Joshua 15 59

Joshua 15:59 kjv

And Maarath, and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages:

Joshua 15:59 nkjv

Maarath, Beth Anoth, and Eltekon: six cities with their villages;

Joshua 15:59 niv

Maarath, Beth Anoth and Eltekon?six towns and their villages.

Joshua 15:59 esv

Maarath, Beth-anoth, and Eltekon: six cities with their villages.

Joshua 15:59 nlt

Maarath, Beth-anoth, and Eltekon ? six towns with their surrounding villages.

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 59 Meaning

Joshua 15:59 is part of the detailed list of cities allotted to the tribe of Judah within their expansive inheritance in the Promised Land. This verse specifically names three cities—Maarath, Bethanoth, and Eltekon—and concludes a subgroup by stating "six cities with their villages." It signifies the meticulous and precise fulfillment of God's covenantal promise to Abraham, providing Israel with the land designated as their perpetual possession, and delineating the administrative boundaries for the tribe of Judah.

Joshua 15 59 Context

Joshua 15 details the tribal allotment of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the tribes. The chapter begins by describing Judah's extensive boundaries (verses 1-12) and then highlights Caleb's special inheritance (verses 13-19). The bulk of the chapter (verses 20-62) lists the numerous cities assigned to Judah, organized into various geographical districts (e.g., the Negeb, the Shephelah/Lowlands, the Hill Country). Verse 59 falls within the section listing cities in the Hill Country (verses 48-60), specifically within what is often interpreted as the tenth district, around the area of Hebron or just north of it. The purpose of these meticulous lists was to document the exact fulfillment of God's promises, establish clear tribal territories, and provide an administrative record for the newly settled Israelite nation. This chapter underpins the claim that the land was not seized through mere conquest, but distributed by divine ordinance as a faithful act of God's covenant with Israel.

Joshua 15 59 Word analysis

• and (וְ H853/וְַ): A simple conjunction connecting the preceding city names. It indicates the continuation of the list, highlighting the methodical and exhaustive nature of the survey and allotment.
• Maarath (מַעֲרָת Maʿărāṯ): A geographical name, occurring only here in the Bible. Its precise location is uncertain, but it's believed to be in the hill country of Judah. The root meaning might relate to "a bare place" or "a place of openness," perhaps suggesting a plateau or uncultivated area. The inclusion of such obscure names emphasizes the extreme detail of the record-keeping and God's comprehensive provision for Judah.
• Bethanoth (בֵּית עָנוֹת Bēyt ʿĀnōṯ): Meaning "house of replies" or "house of groans." This city is known from other ancient sources and is often identified with Khirbet Beit Annu near Halhul. The name "house of replies" could suggest a place where oracles were given, or perhaps a place of religious significance, while "house of groans" might indicate lamentation. Its mention here places it firmly within Judah's allotted territory. The "Beth" (house) prefix is common in Hebrew place names, often denoting a settlement.
• and (וְ H853/וְַ): Another connective, linking the previous cities to the next, maintaining the precise enumeration.
• Eltekon (אֶלְתְּקֹון ʾElTĕqôn): Another geographical name found only here. Its meaning is debated, possibly "God of the established one" or "God is steadfast" (from אֵל 'El "God" and תְּקוֹן root meaning "to be established"). Like Maarath, its obscurity underscores the meticulous nature of the record, encompassing every settlement. The divine name 'El' suggests its dedication or connection to God.
• six cities: This specific number indicates a distinct administrative sub-grouping within the larger list of cities. It shows that the land was not only apportioned broadly by lot but also systematically categorized and accounted for down to smaller clusters. This precision points to an orderly divine administration of the inheritance.
• with their villages: (וְחַצְרֵיהֶן wəḥaṣrêhen): "Villages" (חָצֵר ḥāṣēr) refers to unwalled settlements, hamlets, or rural dependencies connected to the main "cities." This phrase is crucial as it clarifies that Judah's inheritance included not just urban centers but also the surrounding agricultural lands and smaller dwelling places necessary to support the larger population centers. It signifies the full extent of the provided territory, sufficient for livelihood and expansion.

Joshua 15 59 Bonus section

The exhaustive lists of cities in Joshua 15 and subsequent chapters served not merely as a historical record but also as a foundational document for Israel's legal and administrative framework for centuries to come. They formed the basis for tribal identities, tax collection, and military mobilization. The inclusion of every city and village, even seemingly minor ones like those in verse 59, reinforced the concept of "God's geography" – that the land's possession was not accidental but divinely willed and meticulously planned. This meticulous detail implicitly counters any pagan claims to specific city patron deities, affirming that Yahweh is the true sovereign over every parcel of land and its inhabitants within Israel's inheritance. It solidifies the truth that the entire land was a gift from the covenant-keeping God.

Joshua 15 59 Commentary

Joshua 15:59, though part of a seemingly monotonous list of geographical names, is profound in its theological implications. It represents the meticulous fulfillment of God's centuries-old promise to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan. Each name, however obscure, marks a point on the physical map of divine faithfulness. The precision of "six cities with their villages" emphasizes God's perfect order and administrative foresight. It wasn't a vague grant of land but a specific, divinely sanctioned partitioning that eliminated ambiguity and set clear boundaries for each tribe, ensuring stability and identity within their God-given heritage. The inclusion of "villages" highlights the comprehensive nature of this inheritance, providing not just strategic cities but also the surrounding agrarian and residential areas essential for sustenance and communal life. This verse, therefore, is a quiet testimony to God's unfailing word, His attention to detail, and His provision for His people in establishing them securely in their promised rest.