Joshua 15 9

Joshua 15:9 kjv

And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjathjearim:

Joshua 15:9 nkjv

Then the border went around from the top of the hill to the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and extended to the cities of Mount Ephron. And the border went around to Baalah (which is Kirjath Jearim).

Joshua 15:9 niv

From the hilltop the boundary headed toward the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, came out at the towns of Mount Ephron and went down toward Baalah (that is, Kiriath Jearim).

Joshua 15:9 esv

Then the boundary extends 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 bends around to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim).

Joshua 15:9 nlt

From there the boundary extended from the top of the mountain to the spring at the waters of Nephtoah, and from there to the towns on Mount Ephron. Then it turned toward Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim).

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 9 Meaning

Joshua 15:9 meticulously delineates a section of the northern boundary of the tribal land allotted to Judah. It describes a precise geographical line extending from a specified mountain summit, leading to a critical water source known as the spring of the Waters of Nephtoah, and then eastward to a group of cities situated in the Mount Ephron area, culminating at a significant location known both as Baalah and Kiriath-jearim. This verse emphasizes the detailed fulfillment of God's promise regarding the land inheritance for Judah, illustrating His faithfulness and the definitive establishment of Israel's tribal territories.

Joshua 15 9 Context

Joshua 15 opens the detailed account of the allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, beginning with the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent. Chapters 13-19 describe the precise geographical boundaries for each tribe, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises made to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) regarding their offspring inheriting the land of Canaan.

Historically, this period follows the successful conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. The land distribution was crucial for establishing the national identity and governance of Israel, replacing the nomadic tribal structure with a settled agricultural society rooted in specific, divinely appointed territories. The meticulous detail in describing these borders was not merely geographic but held profound theological significance, emphasizing that this was an undeniable, tangible gift from Yahweh. The original audience would have understood these boundaries as divinely ordained and eternally valid markers of their heritage and security, distinct from the fluid borders of their pagan neighbors.

Joshua 15 9 Word analysis

• The border (גְּבוּל, gəḇūl): Signifies a precisely defined limit or boundary. It denotes an established, fixed territory, implying God-given ownership and secure possession. This is not a temporary demarcation but a divinely ordained boundary, providing stability and identity. The term reflects the order and specificity in God's provision.
• then extended (וַיֵּצֵא, wayyēṣē’): Literally "and it went out" or "proceeded." This verb highlights the dynamic progression of the boundary line as it traces the defined territory, not merely static points, but a journey. It underscores the active work of delineation.
• from the top of the mountain (מֵרֹאשׁ הָהָר, mērō’š hāhār): Refers to the summit or head of a specific, unnamed mountain, indicating a prominent and recognizable landmark previously mentioned in verse 8. The clarity of starting points anchors the description in physical reality, reinforcing the tangibility of the inheritance.
• to the spring of the Waters of Nephtoah (עַד־מֵי נֶפְתּוֹחַ, ‘aḏ-mê Neftōaḥ):
  • spring (מַעְיָן, ma‘yān, implied): Essential for life and settlement in ancient Israel. A perennial water source served as an undisputed and vital landmark.
  • Nephtoah (נֶפְתּוֹחַ, Neftōaḥ): Possibly means "opening" or "fountain" itself. Its precise location is debated by scholars, though often identified with a spring southwest of Jerusalem (likely Lifta), highlighting the ancient world's reliance on water features for geographical reference. Its mention roots the description in local, identifiable features.
• and from there (וּמִשָּׁם, ūmiššām): Connects the next stage of the border's course, emphasizing continuity and a logical progression of the boundary line from one landmark to the next.
• to the cities of Mount Ephron (אֶל־עָרֵי הַר עֶפְרוֹן, ’el-‘ārê har ‘Efrôn):
  • cities (עָרֵי, ‘ārê): Implies a cluster of settled areas rather than a single point, showing the border passed near or encompassed these urban centers within the mountainous region.
  • Mount Ephron (הַר עֶפְרוֹן, har ‘Efrôn): Likely a hill range or district. The name might relate to the Hebrew word for "dust" or "fawn." It represents another clear topographical marker within the Judean hills.
• then the border extended to Baalah (וּבָא עַד־בַּעֲלָה, ūḇā’ ‘aḏ Ba‘ălâ):
  • came/reached (וּבָא, ūḇā’): Indicates the endpoint or destination of this segment of the border.
  • Baalah (בַּעֲלָה, Ba‘ălâ): A common Canaanite place name, meaning "mistress" or "possessor," often associated with local deities or "Baal." The text immediately clarifies its true identity for the Israelite audience, subtly overriding the pagan association.
• that is, Kiriath-jearim (הִיא קִרְיַת יְעָרִים, hî’ Qiryat Yə‘ārîm):
  • Kiriath-jearim (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים, Qiryat Yə‘ārîm): Meaning "City of Forests" or "City of Woods." This parenthetical clarification is crucial. It informs the audience that the Canaanite name "Baalah" referred to the Israelite city of Kiriath-jearim, which later gained fame as the place where the Ark of the Covenant rested for many years (1 Sam 7:1-2). This clarifies a potentially ambiguous designation, ensuring future generations understood the location's significance within Israelite history. It effectively renames or reclaims a Canaanite location under an Israelite identity, serving a theological and practical purpose.

Words-Group analysis:

• "The border then extended...": Emphasizes the certainty and progressive nature of God's land grants. The use of specific geographical markers confirms the precise and unalterable nature of the tribal inheritance. This level of detail validated the land claims of Judah.
• "from the top of the mountain to the spring of the Waters of Nephtoah... to the cities of Mount Ephron...": This sequence showcases a natural geographical flow – from high ground to a crucial water source, then to a populated mountainous region. It reflects accurate ancient surveys based on readily identifiable natural features and settlement patterns, demonstrating the practical application of God's command.
• "to Baalah (that is, Kiriath-jearim)": This direct identification serves a crucial function of clarity and future historical grounding. It eliminates ambiguity regarding an old Canaanite name by linking it to a site known within Israelite tradition. This foresight implies a divine hand in recording these details, connecting past allocation to future historical and religious events, particularly concerning the Ark of the Covenant.

Joshua 15 9 Bonus section

The highly detailed land divisions in Joshua reflect the ancient Near Eastern practice of meticulous cadastral records, ensuring disputes over ownership and inheritance were minimized. However, in the biblical context, these records hold a deeper theological significance: they validate the divine origin of Israel's presence in Canaan. Each segment of the border, down to springs and obscure hills, speaks of God's sovereign gift. This reinforces the idea that Israel's possession was not by conquest alone, but by covenant. The emphasis on clear, fixed boundaries (Deut 19:14) suggests not only legal precision but also theological stability and divine ordering in their society, in contrast to the often fluid and contested borders of surrounding pagan nations.

Joshua 15 9 Commentary

Joshua 15:9 provides more than just an ancient map point; it serves as a testament to God's meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises. The precise boundary description for Judah underscores the reality and permanence of the inheritance bestowed by Yahweh. Every mentioned landmark, from mountain peaks to vital water springs and established cities, highlights God's thoroughness in delivering what He promised. The inclusion of the "Waters of Nephtoah" and "Mount Ephron" showcases reliance on natural, enduring features as markers, confirming the stability of these divinely set borders.

The explicit identification of "Baalah" as "Kiriath-jearim" is particularly noteworthy. While Baalah was likely its original Canaanite name, Kiriath-jearim would become a prominent site in Israelite history as the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant for decades after its return from the Philistines. This clarification serves as a historical bridge, confirming the inherited territory was destined to be central to Israel's future worship and identity, tying specific land ownership to national religious life. This level of detail in territorial assignment reassured the Israelites of their secure dwelling and unique identity under God’s faithful provision. The act of receiving and occupying such a specifically detailed land allocation also served as a call to faithfulness, emphasizing that this promised rest came with responsibilities.