerusalem. Jos 18:16 2Ki 23:10 2Ch 28:3 Jer 7:31,32 19:2,6,14 the Jebusite: Jos 15:63 18:28 Jdg 1:8,21 19:10 valley of the giants: Situated apparently west of Jerusalem and mount Moriah. Jos 18:16 2Sa 5:18,22 Isa 17:5, the valley of Rephaim Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NORTHERN BOUNDARY OF JUDAH CONTINUED The northern boundary - Joshua 15:5-11 Then the border went up the valley of Ben-hinnom to the slope of the Jebusite on the south (that is, Jerusalem); and the border went up to the top of the mountain which is before the valley of Hinnom to the west, which is at the end of the valley of Rephaim ("valley of the giants") toward the north. Eventually, the border arrived at the city of Jerusalem, to the slope of the Jebusite on the south (that is, Jerusalem). Utley - “the valley of Ben-hinnom … the valley of Hinnom” This is the place where the fertility fire god, Molech, was worshiped. It was just outside the city of Jerusalem (Jebus, cf. Josh 15:63) to the south. This is the place which later the Jews turned into a garbage dump and which Jesus used as His metaphor to describe Hell (Gehenna). Ben-Hinnom - Holman Bible Dictionary (Hinnon - 11x Jos. 15:8; Jos. 18:16; 2 Ki. 23:10; 2 Chr. 28:3; 2 Chr. 33:6; Neh. 11:30; Jer. 7:31; Jer. 7:32; Jer. 19:2; Jer. 19:6; Jer. 32:35) Place name meaning, “son of Hinnom.” A valley south of Jerusalem serving as northern border of tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:8 ) and southern boundary of tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:16 ). Pagan child sacrifices occurred here, some kings of Judah included (Ahaz, 2 Chronicles 28:3; Manasseh, 2 Chronicles 33:6 ). Jeremiah announced God's judgment on the valley because of such practices (Jeremiah 19:1-15 ). The valley would be renamed, “valley of slaughter” (Jeremiah 19:6 ). The sin of the valley gave God reason to bring the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem (Jeremiah 32:35 ). King Josiah defiled and did away with the altars there (2 Kings 23:10 ). The valley served as the northern boundary of the Judean villages where the returning exiles settled (Nehemiah 11:30 ). Strong's Hinnom = "lamentation" 1) a valley (deep and narrow ravine) with steep, rocky sides located southwest of Jerusalem, separating Mount Zion to the north from the hill of evil counsel' and the sloping rocky plateau of the 'plain of Rephaim' to the south Strong's Jebusite = "descendants of Jebus" 1) descendants of the 3rd son of Canaan who lived in or around the site of Jebus, the early name for Jerusalem (See more notes on Jebusites below) Jebusite - 39x - Gen. 10:16; Gen. 15:21; Exod. 3:8; Exod. 3:17; Exod. 13:5; Exod. 23:23; Exod. 33:2; Exod. 34:11; Num. 13:29; Deut. 7:1; Deut. 20:17; Jos. 3:10; Jos. 9:1; Jos. 11:3; Jos. 12:8; Jos. 15:8; Jos. 15:63; Jos. 18:16; Jos. 18:28; Jos. 24:11; Jdg. 1:21; Jdg. 3:5; Jdg. 19:11; 2 Sam. 5:6; 2 Sam. 5:8; 2 Sam. 24:16; 2 Sam. 24:18; 1 Ki. 9:20; 1 Chr. 1:14; 1 Chr. 11:4; 1 Chr. 11:6; 1 Chr. 21:15; 1 Chr. 21:18; 1 Chr. 21:28; 2 Chr. 3:1; 2 Chr. 8:7; Ezr. 9:1; Neh. 9:8; Zech. 9:7 Rephaim, Valley of - Fausset's Bible Dictionary . 2 Samuel 5:17-18; 2 Samuel 5:22; 2 Samuel 23:13; 1 Chronicles 11:15; 1 Chronicles 14:9; Isaiah 17:5. In Joshua 15:8; Joshua 18:16, it is translated "the valley of the giants." The scene of David's twice routing the Philistines utterly and destroying their idols; so that it was named Perazim, God breaking forth there upon David's foes (for they came to seek him to avenge their old quarrel, on hearing of his accession); a type of God's future utter overthrow of the church's last foes (Isaiah 28:21-22).(See PERAZIM.) The Philistines came in harvest time to the valley, to carry off the ripe crops, in 2 Samuel 23:13; Isaiah 17:5. Utley on Rephaim - “the Anakim” This was a very tall tribe which inhabited Hebron (Arba, cf. 15:13 or Kiriath-arba). There seem to be three names used in the OT to describe these very tall people: (1) Nephilim (cf. Gen. 6:4); (2) Rephaim (cf. Gen. 14:5; 15:20; Josh. 12:4; 13:12); and (3) Anakim (BDB 778, cf. Num. 13:22, 28; Deut. 1:28; 9:2; Jdgs. 1:20). Anak means “long necked”. GEORGE BUSH - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 15 The valley of the son of Hinnom. A valley in the vicinity of Jerusalem, lying probably on the south of mount Zion, and consequently environing the ancient city on the south side. Who this Hinnom was, or why it was called his valley, is not known. This valley, or, more properly speaking, ravine, is only about one hundred and fifty feet in breadth, and is stated to have been in ancient times exceedingly verdant and shaded with trees. But from the inhuman practices of the Hebrews, in sacrificing their infants at a place in it called Tophet, the whole valley was denounced by Jehovah, and polluted by Josiah, by ordure and dead men’s bones and every kind of filth from the city. After the captivity, the Jews regarded this spot with abhorrence, on account of the abominations which had been practised there, and following the example of Josiah, threw into it the carcases of animals and the dead bodies of malefactors, and every species of refuse. To prevent the pestilence which such a mass would occasion, if left to putrify, constant fires were kept up in the valley, in order to consume what was thrown into it. It became therefore a striking type of Hell, or that part of Hades where they supposed the souls of wicked men were punished in eternal fire. Under this idea, it was often called Gehenna of fire; the name ‘Gehenna’ (See word study on geenna) being formed from the Heb. גיא חנם Gë-hinnom, valley of Hinnom. See Barnes’ Notes on Mt. 6:22. Valley of the giants. Or, Heb. רפאים rephâim, of the Rephaim; on which word see on Gen. 6:4; Deut. 2:7, 11. This valley lay about three miles to the southwest of Jerusalem, and appears to have been so called from its ancient gigantic inhabitants. It was the theatre of several signal victories obtained by David over the Philistines, and was also famed for its fertility and its excellent crops of corn. Is. 17:5. The road from Jerusalem, says Maundrell, passes through this valley, and in it are pointed out to the traveller the ruined tower of Simeon, the Greek monastery of Elias, and the tomb of Rachel. The valley itself is now only partially cultivated, and even those parts which are sown with corn yield but a comparatively poor and scanty crop. ‘He turneth a fruitful land into barrenness for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.’ Joshua 15:9 From the top of the mountain the border curved to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah and proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron, then the border curved to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim). Nephtoah: Jos 18:15 Baalah: A city near Bethshemesh, and, according to Eusebius, nine miles from Jerusalem, in going towards Diospolis. 2Sa 6:2 1Ch 13:6 Kirjathjearim: Jos 9:17 Jdg 18:12 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NORTHERN BOUNDARY OF JUDAH CONTINUED The northern boundary - Joshua 15:5-11 From the top of the mountain the border curved to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah and proceeded to the cities of Mount Ephron, then the border curved to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim) From the high point, north of Jerusalem, the border followed a north-westerly and then westerly direction toward the sea, passing landmarks of cities, springs of water and mountains in vv 9-11. Nephtoah - Holman Bible Dictionary (2x - Jos. 15:9; Jos. 18:15) Name meaning, “opening,” found only in the phrase “Waters of Nephtoah.” Boundary marker for Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:9; Joshua 18:15 ). The site was formerly identified with Atam south of Bethlehem. The most frequent identification is now Lifta about three miles northwest of Jerusalem. Stong's Nephtoah = "opening" 1) a spring or source of water on the boundary of the territories of Judah and Benjamin; located northwest of Jerusalem Ephron Mount - Smith's Bible Dictionary The "cities of Mount Ephron" formed one of the landmarks, on the northern boundary of the tribe of Judah. Joshua 15:9. Baalah - Holman Bible Dictionary (5x -Jos. 15:9; Jos. 15:10; Jos. 15:11; Jos. 15:29; 1 Chr. 13:6) Place name meaning, “wife, lady,” or “residence of Baal.” 1. City on northern border of tribe of Judah equated with Kirjath-jearim (Joshua 15:9-11 ). David kept the ark there before moving it to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13:6 ). It is located at modern Deir el-Azar, eight miles west of Jerusalem. It is called Baale of Judah (2 Samuel 6:2 ) and may be the same as Kirjath-baal (Joshua 15:60 ). See Joshua 15:29 ) that may be same as Balah (Joshua 19:3 ) and as Bilhah (1 Chronicles 4:29 ). Tribe of Simeon occupied it. Its location is unknown. 3. A mountain on Judah's northern border between Jabneel and Ekron. It may be the same as Mount Jearim. Kiriath-Jearim - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “city of forests.” Kiriath-Jearim was located at modern Abu Gosh nine miles north of Jerusalem. It was on the border where Dan, Benjamin, and Judah joined before Dan began their migration northward (Joshua 15:9 ,Joshua 15:9,15:60; Joshua 18:14-15 ). Dan's army camped there in their search for new territory (Judges 18:12 ). After the Philistines returned the ark of the covenant, it was kept at Kiriath-Jearim for a time (1 Samuel 6:21-7:2 ). David attempted to move the ark to Jerusalem from there, but because he did so improperly, God struck down Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:1-8 ). Among Kiriath-Jearim's sons was Uriah, a faithful prophet and contemporary of Jeremiah. He was executed for prophesying against the king (Jeremiah 26:20-24 ). The Romans built a fort over the ancient ruins to guard the main route from Jerusalem to the Mediterranean Sea. A garrison from the Tenth Legion was stationed there. Kiriath-Jearim is identified with Deir al-Azhar near the modern village of Qaryet el-Inab or Abu Gosh. Joshua 15:10 The border turned about from Baalah westward to Mount Seir, and continued to the slope of Mount Jearim on the north (that is, Chesalon), and went down to Beth-shemesh and continued through Timnah. Beth shemesh: 1Sa 6:12-21 Timnah: Jos 15:57 Ge 38:13 Jdg 14:1,5 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NORTHERN BOUNDARY OF JUDAH CONTINUED The northern boundary - Joshua 15:5-11 The border turned about from Baalah (See map) westward to Mount Seir, and continued to the slope of Mount Jearim on the north (that is, Chesalon), and went down to Beth-shemesh (See on map at northern aspect of Judah) and continued through Timnah. (See map for Timnah at northern border of Judah) “Mount Seir” was on the west side of Jerusalem and must not be confused with Mount Seir in Edom, southwest of the Dead Sea. Seir, Mount - Fausset's Bible Dictionary A landmark N. of Judah (Joshua 15:10), W. of Kirjath Jearim and E. of Bethshemesh; the ridge between wady Aly and wady Ghurab. Now Mihsir, N.W. of Kesla or Chesalon. The resemblance in ruggedness to the southern Mount Seir may have given the name. Utley - “Mount Seir” This means “rough,” “hairy,” or “shaggy” (BDB 973). There are several different sites by this name. This does not refer to Mt. Seir in Edom, but a hill close to Jerusalem. Jearim, Mount - ISB Encyclopedia A mountain by the side of which passed the border of Judah ( Joshua 15:10 ). It is mentioned here only, and is identical with CHESALON (which see). Chesalon - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “on the hip.” Village on eastern border of territory of tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:10 ). It is equated with Mount Jearim and is modern Kesla, about ten miles west of Jerusalem. See Jearim . Beth-Shemesh - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “house of the sun.” Beth-shemesh is a name applied to four different cities in the Old Testament. The name probably derives from a place where the Semitic god Shemesh (Shamash) was worshiped. 1. Beth-shemesh of Issachar was situated on the tribal border with Naphtali between Mt. Tabor and the Jordan River (Joshua 19:22 ). Present scholarship identifies the city with either el-Abeidiyeh, two miles south of Galilee, or khirbet Shemsin, east of Tabor. 2. Beth-shemesh of Naphtali was probably located in central upper Galilee because of its association with Beth-anath (Joshua 19:38; Judges 1:33 ). This Canaanite town remained independent and unconquered until the time of David. The site khirbet er-Ruweisi has been suggested as a possible location. 3. Beth-shemesh of Egypt is to be identified with Heliopolis (five miles northeast of Cairo) according to the Septuagint or early Greek translation (Jeremiah 43:13 ). Jeremiah told of the Lord's judgment upon the gods of Egypt by depicting the destruction of the worship centers. 4. Beth-shemesh of Dan is located on the south tribal border with Judah (Joshua 15:10; Joshua 19:41 ) overlooking the Sorek Valley about 24 miles west of Jerusalem. The ancient name was preserved in the Arab village of Ain Shems, and the “tell” is identified with tell er-Rumeilah. Beth-shemesh guarded the lush farmlands of the Sorek Valley at the point at which the Shephelah (foothills) borders the Judean hill country. It was also situated in the strategic “buffer zone” between the Philistines and the Israelites during the judges period. The Danite tribe was unable to control the lands of its inheritance because of the Amorites (Judges 1:34-35 ) and/or the Philistines. Some were forced into the hills near Zorah and Eshtaol (as was Samson's family, Judges 13:1-2 ). Beth-shemesh was apparently controlled by Israel (ca. 1050 B.C.) when the ark of the covenant passed through the city upon returning from the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:13 ). Around 795 B.C., the city was the scene of a battle in which Jehoash of Israel was victorious over Amaziah of Judah, resulting in the pillaging of the Temple (2 Kings 14:11-14; 2 Chronicles 25:21-24 ). Beth-shemesh is last mentioned in Scripture during the decadent reign of Ahaz. The Philistines captured Beth-shemesh from Judah (ca. 734), seen as judgment from God (2 Chronicles 28:18-19 ). Beth-shemesh was excavated by D. Mackenzie in 1911-1912 and Haverford College in 1928-31,1933. The city was first settled about 2200 B.C. by a relatively small group. The city achieved importance after being conquered and rebuilt by the Hyksos about 1720 B.C. A huge city wall, three defensive towers, and several tombs were uncovered. The Hyksos city was captured by the Egyptians of the Eighteenth Dynasty about 1550 B.C. Beth-shemesh flourished in the Late Bronze Age under Egyptian and Canaanite rule, evidenced by imported wares from Mycenae and Egypt, as well as quality Canaanite finds, including inscriptions. Iron Age I (Judges) finds show that Beth-shemesh was heavily influenced by the Philistines, but the city was in general decline. After David defeated the Philistines, the city was rebuilt. Excavations indicate the Israelite city had olive oil, wine, copper, fabric dyeing, and wheat production industries. After Beth-shemesh was destroyed by the Babylonians (588-587 B.C.) under Nebuchadrezzar, the city was largely unoccupied, except for remnants of the Roman/Byzantine city at Ain Shems (monastery on the corner of the tell). Beth-Shemesh - 19v - Jos. 15:10; Jos. 19:22; Jos. 19:38; Jos. 21:16; Jdg. 1:33; 1 Sam. 6:9; 1 Sam. 6:12; 1 Sam. 6:13; 1 Sam. 6:15; 1 Sam. 6:19; 1 Sam. 6:20; 1 Ki. 4:9; 2 Ki. 14:11; 2 Ki. 14:13; 1 Chr. 6:59; 2 Chr. 25:21; 2 Chr. 25:23; 2 Chr. 28:18; Jer. 43:13 Timnah - Smith's Bible Dictionary A place which formed, one of the landmarks on the north boundary, of the allotment of Judah. Joshua 15:10. It is probably identical with the Thimnathah of Joshua 19:43, and that again with the Timnath, or, more accurately, Timnathah, of Samson Judges 14:1-2; Judges 14:5, and the Thamnatha of the Maccabees. The modern representative of all these various forms of the same name is, probably, Tibneh, a village about two miles west of Ain Shems, (Beth-shemesh). In the later history of the Jews, Timnah must have been a conspicuous place. It was fortified by Bacchides as one of the most important military posts of Judea. 1 Maccabees 9:50. Joshua 15:11 The border proceeded to the side of Ekron northward. Then the border curved to Shikkeron and continued to Mount Baalah and proceeded to Jabneel, and the border ended at the sea. Ekron: Jos 15:45 19:43 1Sa 5:10 7:14 2Ki 1:2,3,6,16 mount Baalah: Jos 19:44 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries NORTHERN BOUNDARY OF JUDAH CONTINUED The northern boundary - Joshua 15:5-11 The border proceeded to the side of Ekron northward (See map for Ekron at northern border of Judah). Then the border curved to Shikkeron and continued to Mount Baalah (See map for Baalath at northern/western border of Judah) and proceeded to Jabneel, and the border ended at the sea - Strong's on Shikkeron - "Shicron = "drunkenness" (from shakar = to be or become drunk) is a landmark on the northwestern boundary of Judah lying between Ekron and Jabneel" Utley on “Ekron” This was one of the five main Philistine walled cities (cf. 15:45–47). Apparently Judah never fully captured it or any of the main cities on the plain where chariot forces were used. Ekron - Holman Bible Dictionary Ekron is the northernmost of the five major Philistine cities known as the pentapolis. The site of ancient Ekron has been much debated, but now is generally agreed to be modern tell Miqne, about 14 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea and 10 miles from Ashdod. The site is one of the largest in Palestine, covering some 50 acres. Ekron lies on the road leading from Ashdod into the Judean hill country and up to Jerusalem through the Sorek Valley. Ekron was assigned to both Judah (Joshua 15:11 ,Joshua 15:11,15:45-46 ) and Dan (Joshua 19:43 ) in the tribal allotments. It probably lay on the border between the tribes. Judges 1:18 reports that Judah captured Ekron along with other parts of the Philistine coast, but Ekron was certainly in Philistine hands at the time the ark was captured ( 1 Samuel 5:10 ). It was also the place to which the Philistines retreated after David slew Goliath (1 Samuel 17:52 ). Ahaziah, the son of King Ahab of Israel, called on the god of Ekron, Baal-zebub, when he was sick (2 Kings 1:2-16 ). That name (literally, “Lord of the flies”) may have been slightly changed by the Hebrew writer to express antipathy toward the Philistine deity. The name of the deity may have been Baal-zebul (“Baal is exalted”). Excavations at tell Miqne have discovered much pottery that is typically Philistine. From the last period before tell Miqne was destroyed by the Babylonians, the excavators found an important industrial complex near the city gate. A hoard of iron agricultural tools was found. Hundreds of whole pottery vessels were present. Perhaps most importantly, a well-preserved olive press was discovered. This press is the largest and best preserved known in Israel. A horned altar was also found during the excavations. Shikkeron - ISB Encyclopedia the King James Version Shicron ): A place mentioned in Joshua 15:11 (Only use in OT as being on the northern border of Judah, between Ekron and Baalah, Jabneel being beyond, toward the sea. The site is unknown, but Rev. C. Hauser ( PEFS , 1907, 289) suggests Tell es -Sellakeh , Northwest of ‛Akir , remarking that if this were the site the boundary would follow a natural course over the mountain to Jabneel. Baalah - Holman Bible Dictionary (Baalah from baal = owner, lord, husband)(5x - Jos. 15:9; Jos. 15:10; Jos. 15:11; Jos. 15:29; 1 Chr. 13:6) Place name meaning, “wife, lady,” or “residence of Baal.” 1. City on northern border of tribe of Judah equated with Kirjath-jearim (Joshua 15:9-11 ). David kept the ark there before moving it to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13:6 ). It is located at modern Deir el-Azar, eight miles west of Jerusalem. It is called Baale of Judah (2 Samuel 6:2 ) and may be the same as Kirjath-baal (Joshua 15:60 ). See Joshua 15:29 ) that may be same as Balah (Joshua 19:3 ) and as Bilhah (1 Chronicles 4:29 ). Tribe of Simeon occupied it. Its location is unknown. Strong's - Baalah = "mistress" 1) another name for Kirjath-jearim or Kirjath-baal; modern Kuriet el Enab 2) a town in the south of Judah, also called Balah and Bilhah Baalah - ISB Encyclopedia Mount Baalah (Joshua 15:11 ), a mountain ridge between Shikkeron (Ekron) and Jabnoel unless, as seems probable, the suggestion of M. Clermont-Ganneau (Rev. Crit , 1897, 902) is correct that for הר , har ( = "mount"), we should read נהר , nāhār ("river"). In this case the border in question would be the Nahr rubı̂n . Here there is an annual feast held - attended by all classes and famous all over Syria - which appears to be a real survival of "Baal worship." Jabneel - Holman Bible Dictionary (2x in OT -Jos. 15:11; Jos. 19:33) Place name meaning, “God builds.”1. Town marking northwestern boundary of tribal territory of Judah in land of Philistines (Joshua 15:11 ); modern Yibna. Uzziah took the town, called by the shortened Hebrew form Jabneh, from the Philistines (2 Chronicles 26:6 ). Later the city was called Jamnia and became a center of scribal activity for the Jews. See Joshua 19:33 ); modern tell en-Naam or khirbet Yemma, west-southwest of the Sea of Galilee and northeast of Mount Tabor. Strong's on Jabneel - Jabneel = "God causes to build" = a town in Judah on the northern boundary near the sea. Also a town in Naphtali on the boundary in upper Galilee. Joshua 15:12 The west border was at the Great Sea, even its coastline. This is the border around the sons of Judah according to their families. the great sea: Jos 15:47 Nu 34:6,7 De 11:24 Eze 47:20 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries WESTERN BOUNDARY OF JUDAH The west border was at the Great Sea, even its coastline - The Great Sea is the Mediterranean Sea, a phrase used 14x in OT - Gen. 1:21; Num. 34:6; Num. 34:7; Jos. 1:4; Jos. 9:1; Jos. 15:12; Jos. 15:47; Jos. 23:4; Ezek. 47:10; Ezek. 47:15; Ezek. 47:19; Ezek. 47:20; Ezek. 48:28; Dan. 7:2 This is the border around the sons of Judah according to their families - NIV = These are the boundaries around the people of Judah by their clans." This is a summary statement for the boundaries of Judah. Madvig - Judah’s allotment included Philistine and Geshurite territory that had not been conquered yet (cf. Joshua 13:1–3). This was in conformity with the Lord’s command (Joshua 13:6) that the entire land of Palestine be allotted in the confidence that some day all would belong to Israel. (The Expositor's Bible Commentary Volume 3) Joshua 15:13 Now he gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh a portion among the sons of Judah, according to the command of the LORD to Joshua, namely, Kiriath-arba, Arba being the father of Anak (that is, Hebron). Caleb: Jos 14:6-15 Nu 13:30 14:23,24 De 1:34-36 the city of Arba: or, Kirjath-arba, Jos 14:15 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Joshua 14:9 So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land on which your foot has trodden will be an inheritance to you and to your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God fully.’ Numbers 14:24 “But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it. CALEB'S "GIANT" ALLOTMENT THE REST OF CALEB'S STORY -Joshua 15:13-19 Joshua 15:13-19 This describes the fall of Hebron to Caleb (cf. Joshua 11:21–22; 14:13–15; 15:13–19; Jdg 1:16–21). I like Dale Ralph Davis' title for Joshua 15:13-19 = "A Paradigm of Vigorous Faith"-- We have already heard Caleb express his venturesome faith in 14:6–14; however, that passage did not tell us how Caleb fared when he accosted Hebron. (Joshua 15:13–19 is parallel to Judges 1:10–15. It is sometimes difficult to evaluate the various attacks on Hebron and Debir. The attacks in 10:36–39 were probably prior to Caleb’s. However, it is possible that the achievement ascribed to Joshua in 11:21–22 was actually carried out by Caleb, summary statements, like 11:21–22, being general and not always precise.) This passage makes up that deficiency. Caleb not only talked faith but acted in faith, and Yahweh granted him success. This was no measly task—see my exposition of 11:21–22 on the Anakim. Caleb dispossessed these and nailed down Hebron for his clan. The fact that he offered Achsah, his daughter, in marriage to whomever took Debir (v. 16) may indicate that it seemed an insurmountable task. Special incentive for special difficulty. David would later offer an attractive incentive for the one who could reduce the ‘impregnable’ Jerusalem (1 Chron. 11:5–6) Caleb’s faith in action becomes a paradigm for Israel; here is the way the initial conquest is to be followed up. Certainly it is a fearful assignment. What could be more formidable than combat with Sheshai, Ahiman, Talmai and their clans? After all, Anak and invincible were supposedly synonymous. But see how the God who promises a secure inheritance enables a clan to obtain it when they are willing to risk obedience to his promise (Exod. 23:30; Deut. 7:22–23). (Joshua: No Falling Words) Jensen (Joshua 15:13–19) Located in Judah’s portion was Hebron and its environs, given to Caleb. The inclusion of this account, supplementing the story of chapter 14, provides specific examples of three situations confronting the tribes in their settling down in the land: The enemy was not easily destroyed. For whereas Joshua and his army had destroyed the Anakim (Joshua 11:21–23), now Caleb must drive out other sons of Anak (Joshua 15:14). The Israelites continually needed incentives to fight. Here, Caleb offers the prize of his daughter (Joshua 15:16–17). Water supply was a determinant in the assignment of land to individual families. Here, Caleb honors his daughter’s request for water springs (Joshua 15:18–19).(Joshua- Everyman's Bible Commentary: Rest-Land Won) Now - This draws our attention to this specific aspect of the administration of the land to the tribe of Judah. He gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh a portion among the sons of Judah, according to the command of the LORD to Joshua, namely, Kiriath-arba, Arba being the father of Anak (that is, Hebron) - Joshua obediently dispensed the lot promised to Caleb by the LORD. As it turned out in the providence of God, the allotment promised to Caleb also fell within the borders of his own tribe Judah! This was not a "coincidence" or an accident! Kiriath-arba - Gen. 23:2; Gen. 35:27; Jos. 14:15; Jos. 15:13; Jos. 15:54; Jos. 20:7; Jos. 21:11; Jdg. 1:10; Neh. 11:25 Believer's Study Bible - (vv. 13-19) This account of the capture of Hebron and Debir appears to be in conflict with that of Joshua 10:36-39 and Joshua 11:21, 22. It could be that the Anakim had re-established themselves there after the initial conquest under Joshua. It may also be that Caleb commanded the Israelites under Joshua who took these cities, and that Caleb's request in 14:6-12 had been made prior to the events described in 10:36-39. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - Verses 13-19. Achsah obtained some land by Caleb's free grant. He gave her a south land (NEGEV). Land indeed, but a south land, dry and apt to be parched. She obtained more, on her request, and he gave the upper and the lower springs. Those who understand it but of one field (ALBEIT HENRY SPIRITUALIZES THE TEXT), watered both with the rain of heaven, and the springs that issued out of the earth, countenance the allusion commonly made to this, when we pray for spiritual and heavenly blessings which relate to our souls, as blessings of the upper springs, and those which relate to the body and the life that now is, as blessings of the nether springs. All the blessings, both of the upper and the lower springs, belong to the children of God. As related to Christ, they have them freely given of the Father, for the lot of their inheritance. Jephunneh - ISB Encyclopedia Father of Caleb (Numbers 13:6; Numbers 14:6 , Numbers 14:30 , etc.). According to Numbers 13:6 , he was of the tribe of Judah; according to Numbers 32:12; Joshua 14:6 , a Kenizzite; the Kenizzites were incorporated in Judah (compare 1 Chronicles 4:13-15 ). (2) A son of Jether, an Asherite (1 Chronicles 7:38 ). GEORGE BUSH - Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 15 And unto Caleb he gave. Or Heb. ‘had given.’ The historian seems pleased with every occasion to make mention of Caleb, and to do him honor, because he honored the Lord by following him fully. Respecting this grant to Joshua, see notes on Josh 14:6–15. Joshua 15:14 Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak: Sheshai and Ahiman and Talmai, the children of Anak. Jos 10:36,37 11:21 Nu 13:22-23 Jdg 1:10,20 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Joshua 11:21-22 Then Joshua came at that time and cut off the Anakim from the hill country, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab and from all the hill country of Judah and from all the hill country of Israel. Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities. 22 There were no Anakim left in the land of the sons of Israel; only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod some remained. Joshua 14:10-15 “Now behold, the LORD has let me live, just as He spoke, these forty-five years, from the time that the LORD spoke this word to Moses, when Israel walked in the wilderness; and now behold, I am eighty-five years old today. 11 “I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in. 12 “Now then, give me this hill country about which the LORD spoke on that day, for you heard on that day that Anakim were there, with great fortified cities; perhaps the LORD will be with me, and I will drive them out as the LORD has spoken.” 13 So Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. 14 Therefore, Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite until this day, because he followed the LORD God of Israel fully. 15 Now the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath-arba; for Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim. Then the land had rest from war. Judges 1:9-10, 20 (NOTE JUDAH CREDITED WITH DEFEATING THE GIANTS BUT IT WAS CALEB WHO ACTUALLY DID IT IS VERSE 20 Afterward the sons of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites living in the hill country and in the Negev and in the lowland. 10So Judah went against the Canaanites who lived in Hebron (now the name of Hebron formerly was Kiriath-arba); and they struck Sheshai and Ahiman and Talmai. (Judges 1:20) Then they gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses had promised; and he drove out from there the three sons of Anak. MANSOUL (Read Bunyan's Holy War) CALEB CONQUERED THE GIANTS It is notable that 45 YEARS EARLIER CALEB HAD SEEN THESE SAME GIANTS! When they had gone up into the Negev, they came to Hebron where Ahiman, Sheshai and Talmai, the descendants of Anak were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 Then they came to the valley of Eshcol and from there cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes; and they carried it on a pole between two men, with some of the pomegranates and the figs. (Numbers 13:22-23+) Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak: Sheshai and Ahiman and Talmai, the children of Anak - Yes Caleb drove them out, BUT he was empowered by the LORD to accomplish this task! Caleb believed the promise in Joshua 14:9 "Surely the land on which your foot has trodden will be an inheritance to you and to your children forever" and took action. He took action based on his belief in the fact that "the LORD (is) helping me, (and) I will drive them out just as He said." (Joshua 14:12NIV) THOUGHT - The ONLY way to defeat the GIANTS in the territory God has given us is by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and then us taking action and driving them out (see Ro 8:13+). Got some GIANTS that have been prowling around in the castle Bunyan in Holy War called MANSOUL (your heart)(Read John Bunyan's Holy War)? Kill them! Drive them out! Take full possession of all your possessions in Christ! Take possession of MANSOUL! Don't delay! Don't procrastinate! Don't prevaricate! Just do it! Note is that this was not the first time that Hebron had been conquered and the Anakim driven out, for in Joshua 11:21-22+ Joshua had accomplished their expulsion, but evidently they had returned into the area. See discussion of this same problem in the believer's life. Keil & Delitzsch note that “For that (FIRST) expulsion did not preclude the possibility of the Anakites and Canaanites returning to their former abodes, and taking possession of their towns again, when the Israelitish army had withdrawn and was engaged in the war with the Canaanites of the north; so that when the different tribes were about to settle in the towns and districts allotted to them, they were obliged to proceed once more to drive out or exterminate the Anakites and Canaanites who had forced their way in again." Warren
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Utley - Kerioth-hezron” This village is often associated with Judas Iscariot (“man of Kerioth”), but this is only one of several other possible meanings of “Iscariot.” Joshua 15:26 Amam and Shema and Moladah, Moladah: Probably the same as Malatha, a city frequently mentioned by Eusebius; from whom it appears to have been situated in the southern border of Judah, about twenty miles from Hebron. 1Ch 4:28 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JUDAH'S CITIES IN THE SOUTH CONTINUED Amam and Shema and Moladah, Amam - ISB Encyclopedia An unidentified town in southern Palestine, which fell to Judah In the allotment of the land; occurs only in Joshua 15:26 . Shema - "hear" 1) a town in Judah at the limits of the tribe toward Edom in the south Moladah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “generation.” City near Beersheba in southern Judah assigned both to Judah (Joshua 15:26 ) and to Simeon (Joshua 19:2 ), perhaps reflecting the political realities of different times or the dependence of Simeon on Judah. Moladah - Fausset's Bible Dictionary A city in southern Judah, next Edom (Joshua 15:26), given to Simeon (Joshua 19:2; 1 Chronicles 4:28). It reverted to Judah after the captivity (Nehemiah 11:25-26). Now Khirbet el Milh, a ruin with two wells, one dry, the other with water at a depth of more than 40 ft. On the road from Petra to Hebron, ten miles E. of Beersheba. Joshua 15:27 and Hazar-gaddah and Heshmon and Beth-pelet, Hazargaddah: This is apparently the city which Eusebius calls [Aser;] which he says, was, in his time, a town situated between Askalon and Ashdod. Bethpalet: Ne 11:26 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JUDAH'S CITIES IN THE SOUTH CONTINUED and Hazar-gaddah and Heshmon and Beth-pelet, Hazar-Gaddah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “village of good luck.” Town in tribal territory of Judah of unknown location near Beersheba (Joshua 15:27 ). Heshmon - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “flat field.” Town in tribal territory of Judah (Joshua 15:27 ). Its location is not known. Beth-Pelet - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “house of deliverance.” Southern town in tribal allotment of Judah (Joshua 15:27 ). After the return from Exile in Babylon, the Jews lived there (Nehemiah 11:26 ). KJV spellings are Beth-palet, Beth-phelet. The location is not known. Joshua 15:28 and Hazar-shual and Beersheba and Biziothiah, Hazarshual: Jos 19:3 1Ch 4:28 Beersheba: Jos 19:2 Ge 21:14,31-33 26:33 Bizjothjah: Instead of Bizjothjah, the LXX. read, "and their towns and villages." Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JUDAH'S CITIES IN THE SOUTH CONTINUED and Hazar-shual and Beersheba and Biziothiah - See map for Hazar-shual and Beersheba - notice it is in the region of Simeon. Hazar-Shual - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “encampment of the foxes.” Town near Beersheba in tribal territory of Judah (Joshua 15:28 ) but allotted to tribe of Simeon (Joshua 19:3; 1 Chronicles 4:28 ). Jews returning from Exile in Babylon lived there (Nehemiah 11:27 ). It may be modern khirbet el-Watan. Beer-Sheba - Holman Bible Dictionary Joshua gave Beer-sheba to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:28 ), and then to the tribe of Simeon whose territory lay within Judah's boundaries (Joshua 19:1-2 ,Joshua 19:1-2,19:9 ). Samuel's sons Joel and Abiah were unfair judges in Beer-sheba right before the monarchy began with Saul (1 Samuel 8:1-3 ). What is the significance of Beersheba in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Biziothiah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “scorns of Yahweh.” Southern town in tribal allotment of Judah (Joshua 15:28 ). The parallel list in Nehemiah 11:27 reads, benotheyha (“her villages”), which the Joshua text of the Septuagint or early Greek translation also read. If that is not the correct reading in Joshua 15:27 , then the location of Biziothiah is not known. Joshua 15:29 Baalah and Iim and Ezem, Baalah: Jos 15:9-11 19:3 Azem: 1Ch 4:29 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JUDAH'S CITIES IN THE SOUTH CONTINUED Baalah and Iim and Ezem, Baalah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “wife, lady,” or “residence of Baal.” 1. City on northern border of tribe of Judah equated with Kirjath-jearim (Joshua 15:9-11 ). David kept the ark there before moving it to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13:6 ). It is located at modern Deir el-Azar, eight miles west of Jerusalem. It is called Baale of Judah (2 Samuel 6:2 ) and may be the same as Kirjath-baal (Joshua 15:60 ). See Joshua 15:29 ) that may be same as Balah (Joshua 19:3 ) and as Bilhah (1 Chronicles 4:29 ). Tribe of Simeon occupied it. Its location is unknown. 3. A mountain on Judah's northern border between Jabneel and Ekron. It may be the same as Mount Jearim. Iim - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning ruins. 1. Town on southern border of tribal territory of Judah (Joshua 15:29 ). Its location is not known, and it does not appear in parallel lists in Joshua 19:3; 1 Chronicles 4:29 . Many Bible students think a copyist copied parts of the following Ezem twice. 2. Used in Numbers 33:45 (KJV) as abbreviation for Iye-abarim. See Iye-abarim . Ezem - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “mighty” or “bone.” Town in Judah's tribal territory but settled by tribe of Simeon (Joshua 15:29; Joshua 19:3; 1 Chronicles 4:29 ). KJV spells Azem in Joshua. Ezem is modern Umm el-Azam about fifteen miles south of Beersheba and southwest of Aroer. Archaeologists at tell esh-Sharia about thirteen miles northwest of Beersheba have found a broken piece of pottery with the name Ezem Joshua 15:30 and Eltolad and Chesil and Hormah, Hormah: Jos 19:4 Nu 14:45 De 1:44 Jdg 1:17 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JUDAH'S CITIES IN THE SOUTH CONTINUED and Eltolad and Chesil and Hormah (See map for Eltolad and Horman in region of Simeon), Eltolad - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “plea for a child.” Village in tribal territory of Judah (Joshua 15:30 ), given to tribe of Simeon (Joshua 19:4 ). 1 Chronicles 4:29 apparently abbreviates it as Tolad. Its location is not known. Chesil - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “foolish.” A city of the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:30 ). A similar list giving the boundary of Simeon in Joshua 19:4 spells the name Bethul (See map for Bethul/Chesil in region of Simeon), , a reading supported for Joshua 15:30 by the Septuagint, the earliest Greek translation. 1 Chronicles 4:30 also reads Bethuel. Chesil is thus identical with Bethuel, which can be spelled Bethuel. See Bethuel . Hormah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “split rock” or “cursed for destruction.” City marking the limit of the Canaanite rout of the Israelites after the failed Israelite attempt to invade Canaan that followed the report of the twelve spies (Numbers 14:45 ). Though the exact location of Hormah is not known, it was in the territory assigned to the tribe of Simeon (Joshua 19:4 ). Some identify it with tell Masos about seven miles east of Beersheba. Excavations have shown settlement in about 1800 B.C. and again just before 1200 B.C. The latter settlement apparently lasted until the time of David (compare 1 Samuel 30:30 ). A small fortress was built some time after 700 B.C. and destroyed shortly after 600 B.C. The site controlled the east-west road in the Beersheba Valley and the north-south road to Hebron. Israel gained brief victory there (Numbers 21:3 ) after their earlier defeat (Numbers 14:45; compare Deuteronomy 1:44 ). The list of kings Joshua defeated includes Hormah (Joshua 12:14 ); the battle description says Judah and Simeon combined to take Hormah after Joshua's death (Judges 1:1 ,Judges 1:1,1:17 ), the city earlier being called Zephath. See Zephath . Joshua 15:31 and Ziklag and Madmannah and Sansannah, Ziklag: Jos 19:5 1Sa 27:6 30:1 1Ch 12:1 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JUDAH'S CITIES IN THE SOUTH CONTINUED and Ziklag and Madmannah and Sansannah - (See map for Ziglag in northern region of Simeon), Ziklag - Holman Bible Dictionary A village in the southern Judean plain; variously identified either as tell el-Khuweilifeh, 10 miles north northeast of Beersheba, tell esh-Shariah, 9 miles north northwest of Beersheba, or khirbet el-Mashash. City in tribal inheritance of Judah given to Simeon (Joshua 15:31; Joshua 19:5 ). Ziklag appears to have belonged to the Philistines, taken during a period of rapid expansion in the time of Israel's judges (1 Samuel 27:6 ). The town was given to David by Achish, king of Gath, during David's “outlaw” period. The gift may have been a means of shortening Philistia's over-extended borders. Ziklag appears never to have been a part of Philistia proper. David made the town his headquarters as he gathered his private army and made raids against the Amalekites. On returning to his base following Philistia's refusal to allow him to fight with them against Saul, David found the town had been raided and burned by the Amalekites and his family taken hostage. A daring night raid on the base of the enemy resulted in the rescue of his people and their return to Ziklag (1 Samuel 30:1 ). Jews returning from Babylonian Exile inhabited Ziklag (Nehemiah 11:28 ). Madmannah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “dung heap.” City in the Negeb assigned to Judah (Joshua 15:31 ), possibly identical with Beth-marcaboth (Joshua 19:5 ). Suggested sites include the modern khirbet umm Demneh and khirbet Tatrit, both in the vicinity of Dharhiriyah. The reference to Shaaph as the father of Madmannah (1 Chronicles 2:49 ) is open to various interpretations: (1) Shaaph (re)founded the city; (2) Shaaph's descendents settled in the city; or (3) Shaaph had a son named Madmannah. Sansannah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name perhaps meaning, “branch of the date palm.” Town in tribal territory of Judah (Joshua 15:31 ). Modern khirbet esh-Shamshaniyat nine miles northwest of Beersheba. Apparently the same as Hazar-susah (Joshua 19:5 ) and Hazar-susim (1 Chronicles 4:31 ), thus assigned to tribe of Simeon. Joshua 15:32 and Lebaoth and Shilhim and Ain and Rimmon; in all, twenty-nine cities with their villages. Ain: Probably the [bethanin] of Eusebius, four miles from Hebron. Nu 34:11 Rimmon: Ne 11:29 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JUDAH'S CITIES IN THE SOUTH CONTINUED and Lebaoth and Shilhim and Ain and Rimmon; in all, twenty-nine cities with their villages. Madvig - There are thirty-six towns named in the NIV translation of vv.21–32. Even if some of the names are combined, such as Hazor Ithnan (v.23) and Ain Rimmon (v.32), or accounted for in other ways (e.g., Biziothiah; see comment on v.28), it would be impossible to reduce the list to “twenty-nine towns.” Goslinga suggests that twenty-nine was a copyist’s mistake or that “a few names of villages were added that should not be included among the twenty-nine towns” (p. 127). The solution to the problem is not clear. (The Expositor's Bible Commentary Volume 3) Lebaoth - Smith's Bible Dictionary (lionesses). A town, which forms one of the last group of the cities of "the south", in the enumeration of the possessions of Judah, Joshua 15:32, probably, identical with Beth-lebaoth. Shilhim - Smith's Bible Dictionary One of the cities , in the southern portion of the tribe of Judah. Joshua 15:32. Ain - ATS Dictionary Fountain, spelt EN in the English Sisle, in compound words, as En- rogel. It is the name of a city of Judah, afterwards assigned to Simeon, Joshua 15:32; 1 Chronicles 4:32 . Rimmon - Easton's Bible Dictionary One of the "uttermost cities" of Judah, afterwards given to Simeon (Joshua 15:21,32; 19:7; 1 Chronicles 4:32 ). In Joshua 15:32 Ain and Rimmon are mentioned separately, but in 19:7 and 1 Chronicles 4:32 (Compare Nehemiah 11:29 ) the two words are probably to be combined, as forming together the name of one place, Ain-Rimmon=the spring of the pomegranate. It has been identified with Um er-Rumamin, about 13 miles south-west of Hebron. Believer's Study Bible - There are 36 names listed in vv. 21-32. The number "twenty-nine" may be a copyist's error, or some of these names could be villages attached to a city and so not counted. Warren
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Utley has an interesting note that "The Septuagint has an additional list of eleven cities not found in the Masoretic Text. It is uncertain whether this reflects a manuscript error in the Masoretic Text or extraneous material added by the translators of the Septuagint." Maarath - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning “barren field.” Name of a village in Judah's hill country (Joshua 15:59 ), possibly identical with Maroth (Micah 1:12 ). The site is possibly modern khirbet Qufin two miles north of Beth-zur. Beth-anoth - Smith's Bible Dictionary house of echo). A town in the mountainous district of Judah, named with Halhul, Beth-zur and others in Joshua 15:58 only. Eltekon - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “securing advice.” Village in tribal territory of Judah in southern hill country (Joshua 15:59 ). Its location is unknown, though some have suggested khirbet ed-Deir west of Bethlehem. Joshua 15:60 Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), and Rabbah; two cities with their villages. Kirjathbaal: Jos 18:14 1Sa 7:1 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE CITIES OF JUDAH IN THE HILL COUNTRY CONTINUED Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim) (See map northwest of Jerusalem), and Rabbah; two cities with their villages - Kiriath-baal = city of Baal Kiriath-Baal - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “city of Baal.” Another name for Kiriath-Jearim in Joshua 15:60; Joshua 18:14 . Kiriath-Jearim - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “city of forests.” Kiriath-Jearim was located at modern Abu Gosh nine miles north of Jerusalem. It was on the border where Dan, Benjamin, and Judah joined before Dan began their migration northward (Joshua 15:9 ,Joshua 15:9,15:60; Joshua 18:14-15 ). Dan's army camped there in their search for new territory (Judges 18:12 ). After the Philistines returned the ark of the covenant, it was kept at Kiriath-Jearim for a time (1 Samuel 6:21-7:2 ). David attempted to move the ark to Jerusalem from there, but because he did so improperly, God struck down Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:1-8 ). Among Kiriath-Jearim's sons was Uriah, a faithful prophet and contemporary of Jeremiah. He was executed for prophesying against the king (Jeremiah 26:20-24 ). The Romans built a fort over the ancient ruins to guard the main route from Jerusalem to the Mediterranean Sea. A garrison from the Tenth Legion was stationed there. Kiriath-Jearim is identified with Deir al-Azhar near the modern village of Qaryet el-Inab or Abu Gosh. Rabbah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “greatness.” 1. Village near Jerusalem (Joshua 15:60 ) assigned to tribe of Judah but apparently in territory of Benjamin. Its location is uncertain. Joshua 15:61 In the wilderness: Beth-arabah, Middin and Secacah, Betharabah: Jos 15:6 18:18 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE CITIES OF THE INHERITANCE - Joshua 15:20-62 A. The southern cities - verses 21-32 B. The western foothills cities - verses 33-47 C. The hill country cities - verses 48-60 D. The desert cities - verses 61-62 THE CITIES OF JUDAH IN THE WILDERNESS In the wilderness: Beth-arabah, Middin and Secacah - This is the inhospitable eastern Wilderness of Judea, sloping down to the Dead Sea. The last division is the wilderness of Judah, the northeastern part of Judah's inheritance. It bordered the hill country to the west, the Dead Sea to the east, and the Negev to the south. Six cities occupied this area. Beth-Arabah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “house of the desert.” A border town of tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:6 , Joshua 15:61 ) also claimed as a city of Benjamin (Joshua 18:22 ). It may be modern Ain el-Gharbah southeast of Jericho. Middin - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “judgment.” Village in the wilderness district of Judah (Joshua 15:61 ). The LXX identified Middin with Madon. Recently, khirbet Abu Tabaq in the Achor Valley has been suggested as a possible site. Secacah - Smith's Bible Dictionary (thicket). One of the six cities of Judah, which were situated in the Midbar, ("wilderness"), that is, the tract bordering on the Dead Sea. Joshua 15:61. Its position is not known. Joshua 15:62 and Nibshan and the City of Salt and Engedi; six cities with their villages. the city of: This city was situated somewhere in the vicinity, west of the lake Asphaltites; and supposed by some to be the same as Zoar. Engedi: En-gedi, or Hazazon-Tamar, was situated, according to Eusebius, in the desert west of the Dead Sea. Josephus says it was 300 stadia from Jerusalem, and not far from the lake Asphaltites; and consequently it could not have been far from Jericho and the mouth of the Jordan. It was celebrated for the abundance of its palm-trees. 1Sa 23:29 2Ch 20:2 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE CITIES OF JUDAH IN THE WILDERNESS and Nibshan and the City of Salt and Engedi; six cities with their villages. Nibshan - Smith's Bible Dictionary (soft soil). One of the six cities of Judah, Joshua 15:62, which were in the district of the Midbar. (Authorized Version, "wilderness"). City of Salt - Holman Bible Dictionary A city allotted to the tribe of Judah “in the desert” (Joshua 15:62 ). Its precise location is not known. Archaeological finds do not support an identification with Qumran that some have tried to make. Engedi - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “place of the young goat.” A major oasis along the western side of the Dead Sea about 35 miles southeast of Jerusalem. The springs of Engedi are full, and the vegetation is semitropical. Both biblical and extra-biblical sources describe Engedi as a source of fine dates, aromatic plants used in perfumes, and medicinal plants (Song of Song of Solomon 1:14 ). It was a chief source of balsam, an important plant used for perfumes, and a major source of income for the area. Engedi apparently lay on a caravan route that led from the east shore of the Dead Sea around to its south, then up the west side to Engedi. From there the road went up to Tekoa and then to Jerusalem. Engedi, also called Hazazon-tamar (2 Chronicles 20:2 ), was inhabited by Amorites in the time of Abraham and was subjugated by Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:7 ). In the tribal allotments, it was given to Judah and was in the district of Judah known as the wilderness district (Joshua 15:62 ). When David was fleeing from Saul, he hid in the area of Engedi (1 Samuel 23:29 ). Saul was in a cave near Engedi when David cut off a piece of his robe but spared his life (1 Samuel 24:1 ). During the reign of Jehoshaphat, Moabites, Ammonites, and others gathered at Engedi to attack Judah (2 Chronicles 20:1-2 ). Joshua 15:63 Now as for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the sons of Judah could not drive them out; so the Jebusites live with the sons of Judah at Jerusalem until this day. Jdg 1:8,21 2Sa 5:6-9 1Ch 11:4-8 Ro 7:14-21 Joshua 15 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Judges 1:18-19 And Judah took Gaza with its territory and Ashkelon with its territory and Ekron with its territory. 19 Now the LORD was with Judah, and they took possession of the hill country; but they could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley because they had iron chariots. Joshua 17:11-13 In Issachar and in Asher, Manasseh had Beth-shean and its towns and Ibleam and its towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of En-dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns, the third is Napheth. 12 But the sons of Manasseh could not take possession of these cities, because the Canaanites persisted in living in that land. 13 It came about when the sons of Israel became strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but they did not drive them out completely. 2 Samuel 5:6-9 Now the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, and they said to David, “You shall not come in here, but the blind and lame will turn you away”; thinking, “David cannot enter here.” (BAD MOVE!) 7 Nevertheless, David captured the stronghold of Zion, that is the city of David. 8 David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him reach the lame and the blind, who are hated by David’s soul, through the water tunnel.” Therefore they say, “The blind or the lame shall not come into the house.” 9 So David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built all around from the Millo and inward. Joshua 15:63+ Now as for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the sons of Judah could not drive them out; so the Jebusites live with the sons of Judah at Jerusalem until this day. Joshua 16:10+ But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites live in the midst of Ephraim to this day, and they became forced laborers. Exodus 23:29-33+ (THIS DECLARATION WAS TO THE FIRST GENERATION) “I will not drive them out before you in a single year, that the land may not become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. 30 “I will drive them out before you little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land. 31 “I will fix your boundary from the Red Sea to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River Euphrates; for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you will drive them out before you. 32 You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods. 33 “They shall not live in your land, because they will make you sin against Me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” Numbers 33:51-56+ (THIS DECLARATION WAS TO THE SECOND GENERATION) “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When you cross over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their figured stones, and destroy all their molten images and demolish all their high places; 53 and you shall take possession of the land and live in it, for I have given the land to you to possess it. 54 ‘You shall inherit the land by lot according to your families; to the larger you shall give more inheritance, and to the smaller you shall give less inheritance. Wherever the lot falls to anyone, that shall be his. You shall inherit according to the tribes of your fathers. 55 ‘But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about that those whom you let remain of them will become as pricks in your eyes and as thorns in your sides, and they will trouble you in the land in which you live. 56 ‘And as I plan to do to them, so I will do to you.’” Judges 1:27-28+ But Manasseh did not take possession of Beth-shean and its villages, or Taanach and its villages, or the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, or the inhabitants of Ibleam and its villages, or the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages; so the Canaanites persisted in living in that land. 28 It came about when Israel became strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but they did not drive them out completely. Romans 6:12-14+ Therefore do not let sin reign (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, 13 and do not go on presenting (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey = "JUST DO IT!") yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. THE JEBUSITES RESIST ERADICATION Now as for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the sons of Judah could not drive them out; Joshua had defeated “the king of Jerusalem” (Joshua 12:7, 10), but apparently did not destroy the Jebusites. Jerusalem was in the territory assigned to the tribe of Benjamin (Judah southernmost tribe, Benjamin just north), however, it was close to Judah's border. Eventually David, of the tribe of Judah, was able to drive out the Jebusites (2Sa 5:6-9), and then make it his capital. Campbell - Was it that the men of Judah “could not” or that they “would not“? Was the failure because of lack of strength or a lack of faith? The account of Judah’s inheritance ends on an ominous and foreboding note. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) Irving Jensen on could not drive them out - This is one of the sobering aspects of Judah’s occupation, a problem which the other tribes also faced. In Joshua’s campaign against the five kings (chap. 10) he slew the king of Jerusalem and his army, but did not take the city at that time. Now Judah was suffering from that mistake or loss, for a strong contingent of the Jebusites had redeveloped in the meantime, and would not be driven from the city. After Joshua’s death Judah smote and burned the unwalled residential area of Jerusalem’s southwestern hill (Judges 1:8), but, like the Benjaminites (Judges 1:21), was never able to drive out the Jebusites from the area. What was worse, children of Judah dwelt there with the Jebusites for many years to come (2 Sam. 5:6–7), a fellowship which could not nurture a true worship of God. The city destined to be the holy city was one place of Israel’s inheritance which failed of God’s blessings because she harbored idolaters! (Joshua- Everyman's Bible Commentary: Rest-Land Won) Madvig - The admission that Judah was unable to dislodge the Jebusites is even more strange in a book that exalts the supernatural power of God, which gives the victory to his people over all their enemies. In Joshua there is a remarkable mixture of miracle and human effort, a combination of divinely aided victory and failure that results from Israel’s disobedience and unbelief. Thus God is revealed as sovereign. He responds to the needs of his covenant people but is not subject to their whims. (The Expositor's Bible Commentary Volume 3) So - An unfortunate term of conclusion. The Jebusites live with the sons of Judah at Jerusalem until this day - Pagans remained among God's people until the day of the writing of this text. This is clear disobedience - “When the LORD your God brings you into the land where you are entering to possess it, and clears away many nations before you, the Hittites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and stronger than you, 2 and when the LORD your God delivers them before you and you defeat them, then you shall utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them and show no favor to them (Deut 7:1-2) NET NOTE adds "The statement to this very day reflects the perspective of the author, who must have written prior to David's conquest of the Jebusites (see 2Sa 5:6–7). " Warren