Joshua 15 60

Joshua 15:60 kjv

Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages:

Joshua 15:60 nkjv

Kirjath Baal (which is Kirjath Jearim) and Rabbah: two cities with their villages.

Joshua 15:60 niv

Kiriath Baal (that is, Kiriath Jearim) and Rabbah?two towns and their villages.

Joshua 15:60 esv

Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), and Rabbah: two cities with their villages.

Joshua 15:60 nlt

There were also Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim) and Rabbah ? two towns with their surrounding villages.

Joshua 15 60 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Gen 12:7Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land."God's promise of land to Abraham's descendants.
Gen 15:18On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your offspring I give this land..."Covenantal promise of the land's boundaries.
Deut 1:8See, I have set the land before you. Go in and take possession...Command to possess the promised land.
Josh 15:1-12The lot for the tribe of the people of Judah according to their clans reached...Describes Judah's extensive territory.
Josh 21:43-45Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers...God's faithfulness in fulfilling land promises.
Neh 9:8You found his heart faithful and made with him a covenant to give to his offspring the land of the Canaanites...Reinforces God's historical faithfulness to the land promise.
Deut 12:2-3You shall surely destroy all the places where the nations...served their gods...Command to destroy pagan places, influencing name changes.
Hos 2:17For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth...Prophetic emphasis on removing Baal worship.
1 Sam 7:1-2And the men of Kiriath-jearim came and took up the ark of the Lord and brought it to the house of Abinadab...Kiriath-jearim becomes the resting place for the Ark.
2 Sam 6:2-3And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale-judah...to bring up the ark of God...Kiriath-jearim (Baale-judah) as the Ark's location before Jerusalem.
1 Chr 13:5-6So David assembled all Israel from Shihor of Egypt to Lebo-hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim.Kiriath-jearim identified as the Ark's long-term home.
Ps 132:6Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.Poetic reference to Kiriath-jearim (fields of Jaar) as where the Ark was located.
Ezra 2:25The men of Kiriath-jearim, Kephirah, and Beeroth, 743.Listing of Kiriath-jearim among post-exilic returnees' cities.
Neh 7:29The men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743.Parallel list of returnees, confirming Kiriath-jearim's continued identity.
Josh 9:17And the people of Israel set out and reached their cities on the third day, now their cities were Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim.Kiriath-jearim as one of the Gibeonite cities deceived by Israel.
Josh 15:9Then the boundary extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and from there to the cities of Mount Ephron. Then the boundary extended to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim)...Kiriath-jearim as a boundary marker for Judah.
Isa 62:2The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name...Prophetic concept of new names signifying new identity/status.
Rev 2:17To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.Theological principle of new names given by divine decree.
Deut 1:19And we set out from Horeb, and went through all that great and terrifying wilderness...and we came to Kadesh-barnea.Journey to promised land; illustrates God's guidance.
Deut 2:19And when you approach the territory of the people of Ammon...Mentions the Ammonite territory where another "Rabbah" (Rabbah of the Ammonites) was located, distinguishing the Rabbah of Judah.
Exod 23:23-24"When my angel goes before you and brings you to the Amorites...and I cut them off, you shall not bow down to their gods or serve them, or copy their works, but you shall utterly overthrow them and break their pillars in pieces."Instructions against Canaanite worship and idols, context for removing 'Baal' names.

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 60 Meaning

Joshua 15:60 names two cities, Kiriath-baal (also known as Kiriath-jearim) and Rabbah, explicitly stating they were part of the tribal inheritance given to Judah, along with their surrounding villages. This verse provides specific details of the territory allotted to Judah as promised by God, marking precise boundaries and settlements.

Joshua 15 60 Context

This verse is found within Joshua chapter 15, which exhaustively details the boundaries and allocated cities for the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes. Following the conquest of Canaan, Joshua is tasked by God to divide the land among the twelve tribes, fulfilling God's ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Chapter 15 specifically maps out Judah's inheritance, a detailed accounting reflecting the divine precision and importance of the land allotment. Historically, this period marks the transition of Israel from a nomadic people to settled inhabitants of the promised land, establishing their national identity rooted in specific territorial possessions. The listing of these cities served not only as a record of divine fulfillment but also as a legal and administrative document for the Israelites as they established their new homeland.

Joshua 15 60 Word analysis

  • Kiriath-baal: The Hebrew is Qiryat Baal (קִרְיַת בַּעַל), meaning "City of Baal." This name clearly indicates a previous dedication to the Canaanite god Baal. Its mention here reflects the reality of Israel inheriting land that was steeped in pagan worship. The Israelites were commanded to dismantle all elements of idol worship, making the subsequent name change significant.
  • (that is, Kiriath-jearim): This parenthetical clarification indicates that Kiriath-baal was also known by the name Kiriath-jearim, or would come to be known as such. The Hebrew is Qiryat Ye'arim (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים), meaning "City of Forests" or "City of Woods." The change from "Baal" to "Forests" is a deliberate act of purification and appropriation of the land, stripping away its pagan association and rebranding it under an Israelite-approved, innocuous name. This shift in nomenclature carries strong theological significance, representing a cleansing of the land from idolatry and a rededication to Yahweh. Kiriath-jearim would later become an important historical site where the Ark of the Covenant rested for many years (1 Sam 7:1-2) after its return from Philistine captivity, further sanctifying its identity away from Baal worship.
  • and Rabbah: The Hebrew is Rabbah (רַבָּה), meaning "Great (city)" or "Multitude." This city is distinct from the more famous Rabbah of the Ammonites (modern Amman, Jordan). This Rabbah is within the tribal allotment of Judah. Its specific location is debated but generally placed southwest of Jerusalem. The mention highlights the extent and diverse composition of Judah's inheritance.
  • two cities: This phrase precisely counts and emphasizes that the previously listed entities are distinct urban centers. It underscores the accuracy and administrative detail in the division of the land.
  • with their villages: This phrase specifies that the territorial inheritance included not only the central fortified cities but also the surrounding settlements and agricultural areas dependent on them. This indicates a complete transfer of control and resources, vital for the livelihood and security of the tribe of Judah. It points to a well-defined and comprehensive allocation of both urban centers and their supporting rural networks.

Joshua 15 60 Bonus section

The inclusion of Kiriath-jearim (initially Kiriath-baal) as part of Judah's inheritance points to its strategic significance due to its elevated position in the Judean hills, along the ancient route connecting Jerusalem to the Shephelah (foothills) and the coastal plain. This location was crucial for defensive purposes and trade. Archaeological work in the region associated with Kiriath-jearim (modern Abu Ghosh) has shown evidence of continuous settlement. The detail found throughout Joshua 15, and specifically in verse 60, underscores the divine hand in providing specific, viable, and historically significant territories to His people, not leaving anything to chance. This level of detail in ancient land deeds is itself noteworthy, showcasing a sophisticated level of administration guided by divine will.

Joshua 15 60 Commentary

Joshua 15:60 is a testament to the meticulous fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel concerning the land inheritance. Far from being a mere geographical list, it highlights divine faithfulness and providence. The detail, particularly the naming and renaming of Kiriath-baal/Kiriath-jearim, carries profound theological weight. The transition from "City of Baal" to "City of Forests" signifies a deliberate rejection of paganism and an assertion of God's sovereignty over the land and its identity. This act aligns with God's command to dismantle all vestiges of Canaanite worship (Deut 12:2-3). The future historical role of Kiriath-jearim as the temporary home for the Ark of the Covenant further validates its purification and sanctification from idolatrous roots. The inclusion of "their villages" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the land allotment, ensuring not just fortified cities but also the vital agricultural and economic hinterland essential for sustained tribal life. The entire passage speaks to God's precise order, His active role in the settlement of His people, and the complete reclamation of the land from idolatrous practices to serve His purposes.