Joshua 15 21

Joshua 15:21 kjv

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

Joshua 15:21 nkjv

The cities at the limits of the tribe of the children of Judah, toward the border of Edom in the South, were Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur,

Joshua 15:21 niv

The southernmost towns of the tribe of Judah in the Negev toward the boundary of Edom were: Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur,

Joshua 15:21 esv

The cities belonging to the tribe of the people of Judah in the extreme south, toward the boundary of Edom, were Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur,

Joshua 15:21 nlt

The towns of Judah situated along the borders of Edom in the extreme south were Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur,

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 21 Meaning

Joshua chapter 15 verse 21 commences a detailed inventory of the cities assigned to the tribe of Judah within its vast allocated territory. This particular verse initiates the listing of cities situated in the southernmost region of Judah's inheritance, specifically those bordering Edom, thereby delineating a significant and strategic part of Judah's tribal boundary and divine possession of the Promised Land. The names Kabzeel, Eder, and Jagur represent foundational locations within this frontier zone, emphasizing the meticulous fulfillment of God's covenant promises to His people, Israel.

Joshua 15 21 Context

Joshua 15 describes the extensive land allotment for the tribe of Judah, the largest and most influential tribe, by divine lottery as instructed by the Lord through Moses. Following a general description of Judah's borders from the Salt Sea, southward towards Edom, westward to the Great Sea, and northward towards Jerusalem, the chapter proceeds to list cities within Judah's vast inheritance. Verses 21-62 are a comprehensive enumeration of these cities, categorized by geographic region (South, Lowland, Hill Country, Wilderness), underscoring the specific fulfillment of God's promises of land. Joshua 15:21 introduces the southern cluster of cities in the Negeb (arid southern region), serving as boundary markers with the historical adversary, Edom, highlighting the precise and tangible nature of Israel's new territory. Historically, this allocation would serve as legal documentation and tribal identity, ensuring proper inheritance and demonstrating the meticulous execution of divine will.

Joshua 15 21 Word analysis

• And: (וְ – wĕ) - A common Hebrew conjunction, serving to connect clauses or ideas, here linking to the previous discussion of Judah's general boundary. It signifies a continuation and a shift from describing the entire boundary to listing specific locations within it.
• the uttermost: (הַקְצֵה – haqtsēh, from קָצֶה – qātseh) - Means "the end," "extremity," "fringe," or "border." It indicates these cities are on the furthest edges or limits of Judah's southern territory. This term emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the land allocation, extending to its very boundaries.
• cities: (עָרִים – ‘ârîm) - Plural of עִיר (‘îr), meaning "city" or "town." These were typically fortified settlements, significant for administrative control, defense, and population centers. Their naming underscores the concreteness of the land given by God.
• of the tribe: (לְמַטֵּה – lemaṭṭeh) - From מַטֶּה (maṭṭeh), meaning "staff" or "rod," extended to signify a "tribe" due to a chief's staff symbolizing his authority. It signifies the designated governmental and familial unit of Israel.
• of the children: (בְּנֵי – benê) - "Sons of" or "descendants of." A common Hebrew construct to denote the members of a group or clan.
• of Judah: (יְהוּדָה – Yĕhûḏâ) - The fourth son of Jacob and Leah; the ancestor of the most prominent Israelite tribe from which kings (including David and Jesus) would descend. This chapter focuses specifically on their extensive inheritance.
• toward the coast: (עַל־גְּבוּל – ‘al-gĕbûl) - Literally "upon the boundary" or "border." גְּבוּל (gĕbûl) means a "boundary," "territory," or "landmark." This indicates these cities directly define or are located alongside a frontier.
• of Edom: (אֱדוֹם – ’Ĕḏôm) - A nation to the southeast of Israel, descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. Edom was often hostile to Israel (Num 20:14-21, 1 Sam 14:47) and represented a key geopolitical boundary. Their mention highlights both Judah's furthest extent and its neighbors.
• southward: (נֶגְבָּה – negbâh) - Literally "to the Negeb," referring to the semi-arid southern region of Judah. This directional indicator specifies the area of these "uttermost" cities, contrasting with other regions of Judah's territory.
• were: (הָיוּ – hāyû) - From the verb הָיָה (hâyâh), "to be" or "to become." It confirms the identity and existence of these cities within Judah's possession.
• Kabzeel: (קַבְצְאֵל – Qabtsĕ’ēl) - A city in the extreme south of Judah, possibly meaning "God gathers" or "assembly of God." It is known as the hometown of Benaiah, one of David's mighty men (2 Sam 23:20, 1 Chr 11:22). Its presence here underscores historical continuity and significance.
• and Eder: (וְעֵדֶר – wĕ‘êdēr) - Possibly meaning "flock." Its exact location is debated, but it is listed among these southern frontier cities.
• and Jagur: (וְיָגוּר – wĕyāgûr) - Another city whose precise location is uncertain, located within the same southern group, reinforcing the detailed listing of boundary towns.

Words-group analysis:

• "And the uttermost cities...": This phrase immediately establishes the meticulous nature of the land allocation. It’s not just general boundaries but the specific towns marking those extreme points, acting as definitive territorial markers. This reflects God's faithfulness in providing a clear, tangible inheritance.
• "of the tribe of the children of Judah": This highlights the legal and genealogical precision. The land is specifically designated for this particular tribal entity, solidifying its identity and role in the nascent nation. It implies both right of possession and responsibility for governance.
• "toward the coast of Edom southward": This geographical and political boundary definition is crucial. Edom, descended from Esau, was a perpetual rival of Israel (Jacob), representing the historic division. These cities marked Judah’s distinct separation and legitimate claim up to that defined frontier, preventing border disputes with their kin-nation to the south-east and reaffirming God's specific inheritance to Israel over that of Esau. The designation "southward" or "Negeb" highlights the unique and challenging desert region that still formed part of their sacred inheritance.
• "Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur": The specific naming of these three cities at the outset of the Negeb list emphasizes the concrete reality of the inheritance. These aren't mythical places but specific locations that Israelites could recognize and inhabit. Such detailed lists were common in ancient Near Eastern land grants and treaties, lending the divine grant legal validity and permanence in the eyes of the original audience. The specific mention of Kabzeel (hometown of a prominent warrior) also anchors the list to known historical figures within Israel's collective memory.

Joshua 15 21 Bonus section

The lists of cities in Joshua, particularly those detailing tribal boundaries like Judah's in chapter 15, are remarkably unique in ancient Near Eastern literature due to their extensive scope and legalistic precision. They often contain place names whose exact modern locations are still debated, reflecting the passage of millennia and changes in habitation. The focus on "uttermost cities" implies not just possession, but responsibility for defense and administration of these strategic frontier regions. The inclusion of three cities (Kabzeel, Eder, Jagur) is just the beginning of a lengthy catalogue of 137 cities within Judah's vast territory, illustrating the massive scale of their inheritance and their significant role among the tribes of Israel, as prophesied by Jacob (Gen 49:8-10). The Negeb itself, being a challenging arid region, speaks to God's provision even in harsh landscapes.

Joshua 15 21 Commentary

Joshua 15:21 sets the stage for the highly detailed account of Judah's inheritance by commencing with its southernmost "uttermost" cities, facing the ancient adversary of Edom. This precise enumeration served multiple critical purposes. Firstly, it stands as undeniable evidence of God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating the fulfillment of His ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the gift of the land (Gen 12:7, Gen 15:18). Every city named represented a piece of that divine pledge becoming tangible reality. Secondly, these detailed lists acted as official legal documents, confirming the legitimate tribal claims to the land, defining boundaries to prevent inter-tribal disputes, and ensuring administrative clarity for future generations. The meticulous record highlights divine sovereignty over every inch of the land. Thirdly, situating these cities on the border with Edom underscored the distinct identity and separation of God's people, Israel, from neighboring nations, even those of related lineage (Esau/Edom). It implicitly reinforces the unique position of Israel as recipients of a divine, not merely a conquered, inheritance. These geographical details were not arbitrary but were crucial to understanding the political and spiritual landscape of the newly formed nation. This systematic documentation reveals God's meticulous nature and His intention for ordered, peaceable possession of the land He provided.