Joshua 15 44

Joshua 15:44 kjv

And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:

Joshua 15:44 nkjv

Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah: nine cities with their villages;

Joshua 15:44 niv

Keilah, Akzib and Mareshah?nine towns and their villages.

Joshua 15:44 esv

Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah: nine cities with their villages.

Joshua 15:44 nlt

Keilah, Aczib, and Mareshah ? nine towns with their surrounding villages.

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 44 Meaning

Joshua 15:44 specifically enumerates three cities—Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah—followed by a summary stating they are part of "nine cities with their villages." This verse belongs to the detailed listing of cities allotted to the tribe of Judah within the geographical region known as the Shephelah, or the lowlands. It signifies the precise and complete nature of Judah's inheritance as divinely distributed, encompassing not only fortified urban centers but also their dependent surrounding agricultural settlements.

Joshua 15 44 Context

Joshua chapter 15 records the intricate and expansive land allotment for the tribe of Judah, the preeminent tribe among Israel. Following the definition of Judah's tribal boundaries (vv. 1-12) and the specific grant to Caleb (vv. 13-19), the chapter systematically lists the cities distributed within its territory, grouped by geographical features. Verse 44 falls within the description of the cities in the Shephelah (vv. 33-44), a crucial transitional zone of rolling hills and fertile valleys between the coastal plain to the west and the central highlands to the east. This region was strategically important for agriculture, trade, and defense, often serving as a buffer and battleground, particularly with the Philistines. The highly detailed nature of these lists, specifying not just primary cities but also their accompanying "villages" and providing summary counts for administrative subgroups, underscores the precise fulfillment of God's ancient promise to Abraham.

Joshua 15 44 Word analysis

• And (וְ, ve-): A common Hebrew conjunction, it serves to link this list of cities directly to the preceding ones, indicating continuation and completeness of the Shephelah enumeration.
• Keilah (קְעִילָה, Qĕ‘īlāh): From a root meaning "to cut off" or "to shut up." Keilah was a significant fortified city. It gained further historical prominence in 1 Samuel 23, where David dramatically rescued its inhabitants from the Philistines and subsequently avoided capture by King Saul within its walls, highlighting its strategic military importance.
• Achzib (אַכְזִיב, ʼAkhzībh): Means "deception" or "lie." This specific city is distinct from another Achzib in the territory of Asher (Josh 19:29) and illustrates the meticulous detail of the topographical lists, ensuring precise identification within Judah's assigned region.
• Mareshah (מָרֵאשָׁה, Mārēshāh): Meaning "head-place" or "summit." Mareshah became a vital city in later Judahite history. It was one of the fortified cities rebuilt by King Rehoboam (2 Chr 11:8) and famously the site where King Asa secured a miraculous victory against Zerah the Cushite's massive army (2 Chr 14:9-10). Its inclusion underscores its strategic long-term significance.
• nine (תֵּשַׁע, tēshaʻ): A numerical descriptor that concludes this sub-grouping of cities within the Shephelah. The precise counting of cities (along with those enumerated in verses 42 and 43) emphasizes the methodical and administrative exactitude with which the land was allotted, reinforcing the literal nature of the divine promise and its fulfillment.
• cities (עָרִים, ʻārîm): Plural of ʻîr, typically referring to significant urban centers, often walled and serving as administrative or military hubs.
• with their villages (וְחַצְרֵיהֶן, wĕḥaṣrêhen): This phrase from ḥaṣer (courtyard, enclosure) refers to the smaller, often unwalled, agricultural settlements and hamlets surrounding the main cities. Its inclusion signifies that the tribal inheritance encompassed the complete dwelling and sustenance areas – not just the central towns, but their dependent peripheral communities, pastures, and farmland, ensuring comprehensive possession of the territory.

Joshua 15 44 Bonus section

• The precise geographical details in Joshua 15 and other allotment chapters served a crucial legal and historical purpose for ancient Israel, providing verifiable documentation of tribal claims and the fulfillment of God's promises across generations.
• The Shephelah region, where these cities are situated, often served as a significant borderland, subject to ongoing conflict and demonstrating that receiving the inheritance sometimes required continued vigilance and military action to fully secure.
• The inclusion of specific numerical counts within these lists, such as "nine cities," reinforces the systematic and highly organized process of land distribution overseen by Joshua and Eleazar, attesting to the divine order implemented.

Joshua 15 44 Commentary

Joshua 15:44 provides a meticulous detail of the land inheritance granted to the tribe of Judah within the strategic Shephelah region. By naming Keilah, Achzib, and Mareshah, and concluding with a count of "nine cities with their villages," the verse reaffirms God's faithful and precise fulfillment of His covenant promise. The enumeration reflects a detailed administrative division of the land, demonstrating not only divine sovereignty in giving the territory but also the organized and thorough survey conducted by Israel. These places, some gaining prominence in later biblical narratives, were foundational components of the homeland, testifying to God's complete provision and the reality of Israel's divinely appointed dwelling place. The mention of "villages" alongside "cities" further emphasizes that the entire fabric of life, from fortified centers to the productive countryside, was included in this sacred inheritance.