Joshua 15 31

Joshua 15:31 kjv

And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,

Joshua 15:31 nkjv

Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah,

Joshua 15:31 niv

Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah,

Joshua 15:31 esv

Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah,

Joshua 15:31 nlt

Ziklag, Madmannah, Sansannah,

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 31 Meaning

Joshua 15:31 lists three cities – Ziklag, Madmannah, and Sansannah – as part of the territory allocated to the tribe of Judah. This verse serves as a record of Judah's inheritance within the southern portion of the Promised Land, specifically detailing part of the cities situated in the Negev region. Its primary meaning is to document the fulfillment of God's covenant promise by specifying the territorial possessions for one of the twelve tribes of Israel during the division of the land under Joshua.

Joshua 15 31 Context

Joshua chapter 15 meticulously details the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the tribes. Following the conquest campaigns, the land division among the tribes was a critical step in fulfilling God's covenant with Israel. This chapter specifies Judah's geographical boundaries from the Dead Sea in the east, southward into the Negev, westward to the Mediterranean, and northward towards Jerusalem. Within this broad delineation, the text provides lengthy lists of specific cities, organized by regions (e.g., Negev, Shephelah, Hill Country), demonstrating the completeness and precise nature of the allocation. Verse 31 specifically falls within the list of cities in the "uttermost part of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward" (Josh 15:21), delineating the southern Negev cities given to Judah. This detailed mapping solidified Judah's claim, marking it as a fulfillment of divine promise and establishing administrative boundaries in the nascent nation of Israel.

Joshua 15 31 Word analysis

• And (וְ - wə-): A simple conjunctive particle. In this context, it links the preceding list of cities in Joshua 15:21-30 with this current group, signifying a continuous enumeration of Judah's allotted territories. It demonstrates the meticulous nature of the record.
• Ziklag (צִקְלַג - Tsiklāḡ): The first city named. Its etymology is uncertain, possibly from a Philistine origin meaning "winding" or "foot-press." In the immediate context of Joshua, it is listed as a city assigned to Judah. Its historical significance is profoundly highlighted much later during the time of David, where it served as his residence while in Philistine service before becoming king of Judah (1 Sam 27:6, 30:1). This indicates that the boundaries described in Joshua represented ideal, divinely sanctioned claims, though full possession could fluctuate throughout Israel's history. Its inclusion here marks its destined place within God's people's inheritance, despite later foreign occupation.
• And (וְ - wə-): Again, a conjunction, continuing the list.
• Madmannah (מַדְמַנָּה - Madmannāh): From a root possibly related to "dung-heap" or "manure-pile," suggesting an agricultural or pastoral settlement, perhaps where manure was collected for fields or that it was a place of barrenness later used for productive farming. It is a lesser-known city compared to Ziklag and is not frequently mentioned elsewhere in scripture, emphasizing that every corner and detail of the promised land was allocated according to God's precise plan, regardless of its future historical prominence.
• And (וְ - wə-): A connecting conjunction.
• Sansannah (סַנְסַנָּה - Sansannāh): The third city in this triplet. The name might derive from a word meaning "palm branch" or "thorn bush." Similar to Madmannah, Sansannah is not prominent in other biblical narratives. Its inclusion signifies the meticulousness of the land allocation and reinforces that God's detailed plan encompasses even less remarkable places, underscoring the completeness of the fulfillment of the promise to give Israel the entire land.
• Ziklag, Madmannah, and Sansannah: As a group, these three cities are listed as one of the groups of towns given to Judah, along with their surrounding villages, although the latter detail is omitted in verse 31 for brevity, implied from the preceding verses (e.g., Josh 15:21). Their placement at the extreme southern edge of Judah’s territory emphasizes the vast extent of the land divinely bestowed upon the tribe, stretching deep into the Negev, an arid or semi-arid region. These names serve as tangible markers of God’s faithfulness in providing an inheritance to His people.

Joshua 15 31 Bonus section

The extensive lists of cities in Joshua, like the one found in verse 31, suggest the existence of a highly organized system of land demarcation, possibly derived from early Israelite surveys or administrative documents. These lists are not merely geographical notations but carry significant legal and theological weight, serving as proof of divine allocation and rightful inheritance. The recurring formulaic language across different tribal allotments ("their villages") reinforces this, indicating a standardized approach to describing territory. Furthermore, the mention of these precise locations provides historical anchor points that attest to the literal fulfillment of the promise given to the patriarchs centuries prior. These chapters underscore that the giving of the land was a divinely orchestrated act, critical to Israel's identity as a covenant people called to inhabit a promised land.

Joshua 15 31 Commentary

Joshua 15:31, though merely a list of three city names, is far from inconsequential. It represents a meticulously documented aspect of God's covenant fulfillment. The precise listing of towns like Ziklag, Madmannah, and Sansannah within Judah's territory underscores several theological points: first, God's faithfulness in delivering on His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land. Every named place signifies a tangible piece of that fulfillment. Second, it highlights the divine authority behind Israel's occupation; these are not arbitrarily claimed territories but divinely ordained inheritances. Third, the detail, even down to lesser-known towns, points to God's exhaustive care for His people's settlement. Ziklag's later prominence with David (1 Sam 27, 30) demonstrates how cities initially listed as one among many could gain significant historical weight within God's broader redemptive plan, reminding us that even the seemingly obscure parts of God's Word hold future significance and divine purpose. This passage quietly affirms that God's plans are detailed, purposeful, and infallibly executed.

• Practical Example: Just as God precisely allotted Ziklag, Madmannah, and Sansannah to Judah, He has specific provisions and places for His people today. Our lives are not random, but part of His detailed and purposeful plan (Eph 2:10).
• Practical Example: The inclusion of "unimportant" towns like Madmannah and Sansannah reminds believers that every detail of God's work, no matter how small or obscure, is important to Him and contributes to the overall fulfillment of His perfect will.