Joshua 15 39

Joshua 15:39 kjv

Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon,

Joshua 15:39 nkjv

Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon,

Joshua 15:39 niv

Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon,

Joshua 15:39 esv

Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon,

Joshua 15:39 nlt

Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon,

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 39 Meaning

Joshua 15:39 lists three cities: Lachish, Bozkath, and Eglon. These are specifically identified as being part of the territory allocated to the tribe of Judah, located in the Shephelah, or lowlands, a region crucial for its strategic and agricultural significance. This verse continues the detailed enumeration of the cities belonging to Judah, confirming the fulfillment of God's promise to grant land to His people.

Joshua 15 39 Context

Joshua 15:39 is part of the comprehensive detailing of the tribal allotments of land following Israel's conquest of Canaan under Joshua. Chapter 15 specifically focuses on the large territory given to the tribe of Judah, the preeminent tribe among the twelve. The chapter meticulously lists Judah's northern, southern, eastern, and western boundaries (vv. 1-12) and then proceeds to enumerate the various cities within this extensive territory, grouping them by geographical regions such as the Negeb (vv. 21-32), the Shephelah or lowlands (vv. 33-44), the hill country (vv. 48-60), and the wilderness (vv. 61-62). Verse 39 is situated within the list of cities assigned to Judah in the Shephelah (vv. 33-44). Historically, this period marks a crucial transition for Israel from a nomadic people to a settled nation, embodying the fulfillment of centuries-old promises given to Abraham regarding the land. These meticulous lists serve not merely as administrative records but as a testament to God's faithfulness in providing a land flowing with milk and honey, even detailing individual towns that the Israelites were to possess.

Joshua 15 39 Word analysis

• Lachish (לָכִישׁ, Lakhish):
  • Meaning: A significant, heavily fortified city in the Shephelah (lowlands) of Judah. Its name likely means "invincible" or "impregnable."
  • Significance: Mentioned extensively in the Bible. It was one of the strongholds attacked and taken by Joshua in the southern campaign (Josh 10:31-32). Later, it became a major Judean fortress. Archaeological excavations have revealed multiple destruction layers, corroborating its historical importance and the intense battles fought there (e.g., the Assyrian siege by Sennacherib in 701 BCE, documented in 2 Kgs 18-19 and Sennacherib's own reliefs, and destruction by Babylonians, Jer 34:7).
• Bozkath (בָּצְקַת, Botsqath):
  • Meaning: Its exact meaning is uncertain, but it might relate to "a swell of ground" or "rocky heights."
  • Significance: Less prominent than Lachish or Eglon. It gains minor historical note as the hometown of Jedidah, the mother of King Josiah of Judah (2 Kgs 22:1). Its inclusion in this list shows the thoroughness of the tribal allotment and suggests it was a recognized locality, even if not a major strategic center.
• and (וְ, ve-):
  • Meaning: Conjunction, connecting elements in a list.
  • Significance: In Hebrew lists, the repetition of "and" creates a sense of continuous enumeration, emphasizing the collective identity of these cities within a defined geographical and administrative group.
• Eglon (עֶגְלוֹן, Egʻlon):
  • Meaning: Derived from a root meaning "calf-like," possibly indicating "round," or referring to calves.
  • Significance: Mentioned prominently with Lachish in Joshua's southern conquest (Josh 10:3-35). Its king, Debir, was one of the five Amorite kings who allied against Gibeon and were defeated by Joshua. This connection highlights its role in the initial phases of the conquest and its capture.

Words-Group analysis:

• "Lachish, Bozkath, and Eglon": This grouping is part of a list of fifteen cities (along with their villages) located within a specific district (or group of districts) of the Shephelah. The precise naming underscores the meticulous nature of the land distribution, reflecting God's orderliness and the fulfillment of His promises with specificity. These cities collectively represented a part of Judah's heritage, encompassing varied types of settlements from strategic fortresses to smaller towns, all given by divine decree. The presence of major fortresses like Lachish indicates significant challenges in fully possessing these lands, yet they were indeed allotted by God.

Joshua 15 39 Bonus section

The inclusion of detailed city lists like the one in Joshua 15:39 suggests an administrative practice rooted in early Israelite settlement, possibly drawn from pre-existing Canaanite registers adapted for Israelite use. Scholars note that these lists would have been vital for taxation, military recruitment, and civic organization within the tribal territories. From a theological standpoint, these precise enumerations reinforce the tangible nature of the divine promise—it wasn't just a general blessing of land, but specific, named towns and regions. The Shephelah, where these cities were located, was particularly strategic, lying between the Philistine coastal plain and the Judean highlands, often serving as a contested buffer zone. This makes Judah's allotment of these cities even more significant, reflecting their primary role in defending and expanding Israelite territory. The very names on the list serve as a historical footprint of God's interaction with His people and the reality of His work in establishing them in the promised land.

Joshua 15 39 Commentary

Joshua 15:39, while seemingly a simple list of names, is deeply significant. It demonstrates the meticulous and detailed fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants to give them the land of Canaan. The listing of Lachish, Bozkath, and Eglon as part of Judah's inheritance in the strategic Shephelah underscores several key points: divine faithfulness in providing tangible land; the administrative order of the Israelite conquest and settlement; and the importance of these specific places. Lachish and Eglon, notably captured in intense battles by Joshua (Josh 10), were now officially Judean territory. Bozkath, though less historically prominent, equally affirmed God's specific allocation to every locality. These lists serve as a theological testament to God’s unwavering commitment, showcasing His power to deliver what He pledged. Though complete possession of all Canaanite strongholds remained a challenge (Judg 1), the divine allotment was firm, pointing ultimately to a perfect, secure inheritance available in Christ for those who are His.