Joshua 15 48

Joshua 15:48 kjv

And in the mountains, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,

Joshua 15:48 nkjv

And in the mountain country: Shamir, Jattir, Sochoh,

Joshua 15:48 niv

In the hill country: Shamir, Jattir, Sokoh,

Joshua 15:48 esv

And in the hill country, Shamir, Jattir, Socoh,

Joshua 15:48 nlt

Judah also received the following towns in the hill country: Shamir, Jattir, Socoh,

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 48 Meaning

Joshua 15:48 states that Shamir, Jattir, and Socoh were cities located in the mountainous region, also known as the hill country, within the territory allotted as inheritance to the tribe of Judah. This verse forms part of the detailed listing of the towns and their geographical groupings within Judah's expansive tribal portion in the land of Canaan.

Joshua 15 48 Context

Joshua chapter 15 provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the territorial inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah after the conquest of Canaan. This meticulously recorded distribution follows Yahweh's direct command and the process of casting lots, as guided by Joshua and Eleazar. The chapter first delineates Judah's extensive boundaries (verses 1-12) and then lists the cities within this territory, categorized by geographical regions: the Negeb (south, verses 21-32), the Shephelah (lowlands, verses 33-47), the mountains or hill country (verses 48-60), and the wilderness (verses 61-62). Joshua 15:48 belongs to the section enumerating the cities situated in the central hill country of Judah. This careful demarcation was vital for the administration, identity, and future stability of each tribe, establishing their divinely ordained place within the promised land, directly fulfilling the ancient promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Joshua 15 48 Word analysis

• and (וְ - ve): This conjunction serves as a connective, linking this specific grouping of cities to the previous lists within the larger segment describing Judah's inheritance. It indicates continuation in the exhaustive inventory.
• in the mountains (בָּהָר - ba'har): Literally "in the mountain" or "in the hill country." This term refers to the rugged central spine of highlands running north-south, specifically the Judean hill country. This region was agriculturally productive and provided natural defensive advantages. Its distinction from other regions like the Negeb, Shephelah, and Wilderness underscores the detailed geographical organization of the tribal allotments.
• Shamir (שָׁמִיר - Shamir): This name means "thorn" or "briar," possibly suggesting local flora. Its exact site remains a subject of scholarly debate, though potential identifications exist in the region south or southwest of Hebron, such as Khirbet es-Sumeirah. This particular Shamir is distinct from the one in Ephraim (Judg 10:1), where Tola judged. Its inclusion illustrates the thoroughness of the biblical scribes in cataloging even lesser-known towns within Judah's vast inheritance.
• Jattir (יַתִּיר - Yattir): Often identified with Khirbet 'Attir, approximately 12 miles southwest of Hebron. This city held significant importance beyond just being a part of Judah's territorial claim; it was later designated as one of the 13 Levitical cities given to the sons of Aaron from the Kohathite clan (Josh 21:14; 1 Chr 6:57). This highlights a key aspect of Israelite land distribution, where specific cities within tribal territories were set aside for the priestly families, demonstrating the intertwined nature of tribal settlement and religious service. Its presence in this initial listing anticipates its future sacred role.
• Socoh (שׂוֹכוֹ - Sokoh): This specific Socoh, located in the mountains, is believed to be distinct from another Socoh in the Shephelah (Josh 15:35, 1 Kings 4:10). This "mountain" Socoh is strongly associated with the Philistine-Israelite conflicts and is notably mentioned in the narrative of David and Goliath (1 Sam 17:1). Its location in the vicinity of Khirbet Abbad or potentially Khirbet Shawikeh, close to important routes, made it strategically significant as a frontier town of Judah. The name might relate to concepts of a barricade or defense, reflecting its defensive utility.

• Words-group: "and in the mountains, Shamir, Jattir, and Socoh" This collective phrase pinpoints the precise geographical setting for these three towns within the Judean inheritance. It confirms that these places, regardless of their current recognition, were concrete locations acknowledged within the administrative and theological framework of early Israel. The enumeration, characteristic of biblical cadastral lists, signifies not only factual recording but also validates the specific and tangible fulfillment of Yahweh’s promise of the land to the tribe of Judah, down to individual localities. The order of the names could reflect a survey route, their relative importance, or a mnemonic device, demonstrating a structured division process.

Joshua 15 48 Bonus section

• The detailed listing of cities, like those in Joshua 15, served not only as a record of land allocation but also as a legal and administrative document, delineating boundaries and preventing future disputes among the tribes. Such specificity validates the historicity and accuracy attributed to the book of Joshua.
• The "mountains" or hill country of Judah was strategically important, offering natural defense and fertile ground, unlike some of the adjacent desert or lowland areas. Establishing control over this region was paramount for Judah's long-term stability and leadership role among the tribes.
• Archaeological surveys have continuously worked to identify and corroborate the locations of these biblical cities, though definitive identifications for all listed sites can be challenging. Such studies often illuminate the socio-economic and strategic importance of these towns in ancient Israelite life.
• The sheer number of cities listed for Judah (over 100) indicates its prominence and vastness, a foreshadowing of its future role as the dominant tribe and the source of the kingship in Israel.

Joshua 15 48 Commentary

Joshua 15:48 contributes to the monumental task of describing the tribal inheritances in Canaan, specifically for Judah. This verse, listing Shamir, Jattir, and Socoh, situated within Judah's mountainous heartland, underscores the divine precision and thoroughness in fulfilling Yahweh's ancient land promises. The meticulous cataloging of these cities—a feature throughout Joshua 15—is far more than a dry census; it serves as concrete evidence that God had completely and faithfully brought His people into the land He swore to their patriarchs (Gen 12:7; Gen 17:8). The inclusion of Jattir, later designated as a Levitical city, highlights how divine design intricately wove together tribal land ownership with the national religious structure, providing for those dedicated to Yahweh's service. Furthermore, a town like Socoh, significant in later historical events like the David and Goliath account (1 Sam 17), illustrates how these divinely apportioned lands were foundational to the unfolding history and establishment of the Israelite nation, often serving as crucial points for defense or administration. Thus, this verse testifies to God's absolute sovereignty and covenant integrity in His detailed provision for Israel.