Joshua 15:28
Hazar-shual, Beersheba, Biziothiah,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joshua 15:28
Hazar-shual, Beersheba, Biziothiah,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While this verse lists cities, notice that Beersheba, famously a patriarchs' dwelling place and a landmark for the full extent of the land ("from Dan to Beersheba"), is described here as simply one city among many within Judah's inheritance. This reminds us that even historically significant places become part of a larger, divinely appointed whole when God's people settle the land.
This verse is part of a lengthy list cataloging the cities and territories allotted to the tribe of Judah after they entered the Promised Land. It details specific locations within their inheritance, including the well-known Beersheba, which was a significant landmark in the southern part of the land. The context is the formal division of the land, demonstrating God's faithfulness in giving them their inheritance, though historical accounts show some of these cities were not fully conquered by Judah.
These aren't just random names; they echo with stories of faith, victory, and even warnings.
Even though Joshua 15:28 is a short list of cities, their names often carried significant meaning for the Israelites.
Echoes of Covenant and Conflict
This list of cities isn't just geography; it represents a tangible, abundant inheritance from God.
The enumeration of cities in Joshua 15, including those in our verse, highlights the incredible generosity of God in providing the Promised Land for His people.
A Fertile Inheritance
Understand the original words
Be'er Sheva' · Hebrew Proper Noun
A major town in the Negev region of Judah, frequently mentioned in the Bible. It is famous as a place where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and entered into covenants with local leaders, symbolizing the fulfillment of God’s promise of the land.
Chatsar · Hebrew Noun
The Hebrew prefix 'Hazar' or 'Hazor' means 'enclosure,' 'settlement,' or 'village.' It signifies a place of habitation, emphasizing the transition of the Israelites from a wandering people to settled inhabitants of the promised land.
This list of cities highlights the southern extent of Judah's inheritance, bordering Edom. It connects to the patriarchal history, as Beersheba was a significant site for Abraham and Jacob, and shows how tribal lands were established after the conquest and further defined during the monarchy.
c. 1400 BC
Israel Conquers Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquered much of Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to give them the land. This marked the beginning of their settlement.
c. 1400 BC
Division of Land by Lot
After the conquest, the land of Canaan was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel by casting lots, a sacred act to ensure God's will in the distribution.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Judah and Simeon Receive Southern Territories
The tribe of Judah received a large and significant portion of land in the southern part of Canaan. The tribe of Simeon was allocated cities within Judah's territory, as their inheritance was smaller.
Throughout the Period of the Judges
Ongoing Conflict and Consolidation
Despite the initial conquest and division, Israel faced ongoing struggles with Canaanite inhabitants and neighboring peoples. Tribes like Judah and Simeon gradually consolidated control over their allocated lands.
This passage records the establishment of Beersheba by Abraham, linking it to the patriarchal covenant and foreshadowing its significance as a key location in the land.
Judges 20:1This verse uses 'from Dan to Beersheba' to denote the full extent of Israel, highlighting Beersheba's importance as a landmark defining the southern boundary of the promised land.
1 Samuel 8:2This verse mentions Samuel's sons being judges in Beersheba, showing its continued prominence as an administrative and judicial center for Israel.
Nehemiah 11:30This passage lists Beersheba again among the cities resettled after the exile, demonstrating its enduring presence and importance within the Judean territory.
calvinJoshua 15:14-63: "And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak."
- And it came to pass as she came unto him, etc Although we may conjecture that the damsel Acsa was of excellent morals and well brought up, as marriage with her had been held forth as the special reward [149] of victory, yet perverse cupidity on her part is here disclosed. She knew that by the divine law women were specially excluded from hereditary lands, but she neverthe…
gillJoshua 15:28: "And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,"
And Hazarshual,.... The first of these seems to have its name from an haunt of foxes here, and was given to the tribe of Simeon, Joshua 19:3 ; and is mentioned as here with Beersheba, 1 Chronicles 4:28 Nehemiah 11:27 , and Beersheba was a city well known in the extreme border of the land of Canaan southward; hence the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba", Judges 20:1, of which Jerom says (h), Bersabee, in the tribe of Judah or Simeon, is…
While this verse lists cities, notice that Beersheba, famously a patriarchs' dwelling place and a landmark for the full extent of the land ("from Dan to Beersheba"), is described here as simply one city among many within Judah's inheritance. This reminds us that even historically significant places become part of a larger, divinely appointed whole when God's people settle the land.
This verse is part of a lengthy list cataloging the cities and territories allotted to the tribe of Judah after they entered the Promised Land. It details specific locations within their inheritance, including the well-known Beersheba, which was a significant landmark in the southern part of the land. The context is the formal division of the land, demonstrating God's faithfulness in giving them their inheritance, though historical accounts show some of these cities were not fully conquered by Judah.
This verse is part of a lengthy list cataloging the cities and territories allotted to the tribe of Judah after they entered the Promised Land. It details specific locations within their inheritance, including the well-known Beersheba, which was a significant landmark in the southern part of the land. The context is the formal division of the land, demonstrating God's faithfulness in giving them their inheritance, though historical accounts show some of these cities were not fully conquered by Judah.
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The Call to Occupy
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign and Expansion
King David established Jerusalem as the capital, and his reign brought a period of relative peace and expansion for Judah, solidifying its territory and influence.
"Hazar-shual, Beersheba, Biziothiah," — While this verse lists cities, notice that Beersheba, famously a patriarchs' dwelling place and a landmark for the full extent of the land ("from Dan to Beersheba"), is described here as simply one c…