Joshua 15

Joshua 15:1

15:1-12 The boundaries of Judah are described in verses 1-12. It is almost impossible to trace them with exactness at the present time. This may cause some to wonder why all these details are included in the Bible. The answer is, of course, that these details are important in the sight of God. They are inspired and profitable, full of rich spiritual lessons. 15:13-20 Caleb’s conquest of Hebron is recorded in verse 14. He offered his daughter, Achsah, to whoever would capture Kirjath Sepher (Debir) (v. 16). Caleb’s nephew, Othniel, was the one who took the city and gained the bride (v. 17). He later became the first judge in Israel (Jdg_3:9). Achsah . . . persuaded Othniel to ask her father for a field (v. 18). Her words “since you have given me land” imply that Othniel had done this and obtained the field. Then Achsah requested upper and lower springs to water the land. Some cities, like Debir and Hebron, had to be taken more than once because of the guerrilla warfare of the Canaanites (see notes on chap. 10). It should also be noted that there was more than one city with the same name (e.g., Debir). 15:21-63 The cities of Judah’s territory are listed in verses 21-63. Some of these cities should be familiar to us from our study of the patriarchs: Hebron (v. 54) (also called Kirjath Arba and Mamre) was familiar to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Gen_13:18; Gen_35:27), and they were all buried there (Gen_23:17-20). Perhaps this is what made it so precious to the spiritually discerning Caleb. Beersheba (v. 28) means “the well of the oath”; the patriarchs spent much time there. It was a place of renewal, refreshment, and rest (Gen_21:31; Gen_26:33; Gen_46:1). Jerusalem (v. 63) was held by the Jebusites. It was not until the time of David that they were finally driven out of Jerusalem (2Sa_5:6-7). These cities provided a rich heritage for Judah and a powerful stimulus to strengthen their faith. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was in the midst of their children to perform His ancient promise. When we count the cities in verses 21-32, we find that there are thirty-eight, although verse 32 says there are only twenty-nine. Nine of these cities belonged to Simeon, whose inheritance was within the borders of Judah (Jos_19:1-9). That leaves twenty-nine . . . cities belonging to Judah. There is a similar problem in numbering in verses 33-36; fifteen cities are enumerated, but perhaps Gederah and Gederothaim are two names for the same city, leaving the total of fourteen cities mentioned in verse 36. Note the last verse especially. The upper part of the city, Mount Zion, was not taken until the time of David. The lower city, Jerusalem, was taken by Judah (Jdg_1:8), then later recaptured by the Jebusites (Jdg_1:21). Jerusalem is listed as belonging to Benjamin (Jos_18:28) as well as to Judah; it was located on the border between these two tribes.