Lexical Summary illi: Uppermost, highest Original Word: עִלִּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance upper From alah; high; i.e. Comparative -- upper. see HEBREW alah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alah Definition upper NASB Translation upper (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עִלּי] adjective upper; — feminine singular עִלִּית Judges 1:15; plural עִלִיּוֺת Joshua 15:19 (opposed to תַּחְתִּית, תַּחְתִיּוֺת). Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting and Occurrences עִלִּי appears twice, both in parallel accounts describing Caleb’s wedding gift to his daughter Achsah: Joshua 15:19 and Judges 1:15. In each passage the term modifies “springs,” marking the water sources as being situated “upper,” that is, elevated above the “lower springs.” Achsah, newly married to Othniel, appeals for water rights to supplement the semi-arid inheritance in the Negev. Caleb responds generously, securing the family’s long-term survival in a challenging environment: “Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.” (Joshua 15:19) Geographical and Cultural Insights 1. Topography: The Judean hill country contains limestone strata that trap rainfall in natural cisterns. An “upper spring” delivers gravity-fed irrigation, making it highly prized. Symbolism of Water and Divine Provision Scripture frequently equates fresh water with life and blessing (Genesis 26:19; Psalm 65:9; Isaiah 44:3). The dual gift of upper and lower springs pictures abundance beyond minimum need. In a desert context, such bounty illustrates the truth that “the blessing of the LORD enriches” (Proverbs 10:22). Achsah’s request demonstrates bold faith; Caleb’s answer typifies the heavenly Father who “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). Relation to Covenant and Inheritance Joshua 15:19 and Judges 1:15 are located within larger allotment narratives that confirm the divine promise first given to Abraham (Genesis 12:7). Water rights were inseparable from land rights; thus the inclusion of upper springs safeguards the ongoing enjoyment of God’s gift. In Israel’s legal framework, the ability to maintain one’s inheritance served not only personal good but tribal identity and messianic lineage. Springs in Broader Biblical Theology • Eden: A river “watering the garden flowed from Eden” (Genesis 2:10), foreshadowing future paradisiacal renewal. The motif culminates in Revelation 22:1, where the river of the water of life courses from God’s throne, permanently resolving the thirst first encountered in the Negev. Christological Foreshadowing Caleb’s gift prefigures Christ, the greater Joshua, who grants His bride the Church both “upper” (heavenly) and “lower” (earthly) blessings. Believers already taste spiritual refreshment through the indwelling Spirit while anticipating the full inheritance reserved in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). The physical springs symbolize the inexhaustible grace secured by the New Covenant. Implications for Personal and Corporate Ministry 1. Prayer Expectancy: Achsah’s respectful yet confident petition encourages believers to approach the Father boldly (Hebrews 4:16). Summary עִלִּי underscores a moment in Israel’s settlement when life-sustaining water affirmed covenant faithfulness, mirrored divine generosity, and anticipated ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The “upper springs” invite every generation to draw deeply from God’s abundant provision and to channel that blessing toward others. Forms and Transliterations עִלִּ֔ית עִלִּיּ֔וֹת עליות עלית ‘il·lî·yō·wṯ ‘il·lîṯ ‘illîṯ ‘illîyōwṯ ilLit illiYotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 15:19 HEB: אֵ֚ת גֻּלֹּ֣ת עִלִּיּ֔וֹת וְאֵ֖ת גֻּלֹּ֥ת NAS: So he gave her the upper springs KJV: And he gave her the upper springs, INT: gave springs her the upper springs and the lower Judges 1:15 2 Occurrences |
    |