Joshua 15 7

Joshua 15:7 kjv

And the border went up toward Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is before the going up to Adummim, which is on the south side of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel:

Joshua 15:7 nkjv

Then the border went up toward Debir from the Valley of Achor, and it turned northward toward Gilgal, which is before the Ascent of Adummim, which is on the south side of the valley. The border continued toward the waters of En Shemesh and ended at En Rogel.

Joshua 15:7 niv

The boundary then went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor and turned north to Gilgal, which faces the Pass of Adummim south of the gorge. It continued along to the waters of En Shemesh and came out at En Rogel.

Joshua 15:7 esv

And the boundary goes up to Debir from the Valley of Achor, and so northward, turning toward Gilgal, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, which is on the south side of the valley. And the boundary passes along to the waters of En-shemesh and ends at En-rogel.

Joshua 15:7 nlt

From that point it went through the valley of Achor to Debir, turning north toward Gilgal, which is across from the slopes of Adummim on the south side of the valley. From there the boundary extended to the springs at En-shemesh and on to En-rogel.

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 7 Meaning

This verse precisely details a segment of the northern boundary of the tribal land allotted to Judah, stretching from a point associated with Debir, northward through the historical "valley of Achor," continuing to turn towards "Gilgal," and specifically marking a spot opposite the challenging "ascent of Adummim," situated on the southern bank of a significant local wadi or riverbed. It underscores the exactness and divine provenance of Judah's inheritance.

Joshua 15 7 Context

Joshua chapter 15 specifically details the land inheritance assigned to the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the tribes. This verse, Joshua 15:7, is part of a detailed description of Judah's extensive northern boundary (verses 5-11). The geographical specificity emphasizes the fulfillment of God's ancient promises regarding the land given to Abraham's descendants (Gen 12, 15) and highlights the careful, divinely mandated process by which the land was allocated among the twelve tribes after its conquest. The delineation of boundaries served as a permanent legal document for each tribe's unique, God-given territory, essential for preventing future disputes and establishing their identity in the promised land. The historical context is the period immediately following the conquest of Canaan, when the nation of Israel was transitioning from a nomadic, conquering army to settled agricultural tribes.

Joshua 15 7 Word analysis

• And the border went up: (`gevul alah`) - The term `gevul` (גְּבוּל) denotes a clearly defined boundary or territory. `alah` (עָלָה) means "went up" or "ascended," indicating an elevation in the landscape or a progression upwards in terms of charting the boundary line. It signifies a rise in elevation as the border traversed the terrain.
• from there: (`mishsham`) - Refers back to "Beth-hoglah" mentioned in the preceding verse (Josh 15:6), establishing continuity in the border description.
• to Debir: (`ad Dvira`) - While "Debir" (דְּבִיר) usually means "back part" or "oracle," referencing a city (cf. Josh 15:15), this specific "Debir" is a geographical point on the boundary, not necessarily the major conquered city, which was in the south of Judah. Its placement here indicates a northward trajectory, likely a different locale named for some association, or simply a marker in the precise mapping.
• and from the valley of Achor northward: (`ume'emeq Akhor tsaphonah`) - The "valley of Achor" (עֵמֶק עָכוֹר) literally means "valley of trouble" or "disturbing valley." It is famously associated with Achan's sin and punishment (Josh 7), marking a place of divine judgment. Its inclusion on Judah's border transforms this site of past trouble into a designated part of God's faithful provision. "Northward" (`tsaphonah`) clearly indicates the direction of the border's course from the valley.
• turning toward Gilgal: (`ve-yatsa' el ha-Gilgal`) - `yatsa' el` (יָצָא אֶל) implies extending or reaching towards. "Gilgal" (גִּלְגָּל) means "rolling" or "circle of stones." It was the site of Israel's first encampment after crossing the Jordan (Josh 4), where the reproach of Egypt was "rolled away" (Josh 5:9). This marks another significant spiritual and historical landmark on the boundary, signifying new beginnings and God's covenant faithfulness.
• that is over against the ascent of Adummim: (`minneged Ma'aleh Adummim`) - "Over against" (`minneged`) means opposite or in front of. "The ascent of Adummim" (מַעֲלֵה אֲדֻמִּים) translates to "ascent of red ones" or "red ascent." This location, infamous for its dangerous and rugged reddish terrain, was part of the wilderness road leading from Jericho to Jerusalem (cf. the parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:30-37, which takes place on this very road). It signifies a geographically challenging, but distinctly recognized, part of the landscape defining the boundary.
• which is on the south side of the river: (`asher ba-tsad negev ha-nachal`) - `nachal` (הַנָּחַל) refers to a wadi, brook, or seasonal riverbed, common in the arid regions. The precise phrasing indicates the border follows the southern bank of such a watercourse. This specific wadi is likely a tributary emptying into the Jordan River or the Dead Sea in the Judean Wilderness region.

Joshua 15 7 Bonus Section

• Significance of Geographic Detail: The intricate detail of tribal boundaries in Joshua underscores the land's pivotal role in Israel's identity and their covenant relationship with God. These were not just lines on a map but divinely sanctioned demarcations of identity, provision, and promise.
• Legal Documentation: The detailed border descriptions in Joshua can be seen as ancient land deeds, crucial for preventing disputes over territory among the tribes. This meticulous recording reflects God's ordered governance and care for His people's societal stability.
• Antiquity and Accuracy: Modern archaeological and geographical studies have largely confirmed the remarkable accuracy of these biblical boundary descriptions, testifying to the text's historical reliability and the faithful preservation of its details over millennia. This precision often leads scholars to spend significant effort trying to map these lines exactly.

Joshua 15 7 Commentary

Joshua 15:7 is a meticulous description of part of Judah's northern tribal boundary, revealing God's detailed faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel. The inclusion of historically and spiritually significant sites like the valley of Achor and Gilgal embeds theological meaning within a geographical survey. Achor, once a symbol of sin and trouble, now becomes a part of Israel's promised inheritance, demonstrating God's redemptive power and ability to turn tragedy into blessing. Gilgal, a place of spiritual renewal and national covenant, further solidifies the divine establishment of the borders. The extreme precision of these geographical markers, often challenging to pinpoint definitively today, would have served as clear and indisputable legal documents for the tribes, demonstrating God's intentionality and thoroughness in providing their physical inheritance. This passage illustrates that God's promises are not vague assurances but tangible realities, precisely defined and delivered.