Joshua 15 50

Joshua 15:50 kjv

And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim,

Joshua 15:50 nkjv

Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim,

Joshua 15:50 niv

Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim,

Joshua 15:50 esv

Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim,

Joshua 15:50 nlt

Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim,

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 50 Meaning

Joshua chapter 15 verse 50 precisely identifies three distinct cities—Anab, Eshtemoh, and Anim—as part of the specific allocation of territory to the tribe of Judah within the mountainous hill country. This verse functions as a meticulously detailed component of the extensive inventory of towns assigned to Judah, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to provide the land to His chosen people and delineate their specific inheritances.

Joshua 15 50 Context

Joshua chapter 15 is dedicated entirely to detailing the extensive inheritance of the tribe of Judah, the largest and most significant tribe. This chapter meticulously outlines the geographical boundaries and lists the various towns allotted to Judah, stretching from the borders of Edom in the south to the Great Sea (Mediterranean) in the west, and bordering Benjamin in the north. Verses 21 through 62 provide a comprehensive inventory of these cities, categorized by geographical sub-regions: the Negeb (southern dry region), the Shephelah (western foothills), the hill country, and the wilderness. Verse 50 specifically falls within the enumeration of cities in the hill country (verse 48-60), which comprises the central highlands where many of Judah's most important future cities, including Hebron and Jerusalem (though unconquered by Judah at this point), were situated. The historical context is immediately following the conquest of Canaan, as the land is being formally divided among the twelve tribes of Israel as commanded by God. These lists are not merely geographical records but serve as a divine title deed, affirming God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan.

Joshua 15 50 Word analysis

• And (וְ - wə): This Hebrew conjunction, functioning like "and" or "but," frequently introduces each city in the extensive lists throughout Joshua 15. Its repetition emphasizes the precise, thorough, and deliberate nature of the land allocation, indicating that each town, however minor, was specifically identified and accounted for in the tribal inheritance.
• Anab (עֲנָב - ʿĂnāḇ): The name means "grape" or "grape cluster," likely indicating a place known for its vineyards. This city holds particular significance as it is explicitly mentioned in Joshua 11:21 as one of the places where Joshua himself eradicated the Anakim, the giant descendants of Anak. Its inclusion in Judah's inheritance here directly links to the successful conquest of formidable enemies, showcasing God's power enabling His people to possess even the most challenging strongholds. It symbolizes the actualization of divine victory.
• Eshtemoh (אֶשְׁתְּמֹעַ - ʾEštemōaʿ): The name translates to "I will make myself heard" or "listening." This city gains further prominence in later biblical accounts, notably in 1 Samuel 30:28 as one of the towns David sent spoil to. Crucially, Eshtemoh is identified in 1 Chronicles 6:57 as a city allotted to the sons of Aaron, becoming a Levitical city. This transformation highlights God's design for not just military conquest and territorial possession, but also for the establishment of spiritual infrastructure within the land. It connects the physical inheritance with the religious service vital for Israel.
• Anim (עָנִים - ʿĀnîm): Meaning "fountains" or "springs," this name suggests a place rich in water sources, which were crucial for sustenance and settlement in ancient Judah's dry climate. Like Anab and Eshtemoh, Anim represents a specific geographical marker and a real place that formed part of Judah's tangible inheritance. Its inclusion emphasizes the detailed, ground-level application of God's promises regarding the land.

Words-group analysis:

• "And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim,": This concise sequence forms part of a larger, meticulous catalogue. The repetitive use of the conjunction "and" is a common Hebrew literary device in lists, signaling comprehensiveness. It underscores the divine precision and human diligence involved in distributing the land by lot. These specific names transition from geographical points to divinely ordained inheritances, affirming God's faithfulness in granting the Promised Land as a physical reality. The inclusion of diverse names like "Anab" (connected to conquest of giants), "Eshtemoh" (later a Levitical city), and "Anim" (resource-rich) collectively paints a picture of a detailed, varied, and God-purposed territory given to Judah.

Joshua 15 50 Bonus section

The seemingly dry and repetitive lists of cities in Joshua, like this verse, are considered strong evidence for the historical reliability and meticulous nature of the biblical text. Ancient Near Eastern parallels often show land records, but none with the same embedded theological significance or such comprehensive detail spanning an entire nation's inheritance. The precise enumeration validates the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant not in vague terms but as concrete, measurable territories assigned to specific families. The fact that some of these cities have been archaeologically identified adds to their historicity. The act of listing signifies possession and future habitation, which were crucial for the developing identity and administrative structure of early Israel.

Joshua 15 50 Commentary

Joshua 15:50, while appearing as a simple listing of three city names, is far more than a mere geographic record; it is a profound theological statement embedded within the meticulous details of land distribution. Each name, though brief, signifies the tangible fulfillment of God's age-old promises to His covenant people, Israel. The inclusion of cities like Anab, which was home to the formidable Anakim and conquered by Joshua (Jos 11:21), reminds the reader of the direct intervention of God's power in securing the land from resistant inhabitants. Eshtemoh's later role as a Levitical city illustrates God's plan for the integration of spiritual worship and service within the physical inheritance. These lists are a divine inventory, not only defining boundaries and possessions but also demonstrating God's meticulous care, faithfulness, and the intricate way He lays the groundwork for Israel's future life as a nation under His rule. They serve as a lasting testament that God keeps His word, even to the minute detail of every town.