King James Version

What Does Joshua 15:26 Mean?

Joshua 15:26 in the King James Version says “Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,”

Joshua 15:26 · KJV

Context

24

Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth,

25

And Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, and Hezron, which is Hazor,

26

Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,

27

And Hazargaddah, and Heshmon, and Bethpalet,

28

And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Amam, and Shema, and Moladah—these three cities continue Judah's southern district. Amam (עֲמָם) remains unidentified but may derive from am ("people"), possibly meaning "gathering place." Shema (שֶׁמַע, "hearing" or "fame") may have been named for significant events heard about there, or the name might indicate obedience to God's voice (as in the Shema, Deuteronomy 6:4). Moladah (מוֹלָדָה, "birth" or "offspring") appears later as jointly occupied by Judah and Simeon (Joshua 19:2), then resettled after the exile (Nehemiah 11:26), demonstrating continuity of settlement across centuries.

Moladah's shared occupation between Judah and Simeon reflects Simeon's unique situation—receiving cities within Judah's territory rather than separate borders (Joshua 19:1, 9). This fulfilled Jacob's prophecy that Simeon would be "divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel" (Genesis 49:7) as judgment for violence against Shechem (Genesis 34:25-30). God's judgments, even generations later, demonstrate His justice and the serious consequences of sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moladah's identification with Khirbet el-Waten or Tell el-Milh (approximately 10 miles east of Beer-sheba) remains uncertain but archaeological evidence shows Iron Age occupation consistent with biblical chronology. The city's survival into post-exilic times demonstrates remarkable continuity—settlements that remained inhabited from Joshua's conquest through the Babylonian exile and return spanned over 800 years.

Simeon's incorporation into Judah's territory eventually led to tribal assimilation. By the time of David's census, Simeon appears absent from lists (2 Samuel 24:1-9), having been absorbed into Judah. This tribal merger illustrates how Jacob's prophetic curse worked out historically—Simeon lost distinct tribal identity and land, scattered among Judah's cities. Divine prophecy and historical fulfillment intertwine throughout Israel's inheritance narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moladah's history from conquest through exile to restoration illustrate God's faithfulness to preserve a remnant and fulfill covenantal promises despite judgment?
  2. What does Simeon's scattering within Judah teach about the long-term consequences of sin, even affecting future generations (Exodus 20:5; 34:7)?
  3. How should understanding God's justice in fulfilling Jacob's prophecies shape your approach to generational sin patterns and the need for repentance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 3 words
אֲמָ֥ם1 of 3

“Amam”

H538

amam, a place in palestine

וּשְׁמַ֖ע2 of 3

“and Shema”

H8090

shema, a place in palestine

וּמֽוֹלָדָֽה׃3 of 3

“and Moladah”

H4137

moladah, a place in palestine

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 15:26 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 15:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 4:28

Places in This Verse

AmamSettlement · Modern: Be’er Nevatim · 31.22°N, 34.91°E1 verse across 1 book
MoladahSettlement · Modern: Khirbet el Waten · 31.26°N, 34.92°E4 verses across 3 books
ShemaSettlement · Modern: Tel Beer Sheva · 31.24°N, 34.84°E1 verse across 1 book
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