Joshua 15 58

Joshua 15:58 kjv

Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor,

Joshua 15:58 nkjv

Halhul, Beth Zur, Gedor,

Joshua 15:58 niv

Halhul, Beth Zur, Gedor,

Joshua 15:58 esv

Halhul, Beth-zur, Gedor,

Joshua 15:58 nlt

In addition, there were Halhul, Beth-zur, Gedor,

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 58 Meaning

Joshua 15:58 is a concise declaration within the comprehensive listing of the towns and boundaries allocated to the tribe of Judah, specifically detailing three cities situated in the "hill country" region of their vast inheritance. It names Halhul, Beth-zur, and Gedor, affirming these locations as part of Judah's divinely apportioned territory in Canaan following the conquest. This verse highlights the precise and meticulous nature of the land division, signifying the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to His people Israel.

Joshua 15 58 Context

Joshua chapter 15 meticulously outlines the vast territorial inheritance assigned to the tribe of Judah. Following the successful military campaigns and initial conquest of Canaan, Joshua, guided by divine instruction, oversees the distribution of the land among the Israelite tribes. This chapter specifies Judah's southern and western borders, and then systematically lists their towns, organized by geographical region: the Negeb (southern desert), the Shephelah (lowland), and the hill country (mountainous spine of Judah). Joshua 15:58 falls within the section enumerating cities in the "hill country," a rugged and strategically important area. These detailed lists not only recorded the precise fulfillment of God's land promises but also established the administrative and territorial identity for each tribe in the nascent nation of Israel, laying the groundwork for future generations.

Joshua 15 58 Word analysis

• Halhul (חַלְחוּל, Ḥalḥûl):
  • Meaning: Often linked to a root suggesting "trembling" or "shaking."
  • Significance: Indicates an ancient town situated in the heart of the Judean hill country, north of Hebron. While not frequently mentioned in later biblical narratives, its inclusion here underscores its established presence and Judah's rightful claim to it during the time of the land division. Its name might allude to geographical features or past events.
• Beth-zur (בֵּית צוּר, Bêṯ Ṣûr):
  • Meaning: "House of Rock" or "House of Fortress/Stronghold."
  • Significance: The name itself speaks to its likely topographic and strategic nature—a fortified site built on a rocky outcrop. Beth-zur was an exceptionally important strategic location, guarding the main road from Jerusalem to Hebron, and it is explicitly mentioned later in the Bible as a significant fortress. Its very name highlights its enduring defensive importance in the volatile region.
• Gedor (גְּדֹור, Gĕḏôr):
  • Meaning: Derived from the root "Gadar" (גָּדַר), meaning "to wall," "to enclose," or "fortification."
  • Significance: Like Beth-zur, its name points to a fortified or walled settlement. There were several places called Gedor in biblical times, but this specific one is located in Judah's hill country. It indicates another defensible location, adding to the list of strategically valuable points within Judah's allotted territory. Its later mentions often relate to sheep pasture or tribal settlements.

• "Halhul, Beth-zur, Gedor,": This group of three place names represents specific geographic points in the central Judean hill country. Their combined listing reinforces the comprehensive nature of the land allocation and Judah's claim to a strategically diverse region. The repetition of such lists throughout Joshua's allocation chapters underscores the thoroughness of God's fulfillment of His promise to establish His people in the land. The names collectively reflect the challenging, often fortified nature of settlements in this mountainous terrain.

Joshua 15 58 Bonus section

The cities mentioned in Joshua 15:58 were critical for Judah's control and defense of its heartland. While Halhul fades from explicit biblical mention after Joshua, its persistent identification in the same general location over millennia underscores the historicity of these accounts. Beth-zur, true to its "House of Rock" name, remained a key strategic fortification well into the Maccabean period, defending Jerusalem from southern invasion routes, demonstrating the long-term geopolitical importance of locations initially specified in the land division. Similarly, Gedor, associated with "enclosure" or "wall," suggests its suitability for protecting inhabitants and their flocks. The specificity of these names illustrates God's sovereign hand in establishing Israel not merely as a people, but as a nation with a defined and secure territorial inheritance, vital for the unfolding of His redemptive plan centered on His covenant people.

Joshua 15 58 Commentary

Joshua 15:58, though a brief list of three place names, embodies profound theological and historical significance. It is not merely an archaic geographical record but a testament to God's unfailing faithfulness in delivering on His covenant promises. The precise naming of these specific cities in the Judean hill country — Halhul, Beth-zur, and Gedor — demonstrates the meticulous fulfillment of the land inheritance detailed to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob centuries earlier. This detailed allocation served to define Judah's identity, providing a tangible homeland for the tribe from which the Messiah would eventually emerge. These lists also set the foundation for Israel's socio-political and spiritual life in the promised land, confirming that God's plan unfolds with specific, tangible results. For instance, the very name Beth-zur, "House of Rock," hints at its future as a vital stronghold for God's people, showcasing the wisdom embedded even in the naming of these places.