Bible Commentaries
Joshua 15

Introduction

Overview

Joshua 15:1, The borders of the lot Judah; Joshua 15:13, Caleb’s portion and conquest; Joshua 15:16, Othniel, for his valour, hath Achsah, Caleb’s daughter, to wife; Joshua 15:18, She obtains a blessing of her father; Joshua 15:21, The cities of Judah; Joshua 15:63, The Jebusites unconquered.

Verse 1

am 2561, bc 1443, An, Ex, Is, 48

This then was the lot: The geography of the sacred writings presents many difficulties, occasioned by the changes which Canaan has undergone, especially for the last 2,000 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 a vestige of them remains. On these accounts it is very difficult to ascertain the precise situation of many places mentioned in these chapters; but this cannot in any measure affect the truth of the narrative. Joshua 14:2, Numbers 26:55, Numbers 26:56

even to the: Numbers 33:36, Numbers 33:37, Numbers 34:3-5, Ezekiel 47:19

Reciprocal: Numbers 13:21 - from the wilderness of Zin Numbers 20:1 - Kadesh Numbers 33:54 - give the less inheritance Numbers 34:17 - are the names Joshua 18:5 - Judah shall Joshua 18:8 - that I may here Joshua 18:11 - between the children Joshua 18:19 - this was the Ezekiel 48:7 - Judah

Verse 2

the salt sea: Joshua 3:16, Genesis 14:3, Numbers 34:3, Ezekiel 47:8, Ezekiel 47:18

bay: Heb. tongue, Isaiah 11:15

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 3:17 - the sea Joshua 12:3 - the sea Joshua 18:19 - bay Judges 1:36 - from the going

Verse 3

Maalehacrabbim: or, the going up to Acrabbim, Numbers 34:4, Judges 1:36

Zin: Genesis 14:7, Numbers 20:1, Numbers 32:8

Adar: Probably the same as Hazar-addar, Numbers 34:4.

Karkaa: 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.

Reciprocal: Numbers 13:17 - southward

Verse 4

Azmon: The last city they possessed towards Egypt; east of the River of Egypt or Rhinocorura. Numbers 34:5

river: Joshua 13:3, Exodus 23:31

Reciprocal: Genesis 15:18 - from Numbers 34:4 - Hazaraddar Joshua 15:47 - the river 1 Samuel 30:10 - the brook Besor 2 Kings 24:7 - from the river

Verse 5

Numbers 34:12

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 3:17 - the sea Joshua 12:3 - the sea

Verse 6

Bethhogla: Probably the Bethagla mentioned by Jerome is the same as the "threshing-floor of Atad," - Genesis 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. Joshua 18:19, Joshua 18:20

the stone: Joshua 18:17

Reciprocal: Joshua 15:61 - Betharabah Joshua 18:18 - Arabah Joshua 18:21 - Bethhoglah Joshua 18:22 - Betharabah

Verse 7

Debir: Joshua 15:15, Joshua 10:38, Joshua 10:39

the valley: Joshua 7:26, Isaiah 65:10, Hosea 2:5

Gilgal: Joshua 4:19, Joshua 5:9, Joshua 5:10, Joshua 10:43

Adummim: A town and mountain of Benjamin - Joshua 18:17, near Jericho, towards Jerusalem.

Enshemesh: 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. 2 Samuel 17:17, 1 Kings 1:9

Reciprocal: Joshua 7:24 - the valley Joshua 18:16 - Enrogel

Verse 8

valley of the son: A valley near to Jerusalem. Joshua 18:16, 2 Kings 23:10, 2 Chronicles 28:3, Jeremiah 7:31, Jeremiah 7:32, Jeremiah 19:2, Jeremiah 19:6, Jeremiah 19:14

the Jebusite: Joshua 15:63, Joshua 18:28, Judges 1:8, Judges 1:21, Judges 19:10

valley of the giants: Situated apparently west of Jerusalem and mount Moriah. Joshua 18:16, 2 Samuel 5:18, 2 Samuel 5:22, Isaiah 17:5, the valley of Rephaim

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 11:15 - Rephaim Nehemiah 11:30 - the valley

Verse 9

Nephtoah: Joshua 18:15

Baalah: A city near Bethshemesh, and, according to Eusebius, nine miles from Jerusalem, in going towards Diospolis. 2 Samuel 6:2, 1 Chronicles 13:6

Kirjathjearim: Joshua 9:17, Judges 18:12

Reciprocal: Joshua 15:29 - Baalah Joshua 17:18 - the mountain Joshua 18:14 - Kirjathbaal Judges 17:1 - mount 1 Chronicles 2:50 - Kirjathjearim 2 Chronicles 13:19 - Ephrain John 11:54 - Ephraim

Verse 10

Bethshemesh: Placed by Eusebius ten miles east from Eleutheropolis, towards Nicopolis. 1 Samuel 6:12-21

Timnah: Joshua 15:57, Genesis 38:13, Judges 14:1, Judges 14:5

Reciprocal: Genesis 38:12 - Timnath Joshua 21:16 - Bethshemesh 1 Samuel 6:9 - Bethshemesh 2 Samuel 6:2 - Baale 1 Chronicles 6:59 - Bethshemesh 2 Chronicles 28:18 - Bethshemesh

Verse 11

Ekron: Joshua 15:45, Joshua 19:43, 1 Samuel 5:10, 1 Samuel 7:14, 2 Kings 1:2, 2 Kings 1:3, 2 Kings 1:6, 2 Kings 1:16

mount Baalah: Joshua 19:44

Verse 12

the great sea: Joshua 15:47, Numbers 34:6, Numbers 34:7, Deuteronomy 11:24, Ezekiel 47:20

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 34:2 - unto Joshua 9:1 - of the great

Verse 13

Caleb: Joshua 14:6-15, Numbers 13:30, Numbers 14:23, Numbers 14:24, Deuteronomy 1:34-36

the city of Arba: or, Kirjath-arba, Joshua 14:15

Reciprocal: Genesis 35:27 - Mamre Numbers 13:6 - Caleb Numbers 13:22 - Ahiman Joshua 10:36 - Hebron Joshua 11:21 - the Anakims Joshua 14:13 - gave unto Joshua 15:54 - Kirjatharba Joshua 21:11 - the city of Arba Judges 1:9 - afterward Judges 1:10 - Sheshai Judges 1:12 - And Caleb Judges 1:20 - they gave 1 Samuel 30:14 - Caleb 1 Chronicles 4:15 - Caleb 1 Chronicles 6:55 - Hebron 1 Chronicles 6:56 - the fields

Verse 14

Joshua 10:36, Joshua 10:37, Joshua 11:21, Numbers 13:22, Numbers 13:23, Judges 1:10, Judges 1:20

Reciprocal: Numbers 13:28 - saw the Deuteronomy 1:28 - we have seen Joshua 14:12 - I shall Joshua 21:11 - the city of Arba Joshua 23:9 - no man

Verse 15

Joshua 10:3, Joshua 10:38, Judges 1:11-13

Reciprocal: Joshua 15:7 - Debir Joshua 15:49 - Kirjathsannah

Verse 16

Judges 1:6, Judges 1:12, Judges 1:13

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 17:25 - the king 2 Samuel 5:8 - Whosoever 1 Chronicles 11:6 - Whosoever

Verse 17

Othniel: Judges 1:13, Judges 3:9, Judges 3:11

Kenaz: Joshua 14:6, Numbers 32:12

Achsah: 1 Chronicles 2:49

Reciprocal: Judges 1:12 - And Caleb 2 Samuel 5:8 - Whosoever 1 Chronicles 4:13 - Kenaz 1 Chronicles 11:6 - Whosoever

Verse 18

she lighted: Genesis 24:64, 1 Samuel 25:23

Reciprocal: Judges 1:14 - And it came Job 42:15 - gave Proverbs 31:16 - considereth

Verse 19

Give me: Judges 1:14, Judges 1:15

a blessing: Genesis 33:11, Deuteronomy 33:7, 1 Samuel 25:27, 2 Corinthians 9:5, *marg.

Reciprocal: Job 42:15 - gave

Verse 20

Genesis 49:8-12, Deuteronomy 33:7

Verse 21

Kabzeel: Nehemiah 11:25

Eder: Genesis 35:21

Reciprocal: Joshua 10:40 - all the country 2 Samuel 23:20 - Kabzeel 1 Chronicles 11:22 - Kabzeel Jeremiah 17:26 - from the cities Obadiah 1:19 - the south

Verse 22

Reciprocal: Nehemiah 11:25 - Dibon

Verse 23

Kedesh: Joshua 12:22, Numbers 33:37, Deuteronomy 1:19

Hazor: The LXX read ףןסישםבים, for Hazar-Ithnan, regarding these two as one city.

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 6:72 - Kedesh

Verse 24

Ziph: Eusebius and Jerome say, that Ziph was a village in their time eight miles east from Hebron. 1 Samuel 23:14, 1 Samuel 23:19, 1 Samuel 23:24, Psalms 54:1, *title

Telem: 1 Samuel 15:4

Reciprocal: Joshua 15:55 - Ziph 1 Samuel 26:1 - Ziphites 1 Chronicles 2:42 - Ziph 2 Chronicles 11:8 - Ziph

Verse 25

Hazor: Or, rather, Hazar-hadattah, or, as the LXX, Alexandrian, and Vulgate render ףשס ח ךביםח, Asor nova, "New Hazor," to distinguish it from the preceding (Joshua 15:28), and following Hazor. Eusebius and Jerome say it was a village in their time, on the eastern confines of Askelon.

Kerioth: Or, rather, Kerioth-Hezron: LXX בי נןכויע (Alex. נןכיע) ףוסשם, "the cities (city) of Hezron." Joshua 15:25

Verse 26

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. 1 Chronicles 4:28

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 5:8 - Azaz Nehemiah 11:26 - Moladah

Verse 27

Hazargaddah: This is apparently the city which Eusebius calls ףוס; which he says, was, in his time, a town situated between Askalon and Ashdod.

Bethpalet: Nehemiah 11:26

Verse 28

Hazarshual: Joshua 19:3, 1 Chronicles 4:28

Beersheba: Joshua 19:2, Genesis 21:14, Genesis 21:31-33, Genesis 26:33

Bizjothjah: Instead of Bizjothjah, the LXX read, "and their towns and villages.

Reciprocal: Genesis 22:19 - to Beersheba Joshua 15:25 - Hazor Nehemiah 11:27 - General

Verse 29

Baalah: Joshua 15:9-11, Joshua 19:3

Azem: 1 Chronicles 4:29

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 4:28 - Beersheba

Verse 30

Hormah: Joshua 19:4, Numbers 14:45, Deuteronomy 1:44, Judges 1:17

Verse 31

Ziklag: Joshua 19:5, 1 Samuel 27:6, 1 Samuel 30:1, 1 Chronicles 12:1

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 2:49 - the father of Madmannah 1 Chronicles 4:30 - Ziklag Nehemiah 11:28 - Ziklag Isaiah 10:31 - Madmenah

Verse 32

Ain: Probably the גחטבםים of Eusebius, four miles from Hebron. Numbers 34:11

Rimmon: Nehemiah 11:29

Reciprocal: Numbers 33:19 - Rimmonparez Joshua 19:6 - Bethlebaoth Joshua 19:7 - Ain Judges 20:45 - Rimmon Judges 21:13 - the rock Rimmon Zechariah 14:10 - Rimmon

Verse 33

Eshtaol: This town is placed by Eusebius ten mile from Eleutheropolis, towards Nicopolis, and it is supposed to be a wretched village, called Esdad, about 15 miles south of Yebna. Joshua 19:41, Numbers 13:23, Judges 13:25, Judges 16:31

Zoreah: A town near to Eshtaol, placed at ten miles' distance n of Eleutheropolis by Eusebius.

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 17:52 - valley 1 Chronicles 2:53 - the Zareathites 1 Chronicles 4:2 - Zorathites 2 Chronicles 11:10 - Zorah Nehemiah 11:29 - Zareah Obadiah 1:19 - the plain

Verse 34

Tappuah: Joshua 15:53, Joshua 12:17

Reciprocal: Genesis 38:14 - an open place Joshua 17:8 - of Tappuah Joshua 18:25 - Ramah 1 Chronicles 4:18 - Jekuthiel Nehemiah 3:13 - Zanoah Nehemiah 11:30 - Zanoah

Verse 35

Jarmuth: Joshua 10:3, Joshua 10:23, Joshua 12:11, Nehemiah 11:29

Adullam: Joshua 12:15, 1 Samuel 22:1, Micah 1:15

Socoh: Eusebius says, there were two cities of Socoh, an upper and lower, nine miles from Eleutheropolis, towards Jerusalem. Joshua 15:48, 1 Samuel 17:1, 1 Chronicles 4:18

Azekah: Eusebius and Jerome say there was a town of this name in their time, between Jerusalem and Eleutheropolis. Joshua 10:10, 1 Samuel 17:1

Reciprocal: Genesis 38:1 - Adullamite Genesis 38:12 - Timnath 2 Samuel 23:13 - the cave 1 Kings 4:10 - Sochoh 2 Chronicles 11:7 - Shoco 2 Chronicles 11:9 - Lachish Nehemiah 11:30 - Azekah Jeremiah 34:7 - Lachish

Verse 36

Sharaim: 1 Samuel 17:52

Adithaim: Eusebius mentions two cities, called Adatha, one towards Gaza, and the other east of Lydda.

and Gederothaim: or, or, fourteen cities, There are fifteen in all; but the two last seem to be only two names of the same city.

Reciprocal: Joshua 12:13 - Geder 1 Chronicles 4:4 - Gedor 1 Chronicles 12:4 - Gederathite

Verse 37

Reciprocal: Genesis 38:12 - Timnath

Verse 38

Mizpeh: Genesis 31:48, Genesis 31:49, Judges 20:1, Judges 21:5, 1 Samuel 7:5, 1 Samuel 7:6, 1 Samuel 7:16, 1 Samuel 10:17

Joktheel: 2 Kings 14:7

Reciprocal: Judges 11:11 - Mizpeh 2 Chronicles 16:6 - Mizpah Jeremiah 40:6 - Mizpah

Verse 39

Lachish: Joshua 10:3, Joshua 10:31, Joshua 10:32, Joshua 12:11, 2 Kings 18:14, 2 Kings 18:17, 2 Kings 19:8

Bozkath: 2 Kings 22:1

Eglon: Joshua 10:3, Joshua 12:12

Reciprocal: Joshua 10:34 - Eglon 2 Chronicles 11:9 - Lachish 2 Chronicles 32:9 - Lachish Nehemiah 11:30 - Lachish Isaiah 37:8 - Lachish Jeremiah 34:7 - Lachish Micah 1:13 - Lachish

Verse 41

Makkedah: Joshua 10:21, Joshua 10:28, Joshua 12:16

Reciprocal: Joshua 10:10 - Makkedah 2 Chronicles 28:18 - Gederoth

Verse 42

Libnah: Joshua 10:29, Joshua 12:15, 2 Kings 8:22

Ether: Joshua 19:7

Reciprocal: Joshua 21:13 - Libnah Joshua 21:16 - Ain 1 Samuel 30:30 - Chorashan 2 Kings 19:8 - Libnah 1 Chronicles 6:57 - Libnah 1 Chronicles 6:59 - Ashan Jeremiah 52:1 - Libnah

Verse 44

Keilah: 1 Samuel 23:1-14

Achzib: Genesis 38:5, Micah 1:14

Mareshah: Micah 1:15

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 4:19 - Keilah 2 Chronicles 11:8 - Mareshah 2 Chronicles 14:9 - Mareshah Nehemiah 3:17 - Keilah

Verse 45

Ekron: Joshua 13:3, 1 Samuel 5:10, 1 Samuel 6:17, Amos 1:8, Zephaniah 2:4, Zechariah 9:5-7

Reciprocal: Joshua 15:11 - Ekron Joshua 19:43 - Ekron Judges 1:18 - General 1 Samuel 17:52 - valley Obadiah 1:19 - the plain

Verse 46

near: Heb. by the place of, 1 Samuel 5:1, 1 Samuel 5:6, 2 Chronicles 26:6, Nehemiah 13:23, Nehemiah 13:24, Isaiah 20:1, Amos 1:8

Reciprocal: Joshua 11:22 - Ashdod 1 Samuel 17:52 - valley Obadiah 1:19 - the plain Acts 8:40 - at

Verse 47

Gaza: Judges 16:1-21, Jeremiah 47:1, Jeremiah 47:5, Amos 1:6, Amos 1:7, Zephaniah 2:4, Acts 8:26

the river: Joshua 15:4, Joshua 13:3, Exodus 23:31, Numbers 34:5, Numbers 34:6

Reciprocal: Joshua 15:12 - the great sea Acts 8:40 - at

Verse 48

Jattir: Joshua 21:14

Reciprocal: Joshua 15:35 - Socoh Judges 10:1 - Shamir 1 Samuel 30:27 - Jattir 1 Chronicles 4:18 - Socho 1 Chronicles 6:57 - Jattir 2 Chronicles 28:18 - Shocho Luke 1:39 - into

Verse 49

Kirjathsannah: Joshua 15:15, Judges 1:11

Reciprocal: Joshua 10:38 - Debir Joshua 21:15 - Debir 1 Chronicles 6:58 - Debir

Verse 50

Reciprocal: Joshua 21:14 - Eshtemoa 1 Samuel 30:28 - Eshtemoa 1 Chronicles 4:17 - Eshtemoa

Verse 51

Goshen: Joshua 10:41, Joshua 11:16

Giloh: 2 Samuel 15:12

Reciprocal: Joshua 21:15 - Holon 1 Chronicles 6:58 - Hilen

Verse 52

Dumah: Isaiah 21:11

Verse 53

Janum: or, Janus, Joshua 15:53

Reciprocal: Joshua 15:34 - Tappuah Joshua 17:8 - of Tappuah 1 Samuel 4:1 - Aphek

Verse 54

Kirjatharba: Joshua 15:13, Joshua 14:15, Genesis 23:2

Reciprocal: Joshua 10:3 - king of Jerusalem Joshua 10:36 - Hebron Joshua 21:11 - the city of Arba Joshua 21:13 - Hebron

Verse 55

Maon: 1 Samuel 23:25, 1 Samuel 25:2, 1 Samuel 25:7, 2 Chronicles 26:10, Isaiah 35:2

Carmel: 1 Kings 18:42

Ziph: Joshua 15:24, 1 Samuel 23:14, 1 Samuel 23:15, 1 Samuel 26:1, 1 Samuel 26:2

Reciprocal: Joshua 12:22 - Carmel Joshua 21:16 - Juttah Judges 10:12 - the Maonites 1 Samuel 15:12 - Carmel 1 Samuel 23:24 - Maon 1 Chronicles 6:60 - thirteen cities

Verse 56

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 25:43 - Jezreel 1 Chronicles 3:1 - Jezreelitess Nehemiah 3:13 - Zanoah

Verse 57

Timnah: Joshua 15:10, Genesis 38:12, Jeremiah 14:1

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 2:49 - Gibea

Verse 58

Gedor: 1 Chronicles 4:39

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 2:45 - Bethzur 1 Chronicles 4:18 - the father of 1 Chronicles 12:7 - Gedor 2 Chronicles 11:7 - Bethzur Nehemiah 3:16 - Bethzur

Verse 60

Kirjathbaal: Joshua 18:14, 1 Samuel 7:1

Reciprocal: Joshua 9:17 - Kirjathjearim Judges 18:12 - Kirjathjearim 2 Samuel 6:2 - Baale 1 Chronicles 2:50 - Kirjathjearim 1 Chronicles 13:6 - Baalah Jeremiah 26:20 - Kirjathjearim

Verse 61

Betharabah: Joshua 15:6, Joshua 18:18

Reciprocal: Joshua 16:1 - the water 1 Kings 2:34 - in the Matthew 3:1 - the wilderness

Verse 62

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. 1 Samuel 23:29, 2 Chronicles 20:2

Reciprocal: Genesis 14:7 - Hazezontamar Deuteronomy 11:29 - General Song of Solomon 1:14 - Engedi Matthew 3:1 - the wilderness

Verse 63

Judges 1:8, Judges 1:21, 2 Samuel 5:6-9, 1 Chronicles 11:4-8, Romans 7:14-21

Reciprocal: Exodus 23:29 - in one year Deuteronomy 7:22 - thou mayest Joshua 10:3 - king of Jerusalem Joshua 11:3 - the Jebusite Joshua 15:8 - the Jebusite Joshua 16:10 - they drave Joshua 17:12 - General Joshua 18:16 - Jebusi Joshua 18:28 - Jebusi Judges 19:10 - Jebus Judges 19:11 - the Jebusites 2 Samuel 24:16 - the Jebusite 1 Kings 9:21 - not 1 Chronicles 8:28 - dwelt Psalms 106:34 - did not Psalms 106:35 - But Jeremiah 6:1 - O ye