Detailed Explanation of Joshua 15
Introduction to Joshua 15
Joshua 15 is a pivotal chapter in the Old Testament that details the land allocation for Judah, one of the most prominent tribes of Israel. This chapter is part of the broader division of Canaan among the twelve tribes, as recorded in the Book of Joshua.
The chapter consists of:
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Judah’s Borders (Verses 1–12)
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Caleb’s Inheritance (Verses 13–19)
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Cities of Judah (Verses 20–63)
Judah’s land included important cities like Hebron, Debir, and Jerusalem, and extended from the Dead Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.
1. Judah’s Borders (Joshua 15:1–12)
The chapter begins by outlining Judah’s geographical boundaries.
Southern Border (Verses 1–4)
The southern boundary extended:
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From the Wilderness of Zin (near Edom)
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Through Kadesh-barnea
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To Hezron, Addar, and Karka
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Ended at the Brook of Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea
This border separated Judah from Edom, ensuring that Judah’s land did not extend into enemy territory.
Eastern Border (Verse 5)
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The eastern border was simple: the Dead Sea.
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This natural boundary made it easy to identify Judah’s eastern edge.
Northern Border (Verses 5–11)
The northern boundary:
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Started at the Jordan River
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Passed through Jericho and Beth-hoglah
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Went westward to Beth-arabah, the Stone of Bohan, and Debir
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Continued through Gilgal
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Reached the Valley of Achor and En-shemesh
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Passed near Jerusalem (Jebusite city)
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Ended at Kiriath-jearim
Western Border (Verse 12)
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The Mediterranean Sea formed Judah’s western boundary.
2. Caleb’s Inheritance (Joshua 15:13–19)
This section focuses on Caleb, one of the faithful spies from Numbers 13.
Caleb Receives Hebron (Verses 13–14)
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Caleb, from the tribe of Judah, was given Hebron as a special inheritance.
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He drove out the Anakim (giants), including Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai.
Caleb Conquers Debir (Verses 15–17)
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Caleb attacked Debir (formerly Kiriath-sepher).
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He promised his daughter, Acsah, in marriage to whoever conquered it.
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Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, won the battle and married Acsah.
Acsah’s Request for Water Springs (Verses 18–19)
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Acsah asked her father for water sources, since the Negev was dry.
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Caleb granted her upper and lower springs, showing his generosity.
3. Cities of Judah (Joshua 15:20–63)
This section lists over 100 cities that belonged to Judah, grouped by regions.
Cities in the South (Verses 21–32)
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Located in the dry Negev region near Edom.
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Included Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur, and Beersheba.
Cities in the Lowland (Verses 33–47)
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A fertile region with cities like Eshtaol, Zorah, Lachish, and Gaza.
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Some cities later became Philistine strongholds.
Cities in the Mountains (Verses 48–60)
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This region contained Hebron, Debir, and Jarmuth.
Cities in the Wilderness (Verses 61–62)
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Included Beth-arabah, En-gedi, and Nibshan near the Dead Sea.
Jebusites in Jerusalem (Verse 63)
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Judah could not drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem.
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This city remained under Jebusite control until King David conquered it (2 Samuel 5:6-9).
Conclusion
Joshua 15 provides a detailed account of Judah’s inheritance, including its borders, Caleb’s conquest, and a list of cities. This land would later become the kingdom of Judah, with Jerusalem as its capital.
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