Joshua 15:1-63 - L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible

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THE BORDERS OF JUDAH

(vs.1-12)

Judah occupied the largest territory of the tribes, though later we read that Simeon's possession was within Judah's territory (ch.19:1). The boundary on the south of Judah is first considered. This was next to the land of Edom, beginning at the Dear Sea and reaching to the Mediterranean Sea (vs.2a). Edom (the same name as Adam, pictures man in the flesh, and God's land is to be decidedly separated from this. Fleshly ambition is the world's principle of action, but Judah (meaning "praise") is to be the opposite of this, giving God, not self, the first place.

We return in verse 5 to consider the east border, which was the Dead Sea, the border continuing north to the mouth of the River Jordan where it emptied into the Dead Sea. Though the east is the direction of the sun rising, reminding us of the coming of the Lord, which will mean great blessing for believers, yet when John the Baptist speaks of the Lord's coming, he tells us, "His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Thus the Dead Sea (really a large lake) speaks of the lake of fire. The Jordan, the river of death, runs into the Dead Sea, where no life is found. How many there are who, with no repentance or faith, drift with the current of death into the awesome death of eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46) -- the second death of Revelation 20:14! Judah's border separates her from the Dead Sea, but the reminder was always there of the judgment that is escaped only by faith in the living God.

The northern border began at the mouth of the Jordan (v.5). and the description of this is much more detailed than we have found with the other borders. This border adjoins Israelite territory, as the other borders do not. Thus there is a careful marking off of the territory of Judah ("praise") from the other tribes. Ephraim's border is discussed after Judah, but it does no adjoin Judah, and later Benjamin is seen to have its territory between Judah and Ephraim (ch.18:11), and Dan also, farther west than Benjamin (ch.19:40-46). But the many details given as to Judah's border surely indicate that praise must be kept distinct from all other virtuous aspects of the Christian's life, and there are many occasions for praise also. Again, the meanings of the names would certainly furnish us with good spiritual food if we interpret them aright. If the reader desires more help in such interpretation, the Numerical Bible by F.W.Grant is highly recommended.

Judah's northern border then began at the north end of the Dead Sea and went generally westward till ending at "the Great Sea," that is, the Mediterranean, which seacoast served as the western border of Judah (v.12). The great Sea is typical of the Gentile nations (Revelation 17:15), 50 often in a state of upheaval and unrest, seeking to encroach upon the land, but held in check by the power of God, who has said, "This far you may come, but no farther, and here your proud waves must stop!" (Job 38:11), Thus, Judah's western border tells us that, though the world may threaten to swamp the testimony of the people of God, yet God is greater than the world, and will preserve His people.

THE FAITH OF CALEB AGAIN EMPHASIZED

(vs.13-19)

Chapter 14:6-11 has reported the boldness of the faith of Caleb in claiming what had been promised him. Now he is again given by God a place of prominence, for God delights to honor that faith that honors Him. God gives a similar honor to Joshua (ch.19:49-51). Thus the faithfulness of Caleb and Joshua (in contrast to the other ten spies) was well rewarded. Caleb was given a share in the land of Judah (v.13), which seems to indicate that he did not have this right by natural birth, so that he must have been a Gentile brought into Israel as a proselyte.

Verse 14 tells us that in conquering Kirjath Arba (or Hebron) Caleb drove our Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai, the sons of Anak. Giants meant no more to Caleb than did weak men, for God was with him. He therefore took possession of Hebron, typically possessing the communion with God to which every believer is entitled, but which many do not enjoy.

Having taken Hebron, Caleb went up to Kirjath Sepher ("city of the book"), but its name changed to Debir, which means "oracle." For if we are once enjoying communion with God, we shall then be concerned about speaking for Him. However, Caleb gives opportunity to others to capture this city, promising his daughter to the man who took Debir (vs.15-16). Surely this tells us that if we are in communion with God, we shall be glad to encourage others in God's service. Nor does Caleb speak in vain, for his nephew, Othniel, responded to the challenge. Othniel means "lion of God," speaking of the courage to act for God, so that it appears he did not delay to accomplish this victory over Debir (v.17). He did not only gain Debir, the oracle, picturing the honor of speaking for God, but also the daughter of Caleb, Achsah, meaning "anklet," whose faith is very soon after emphasized beautifully, so that she must have been an excellent wife for Othniel. Achsah persuaded Othniel to ask her father for a field, just as believers should desire a workable inheritance. She had the exercise of asking before receiving, for God often waits for us to have concern enough to ask. Caleb responded positively to this request, giving her a land in the south. But the south was a warm, dry land, good land but requiring moisture if it was to yield produce. Therefore Achsah asked for springs of water also, and Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs. If we have the simple concern to ask of God in faith, not doubting, we shall find Him indeed a liberal giver, as James 1:5-6 assures us. The upper springs speak of the refreshment of enjoying our inheritance in heavenly places, and the lower springs furnish us with grace to walk through the world in devoted obedience to God. How good if we are well balanced enough that we do not neglect either.

THE CITIES OF JUDAH

(vs.20-63)

The list of all the cities of Judah is intended to hold true spiritual instruction, as F.W.Grant shows in his Numerical Bible in considering this chapter, for both the numbers and the meaning of the names furnish the clues for understanding its spiritual significance. But we pass over this except to mention that Judah could not drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem (v.63). This was the chief city, the city God had purposed to place His name, but it has been over all the centuries claimed by both the Jews and their enemies. David conquered Jerusalem from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-7), so that it is called "the City of David" and the kings of Judah reigned there for many years, but since the time of the kings it has suffered through constant contention from Israel's enemies, and will do so until the Lord Jesus finally subdues the whole world under His authority. Then indeed Jerusalem, called Zion, will be "the city of our God, in His holy mountain. Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, the city of the great King" (Psalms 48:1-2).

Related Commentaries of Joshua 15:1

Joshua 15:1-63

1 This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward was the uttermost part of the south coast.

2 And their south border was from the shore of the salt sea, from the baya that looketh southward:

3 And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa:

4 From thence it passed toward Azmon, and went out unto the river of Egypt; and the goings out of that coast were at the sea: this shall be your south coast.

5 And the east border was the salt sea, even unto the end of Jordan. And their border in the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the uttermost part of Jordan:

6 And the border went up to Bethhogla, and passed along by the north of Betharabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben:

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

8 And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:

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

10 And the border compassed from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto the side of mount Jearim, which is Chesalon, on the north side, and went down to Bethshemesh, and passed on to Timnah:

11 And the border went out unto the side of Ekron northward: and the border was drawn to Shicron, and passed along to mount Baalah, and went out unto Jabneel; and the goings out of the border were at the sea.

12 And the west border was to the great sea, and the coast thereof. This is the coast of the children of Judah round about according to their families.

13 And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even the cityb of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron.

14 And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

15 And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher.

16 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

17 And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

18 And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?

19 Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.

20 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.

21 And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,

22 And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,

23 And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,

24 Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth,

25 And Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, and Hezron, which is Hazor,

26 Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,

27 And Hazargaddah, and Heshmon, and Bethpalet,

28 And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,

29 Baalah, and Iim, and Azem,

30 And Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah,

31 And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,

32 And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:

33 And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,

34 And Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam,

35 Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,

36 And Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim;c fourteen cities with their villages:

37 Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdalgad,

38 And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,

39 Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon,

40 And Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kithlish,

41 And Gederoth, Bethdagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages:

42 Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,

43 And Jiphtah, and Ashnah, and Nezib,

44 And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:

45 Ekron, with her towns and her villages:

46 From Ekron even unto the sea, all that lay neard Ashdod, with their villages:

47 Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border thereof:

48 And in the mountains, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,

49 And Dannah, and Kirjathsannah, which is Debir,

50 And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim,

51 And Goshen, and Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages:

52 Arab, and Dumah, and Eshean,

53 And Janum,e and Bethtappuah, and Aphekah,

54 And Humtah, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages:

55 Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Juttah,

56 And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,

57 Cain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages:

58 Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor,

59 And Maarath, and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages:

60 Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages:

61 In the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah,

62 And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.

63 As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.