King James Version
What Does Joshua 15:59 Mean?
“And Maarath, and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages:”
Joshua 15:59 · KJV
Context
57
Cain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages:
58
Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor,
59
And Maarath, and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages:
60
Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages:
61
In the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah,
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Maarath, and Beth-anoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages—These cities complete another cluster in Judah's hill country. Beth-anoth (בֵּית עֲנוֹת, "house of Anath") bears the name of a Canaanite goddess, similar to earlier examples of Baal place-names. The retention of pagan divine names in Israelite geography presented both opportunity and danger: opportunity to transform pagan sites into places serving the true God, danger of syncretism if residents tolerated or adopted pagan practices.
The enumeration "six cities with their villages" maintains the precise accounting characteristic of these chapters. Some commentators note that these detailed lists, seemingly dry to modern readers, would have been precious to original recipients—their family's specific inheritance documented in sacred scripture. Imagine the pride and security of knowing your hometown was listed in God's Word as legitimate, covenant-blessed inheritance.
The enumeration "six cities with their villages" maintains the precise accounting characteristic of these chapters. Some commentators note that these detailed lists, seemingly dry to modern readers, would have been precious to original recipients—their family's specific inheritance documented in sacred scripture. Imagine the pride and security of knowing your hometown was listed in God's Word as legitimate, covenant-blessed inheritance.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
These cities were in the central-southern hill country, an area of moderate rainfall and terraced agriculture. The region required significant labor investment to create and maintain agricultural terraces on hillsides, making it less attractive to conquerors who preferred easier lowland agriculture. This characteristic actually helped preserve Israelite culture, as the hill country remained more purely Israelite while lowland areas saw more cultural mixing.
Reflection Questions
- How does the transformation of pagan-named sites into Israelite cities illustrate redemptive re-purposing of what was formerly dedicated to evil?
- What might it mean for believers today to know their 'place' is documented in God's Word (our names written in heaven)?
- How can Christians redeem cultural elements formerly associated with paganism without compromising doctrinal purity?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsוּבֵית2 of 7
H0עָרִ֥ים5 of 7
“cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
שֵׁ֖שׁ6 of 7
“six”
H8337six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
וְחַצְרֵיהֶֽן׃7 of 7
“with their villages”
H2691a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
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 15:59 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.