Joshua 15 10

Joshua 15:10 kjv

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:

Joshua 15:10 nkjv

Then the border turned westward from Baalah to Mount Seir, passed along to the side of Mount Jearim on the north (which is Chesalon), went down to Beth Shemesh, and passed on to Timnah.

Joshua 15:10 niv

Then it curved westward from Baalah to Mount Seir, ran along the northern slope of Mount Jearim (that is, Kesalon), continued down to Beth Shemesh and crossed to Timnah.

Joshua 15:10 esv

And the boundary circles west of Baalah to Mount Seir, passes along to the northern shoulder of Mount Jearim (that is, Chesalon), and goes down to Beth-shemesh and passes along by Timnah.

Joshua 15:10 nlt

The boundary circled west of Baalah to Mount Seir, passed along to the town of Kesalon on the northern slope of Mount Jearim, and went down to Beth-shemesh and on to Timnah.

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 10 Meaning

Joshua chapter 15 verse 10 meticulously defines a section of the border for the tribe of Judah. It describes the northern boundary moving westward from the eastern side, passing over specific mountains and towns. This verse delineates a precise physical demarcation of the inheritance divinely allocated to Judah, establishing their territorial identity and future dwelling place in the Promised Land. It signifies God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises through concrete geographical apportionment.

Joshua 15 10 Context

Joshua chapter 15 details the tribal allocation of land for Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes, descended from Abraham. This chapter serves as a fulfillment of God's ancient promises regarding the land of Canaan. Following the initial conquest, the focus shifts to the detailed apportionment, ensuring each tribe received its designated inheritance as cast by lot and measured out. The preceding verses of chapter 15 define the southern and eastern borders of Judah. Verse 10 specifically describes a segment of Judah's northern border as it extends westward, providing precise geographical markers crucial for tribal identification, administration, and prevention of future territorial disputes. The meticulous listing of geographical features underscores the divine authority and permanence of these land grants. This process was foundational to Israel's identity as God's chosen people dwelling in His promised land, establishing the boundaries of their national existence.

Joshua 15 10 Word analysis

• The border: (Hebrew: ha-gevul, הַגְּבוּל) Refers to a definite demarcation. It signifies a legally established and unchangeable line. In ancient land law, borders were sacred and vital for tribal identity and resource management.
• turns: (Hebrew: wə-nāsūaʿ, וְנָשׂוּעַ, from the root nasah, נָסַע) Indicates a significant change in direction. The line is not straight but adapts to natural terrain. This word can also mean to journey or set out, implying dynamic movement of the border survey.
• westward: (Hebrew: yamah, יָמָּה) Literally "seaward" or "towards the sea," referring to the Mediterranean Sea. This fixed reference point helps establish geographical orientation for the reader and confirms the direction of the border segment.
• Mount Seir: (Hebrew: Har Se'ir, הַר שֵׂעִיר) Not the Edomite region Mount Seir, but a specific mountain feature within Judah's assigned territory. This demonstrates the detailed topographic knowledge embedded in the description. The use of this specific mountain distinguishes it as a clear landmark in the landscape.
• and crosses over: (Hebrew: wə-ʿāvar, וְעָבַר) Implies passing beyond or traversing. The border moves over this landmark, indicating its precise path.
• to the shoulder of Mount Jearim: (Hebrew: ʾel katef Har Yeʿarim, אֶל־כֶּתֶף הַר יְעָרִים) "Shoulder" here means a side or slope of the mountain, a ridge or flank. "Jearim" (יְעָרִים) means "forests" or "woods," so "Mount of Forests." This detailed topographical term shows the granular level of border definition, relying on specific natural features.
• that is, Kesalon: This parenthetical clarification indicates that "Mount Jearim" is also known as "Kesalon." Such dual naming conventions were common, providing precision and preventing ambiguity for contemporary readers. Kesalon served as a landmark.
• then it descends: (Hebrew: wə-yārad, וְיָרַד) The border takes a downward course, continuing to follow the terrain.
• to Beth-shemesh: (Hebrew: Bet Shemesh, בֵּית־שֶׁמֶשׁ) Means "house of the sun." This town was a significant point on the boundary, likely a population center. Its name might suggest a pre-Israelite pagan sun-worship site, now brought under Israelite, Yahwistic control, illustrating divine sovereignty over all territory, sacred or secular.
• and passes on to Timnah: (Hebrew: wə-yāṣāʾ ʾel Timnah, וְיָצָא אֶל־תִּמְנָה) "Passes on" or "goes out to" Timnah. Timnah was an important Philistine border city (though briefly held by Judah), making it a crucial point for demarcation against external territories. Its inclusion highlights Judah's control up to the borders of the Philistine plains.

Joshua 15 10 Bonus section

The detailed boundary descriptions throughout Joshua, including this verse, serve as an ancient form of land title deed. They are not merely geographical notes but convey legal and theological weight. Scholars have found that these boundaries align remarkably well with geographical realities, testifying to their authenticity and the thoroughness of the ancient record-keeping process. This divine surveying establishes a foundation for Israelite societal structure, resource management, and a sense of belonging for generations. It sets the precedent for recognizing God's active involvement in the daily lives and material blessings of His people, illustrating that even physical borders are part of His divine plan for order and flourishing.

Joshua 15 10 Commentary

Joshua 15:10, along with the surrounding verses, presents a meticulous, almost surveyors-manual-like description of Judah's northern boundary. This precision reflects several profound theological and historical realities. Firstly, it underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham concerning the land (Gen 15). The very detailed geographical lines are evidence of a tangible inheritance. Secondly, the accuracy of these boundaries served a crucial practical purpose for the ancient Israelites: they established tribal identity, defined communal ownership, and provided a legal basis for settling disputes, particularly regarding property. This was essential for the order and stability of the nascent Israelite nation. The inclusion of specific topographical features like mountains, ridges, and valleys (e.g., Mount Jearim, Kesalon) demonstrates the profound connection between the people and the land. Furthermore, the mention of "Beth-shemesh" ("house of the sun") is significant. If this indeed indicates a former pagan site, its inclusion within Judah's holy land suggests God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, effectively sanctifying or reclaiming land once potentially used for idol worship. This detailed land distribution was not arbitrary but was perceived as a divine mandate, securing each tribe's lot according to God's purpose, setting them apart within their designated boundaries. It's a testament to the divine orchestrator behind Israel's establishment.