King James Version

What Does Joshua 15:1 Mean?

Joshua 15:1 in the King James Version says “This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom the wilderness... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward was the uttermost part of the south coast.

Joshua 15:1 · KJV


Context

1

This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward was the uttermost part of the south coast.

2

And their south border was from the shore of the salt sea, from the bay that looketh southward: bay: Heb. tongue

3

And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa: Maalehacrebbim: or, the going up to Acrabbim


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Judah's inheritance: 'This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward was the uttermost part of the south coast.' Judah, receiving the first territorial allocation (after Transjordan tribes), holds pride of place—the royal tribe from which Messiah would descend (Genesis 49:10). The southern boundary extended to Edom and Zin wilderness, reaching toward Egypt. The detailed geographic description (verses 1-12) establishes Judah's substantial inheritance. This prominence fulfills Jacob's blessing (Genesis 49:8-12) and prepares for David's monarchy and ultimately Christ's kingdom. The placement of Judah's allocation first in Canaan proper emphasizes its importance in Israel's history and redemptive purpose. From Judah would come kings and ultimately the King of Kings.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Judah's territory encompassed the southern highlands and Negev wilderness—rugged, defensible terrain producing hardy people. The southern boundary extended to Edom (descendants of Esau) and the Zin wilderness (where Israel wandered, Numbers 13:21, 20:1). This substantial allocation reflected Judah's large population (Numbers 1:27 shows Judah as Israel's largest tribe at exodus). Archaeological evidence confirms extensive settlement in Judah's hill country during Iron Age (period of judges and monarchy). Major cities included Hebron, Jerusalem (partially, verse 63), Bethlehem, Debir, and many others. Judah's geography—central highlands with access to Shephelah (foothills) and some coastal plain—provided agricultural diversity and strategic depth. The tribe's military strength and geographic position made it natural leader. After Solomon's death, Judah and Benjamin formed the southern kingdom while northern tribes followed Jeroboam—Judah's lasting identity and faith preserved the Davidic line through exile and ultimately produced Jesus Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Judah's prominent territorial allocation prefigure Christ's kingship emerging from this tribe?
  2. What does Judah's substantial, strategic inheritance teach about God's purposes in apparently secular land distributions?
  3. How do geographic and historical particulars (like Judah's terrain and location) shape spiritual destinies?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיְהִ֣י1 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַגּוֹרָ֗ל2 of 14

This then was the lot

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

לְמַטֵּ֛ה3 of 14

of the tribe

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

בְּנֵ֥י4 of 14

of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְהוּדָ֖ה5 of 14

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם6 of 14

by their families

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

אֶל7 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גְּב֨וּל8 of 14

even to the border

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

אֱד֧וֹם9 of 14

of Edom

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

מִדְבַּר10 of 14

the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

צִ֛ן11 of 14

of Zin

H6790

tsin, a part of the desert

נֶ֖גְבָּה12 of 14

southward

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

מִקְצֵ֥ה13 of 14

was the uttermost part

H7097

an extremity

תֵימָֽן׃14 of 14

of the south coast

H8486

the south (as being on the right hand of a person facing the east)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 15:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 15:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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