Joshua 15 1

Joshua 15:1 kjv

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.

Joshua 15:1 nkjv

So this was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families: The border of Edom at the Wilderness of Zin southward was the extreme southern boundary.

Joshua 15:1 niv

The allotment for the tribe of Judah, according to its clans, extended down to the territory of Edom, to the Desert of Zin in the extreme south.

Joshua 15:1 esv

The allotment for the tribe of the people of Judah according to their clans reached southward to the boundary of Edom, to the wilderness of Zin at the farthest south.

Joshua 15:1 nlt

The allotment for the clans of the tribe of Judah reached southward to the border of Edom, as far south as the wilderness of Zin.

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 1 Meaning

Joshua 15:1 initiates the detailed description of the inheritance given to the tribe of Judah. It specifically defines the southernmost boundary of their divinely allotted territory, indicating it stretched towards the land of Edom, through the wilderness of Zin, reaching the farthest point of the southern region. This verse sets the stage for a meticulous geographical demarcation of Judah's vast inheritance.

Joshua 15 1 Context

This verse initiates a pivotal section (Joshua 15:1-63) detailing the boundaries and major cities within Judah's tribal allotment. Coming after the general account of land distribution to the nine and a half tribes (Joshua 14) and Caleb's personal inheritance, chapter 15 offers a meticulous, almost surveyor-like, description of Judah's portion. This focus highlights Judah's significant role in the history of Israel, predestined by Jacob's prophecy and ultimately leading to the royal line of David and the Messiah. Historically, this meticulous demarcation reinforced the divinely sanctioned ownership of the land and established clear territorial divisions crucial for governance, defense, and identity within ancient Israel. The specific reference to the southern border underscores the proximity to and distinction from nations like Edom.

Joshua 15 1 Word analysis

• Now: Signals a transition from the general account of land division to the specific and detailed description of Judah's inheritance. It introduces a new section focused on territorial demarcation.

• the lot (Hebrew: גּוֹרָל, goral): Refers to the method used for distributing the land among the tribes (Numbers 26:55). This was not a mere chance but believed to be a means by which God's sovereign will was revealed (Proverbs 16:33). It ensured impartiality and validated the distribution as divinely ordained, precluding tribal disputes based on perceived human bias.

• for the tribe: Identifies the specific recipient of this allocation.

• of the children of Judah (Hebrew: בְנֵי יְהוּדָה, benei Yehudah): Highlights the tribe of Judah, the descendants of Jacob's fourth son. Judah was prophesied to have preeminence and eventually became the royal tribe from which King David and the Messiah would descend (Genesis 49:8-10; Revelation 5:5). Its large and significant inheritance reflects this future leadership role.

• according to their families (Hebrew: לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם, le-mishpechotam): Indicates that the land was not just allocated to the tribe as a whole, but distributed further among the family units within the tribe. This systematic approach reinforced social structure, identity, and the ability to track lineage, ensuring everyone had an inheritance tied to their ancestral heritage.

• reached to the border (Hebrew: הָיָה גְּבוּלָם, hayah gevulam): Specifies the defined boundary. This precise terminology emphasizes the tangible, fixed limits of their land, distinguishing it from adjacent territories.

• of Edom (Hebrew: אֱדוֹם, Edom): Refers to the descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin brother. Edom was a perpetual neighbor and often antagonist of Israel, located to the southeast (Numbers 20:14-21). Marking this as the border clearly delineated Israel's divinely promised land from the territories of other nations, even kinsfolk.

• the wilderness of Zin (Hebrew: מִדְבַּר צִין, Midbar Tzin): A prominent arid region in the Negev, part of Israel's southern desert. It was significant in Israel's wilderness journey (Numbers 33:36; Deuteronomy 32:51). Its mention as a boundary indicates the extreme southern limit of inhabitable or agriculturally viable land for Judah, signifying a challenging frontier.

• southward (Hebrew: נֶגְבָּה, negbah): A directional marker, confirming the southern extent of the territory.

• at the extremity of the south (Hebrew: קְצֵה הַנֶּגֶב, ketzeh hannegev): Further emphasizes the absolute southernmost point. This dual description provides unequivocal geographical clarity, ensuring there is no ambiguity about where the inherited land concluded in the south.

• Words-group Analysis

  • "the lot for the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families": This phrase underlines the divine sanction, specific recipient, and systematic, familial-based division of the land. It emphasizes that this inheritance was both sovereignly appointed by God and meticulously distributed to uphold tribal and familial identity.
  • "reached to the border of Edom, the wilderness of Zin southward, at the extremity of the south": This clause provides the exact southern limit using significant geographical markers. It showcases the precise fulfillment of God's land promises, distinguishing Israel's territory from neighboring nations and marking the frontier with a challenging wilderness region.

Joshua 15 1 Bonus section

• Theological Significance of Borders: In the biblical narrative, established borders signify more than just geographical divisions. They represent God's gift, security, and the identity of His people. A clear boundary marks the space where the covenant community is to live righteously under God's law, distinct from surrounding nations and their practices.
• Judah's Large Inheritance: Judah received the largest portion of land, indicative of its foundational and leading role among the tribes, ultimately culminating in the kingship (David) and the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:2-16). Its vastness also meant greater responsibility and challenges in conquering and settling the land.
• The Wilderness as a Boundary: The "wilderness of Zin" serving as a border highlights the often-harsh natural geographical barriers defining Israel's land. These aren't just empty spaces but challenging terrains that separated nations and were crucial for strategic defense and self-identity. This detail underscores that while the land was a gift, it required persistent effort and faith to possess and thrive in.

Joshua 15 1 Commentary

Joshua 15:1 marks the beginning of an elaborate cadastral record of the land of Judah, signifying the immediate and precise fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises to Abraham and Jacob concerning the land. The allocation by "lot" emphasizes divine providence over human discretion in land distribution, reinforcing that every square inch was granted by the Lord of Hosts, not taken by might. Judah, positioned first in this detailed list and given such extensive territory, foreshadows its prominent future in Israel's history, culminating in the Davidic dynasty and the Messiah. The description of its southern boundary – extending to Edom and the wilderness of Zin – precisely delineates the physical limits of God's grant, emphasizing a clear, non-negotiable demarcation of the holy land from other nations, and a reminder of the often rugged terrain God's people would inhabit. This meticulous detail demonstrates God's faithfulness in specific, tangible ways, securing for His people a divinely defined place for their dwelling and covenant keeping.