Joshua 15 23

Joshua 15:23 kjv

And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,

Joshua 15:23 nkjv

Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,

Joshua 15:23 niv

Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,

Joshua 15:23 esv

Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,

Joshua 15:23 nlt

Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 23 Meaning

Joshua 15:23 lists three towns—Kedesh, Hazor, and Ithnan—as part of the inheritance allocated to the tribe of Judah. This verse specifies towns located within the southernmost, or Negeb, region of Judah's extensive tribal territory in Canaan. It is a detailed account of the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel regarding their allotted land.

Joshua 15 23 Context

Joshua chapter 15 meticulously details the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, which received the largest portion of the land of Canaan. This allocation was by lot, as divinely commanded through Moses (Num 34), and implemented under the leadership of Joshua. Verses 21-32 list the cities assigned to Judah in its southern region, specifically the Negeb. These lists serve as an official record of the territories designated to each tribe after the initial conquest of Canaan, signifying God's fulfillment of His promise to Abraham. Joshua 15:23 is one such line item within this comprehensive register, identifying Kedesh, Hazor, and Ithnan as settled areas within Judah's assigned dominion.

Joshua 15 23 Word analysis

• Kedesh (קֶדֶשׁ, Qedesh)

  • Meaning: "holy," "sanctuary."
  • This name implies a consecrated place or a place associated with religious significance, perhaps a site where early inhabitants worshipped or where significant events occurred.
  • It is important to note that this "Kedesh" is in southern Judah, distinct from other cities of the same name, notably Kedesh-Naphtali, which was a Levitical city and a city of refuge in northern Israel. Its inclusion in Judah's Negeb list highlights its geographic specificity within the tribal inheritance.

• Hazor (חָצוֹר, Chatzor)

  • Meaning: "enclosure," "fortress," or "village."
  • This name often suggests a walled or fortified settlement, indicating strategic importance or defensive capabilities in ancient times.
  • Like Kedesh, "Hazor" is a common place name in the Bible. This Hazor is specifically in Judah's southern territory and is not to be confused with the famously large and strategically vital Hazor in the north, whose king Jabin was a formidable enemy defeated by Joshua (Josh 11:10-11) and later Sisera defeated by Deborah (Jdg 4). The presence of different cities bearing the same name reflects common geographical or structural characteristics across various regions.

• Ithnan (יִתְנָן, Yitnan)

  • Meaning: "gift" or "bounty."
  • This name is unique among the listed towns in the Old Testament and its specific etymology might allude to the nature of the region or its produce. Its meaning could be symbolic of the entire land being a divine "gift" to Israel.
  • Its mention here contributes to the precise detailing of Judah's land portion, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the land allocation.

• Words-group: "Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,"

  • This trio of cities, along with others in the surrounding verses (Josh 15:21-32), constitutes an administrative list of the specific settlements within Judah's territory in the Negeb. These are not just random names but signify established population centers and strategic points.
  • The enumeration of these places emphasizes the exactitude and deliberateness of God's division of the land among His people. It illustrates that the inheritance was tangible and specific, not vague, thus affirming the literal fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants.
  • The dry nature of these geographical lists holds profound theological weight, underscoring divine faithfulness and orderly establishment of the new nation in its promised home.

Joshua 15 23 Bonus section

• The administrative lists found in Joshua, including chapter 15, are invaluable for understanding ancient Israelite demography and geography. They serve as legal and historical documents establishing tribal claims and the fulfillment of God's word.
• The naming convention of these cities (e.g., "Kedesh" as "holy," "Hazor" as "fortress") often provided insights into their characteristics or significance in Canaanite society before Israelite possession. Israel adopted many of these existing place names, integrating their new dominion into existing settled landscapes.
• These precise land divisions, performed by lot under priestly guidance, emphasize the orderly and divinely ordained establishment of Israel as a settled nation, transitioning from nomadic existence to territorial inhabitants. This structured settlement solidified their identity and responsibilities as God's covenant people in their own land.
• The listing underscores that the entire territory was understood as a sacred trust, a stewardship from God, reinforcing that the land's bounty was a gracious gift.

Joshua 15 23 Commentary

Joshua 15:23, though seemingly a simple list of names, is deeply significant. It serves as concrete evidence of God's unfailing commitment and precision in fulfilling His promises. The act of meticulously detailing these towns within Judah's inheritance is not mere historical record-keeping; it is a testament to the sovereign hand of God orchestrating the destiny of His people. Each name on this list, including Kedesh, Hazor, and Ithnan, confirms the reality of the promised land becoming Israel's possession. While the physical occupation might not have been immediate or complete for every single city (Josh 15:63), the divine allotment was an indisputable fact. This verse, like others in these lists, underlines that the land was a gift from Yahweh, to be lived in under His covenant. It demonstrates God's detailed plan for His people, down to the very specific boundaries and individual towns within their designated portion, reinforcing His sovereignty and meticulous provision.