King James Version
What Does Joshua 15:21 Mean?
“And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,”
Context
19
Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.
20
This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.
21
And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,
22
And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,
23
And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(21) **And the uttermost cities.**—The cities of the tribe of Judah are given under four heads: (*a*)* towards Edom; *(b)* in the Shephêlah, *or plain of the coast (Joshua 15:33, &c.); (c) *in the mountains *(Joshua 15:48); (*d*)* in the wilderness *(Joshua 15:61).
**Of **those in Joshua 15:21-32, the first twenty-nine, Conder identifies only four—viz., Adadah, Joshua 15:22 (*Ad’adah*)*; *Kerioth Hezron (some see a trace of Kerioth in the *sobriquet *of Judas *Is-cariot, *the man of Kerioth), Joshua 15:25 (*Hudîreh*)*; *Beer-sheba, Joshua 15:28 (*Bîr es-seb’a*)*; *and Ain Rimmon, Joshua 15:32 ( U*mm er-Rumânûn*)*. *It is not easy to say precisely how the twenty-nine are to be obtained from the thirty-three, but evidently some of the *Hazors *are villages attached to the cities.
(31) **Ziklag.**—It is noticeable that Ziklag became the property of the kings of Judah by the *gift of Achish, *who bestowed it on David (1Samuel 27:6). not by the gift of Joshua to Judah. The partial character of the conquest and the division of *unconquered *territory to the tribes is thus illustrated.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 15:21 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 15:21
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge