And the western border was the coastline of the Great Sea. These are the boundaries around the clans of the descendants of Judah. The western borderThis phrase refers to the boundary of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. In the Hebrew text, the word for "border" is "gevul," which signifies a limit or boundary. The western border being the coastline indicates a natural boundary, which was common in ancient territorial demarcations. This natural boundary provided a clear and defensible limit for the tribe of Judah, emphasizing God's provision and protection for His people. was the coastline The term "coastline" in Hebrew is "chof," which refers to the shore or edge of a body of water. The coastline mentioned here is significant as it provided access to the Mediterranean Sea, known for trade and travel. This access would have been a strategic advantage for the tribe of Judah, allowing them to engage in commerce and cultural exchange, which were vital for the prosperity and growth of the tribe. of the Great Sea The "Great Sea" is a reference to the Mediterranean Sea, known in Hebrew as "Yam HaGadol." This body of water was a major geographical feature in the ancient Near East and played a crucial role in the history and economy of the region. The mention of the Great Sea as a boundary highlights the vastness and significance of the territory given to Judah, underscoring the tribe's importance among the Israelites. These are the boundaries The phrase "these are the boundaries" serves as a summary statement, encapsulating the detailed description of the territorial limits of Judah. In Hebrew, "gevulot" (boundaries) emphasizes the divinely ordained limits set for each tribe. This reflects the order and structure God established for His people, ensuring each tribe had its own inheritance and place within the Promised Land. around the clans The word "clans" in Hebrew is "mishpachot," which refers to family groups or extended families within the tribe. This highlights the communal and familial nature of the Israelite society, where land was distributed not just to individuals but to family units. This ensured that the inheritance was preserved and passed down through generations, maintaining the continuity and identity of the tribe. of the descendants of Judah The "descendants of Judah" refers to the tribe that descended from Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Judah's tribe was one of the most prominent and influential among the Israelites, with a lineage that included King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. The allocation of this significant territory to Judah underscores the tribe's central role in God's redemptive plan and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Persons / Places / Events 1. JudahOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Judah, the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe of Judah is significant in biblical history, as it is the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. 2. The Great SeaKnown today as the Mediterranean Sea, it served as the western boundary for the tribe of Judah. This sea was a major geographical landmark in the ancient Near East. 3. The Clans of JudahRefers to the family groups within the tribe of Judah. Each clan had its own inheritance within the tribal territory. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in PromisesThe delineation of Judah's borders is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land. This reminds us of God's faithfulness to His promises, encouraging us to trust in His word. Significance of BoundariesBoundaries were important for maintaining order and identity among the tribes. In our lives, setting boundaries can help us maintain spiritual health and focus on God's purposes. Heritage and LegacyThe tribe of Judah's inheritance is a reminder of the spiritual heritage we have in Christ. We are called to live in a way that honors our spiritual legacy and passes it on to future generations. Role of Geography in God's PlanThe geographical boundaries of Judah played a role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. This teaches us that God uses specific places and circumstances in our lives for His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the inheritance of the tribe of Judah reflect God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives? 2. In what ways can setting personal boundaries help us maintain our spiritual health and focus on God's purposes? 3. How does the lineage of Judah, leading to Jesus, encourage us to consider our own spiritual heritage and legacy? 4. What role do specific places and circumstances play in your life, and how might God be using them for His purposes? 5. How can understanding the historical and geographical context of biblical events enhance our study and application of Scripture today? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 49:8-12Jacob's blessing to Judah, which prophesies the leadership and prominence of the tribe, foreshadowing its significant role in Israel's history. 1 Chronicles 4:1-23Provides a genealogical record of the descendants of Judah, highlighting the tribe's growth and influence. Matthew 1:1-16The genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage back to Judah, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. People Achsah, Addar, Ahiman, Anak, Anakites, Arba, Ben, Bohan, Cain, Caleb, Dagon, Debir, Dumah, Eder, Eglon, Ephron, Gad, Gedor, Hezron, Hoglah, Jebusites, Jephunneh, Jezreel, Joshua, Kenaz, Maon, Naamah, Othniel, Pelet, Reuben, Seir, Shamir, Shema, Sheshai, Shual, Talmai, Tappuah, Telem, Timnah, ZurPlaces Achzib, Adadah, Addar, Adullam, Adummim, Ain, Akrabbim, Amam, Anab, Anim, Aphekah, Arab, Ashan, Ashdod, Ashnah, Azekah, Baalah, Bealoth, Beersheba, Beth-anoth, Beth-arabah, Beth-dagan, Beth-hoglah, Beth-pelet, Beth-shemesh, Beth-tappuah, Beth-zur, Biziothiah, Bozkath, Brook of Egypt, Cabbon, Carmel, Chesalon, Chesil, Chitlish, City of Salt, Dannah, Debir, Dilean, Dimonah, Dumah, Eder, Edom, Eglon, Ekron, Eltekon, Eltolad, Enam, En-gannim, Engedi, En-rogel, En-shemesh, Eshan, Eshtaol, Eshtemoh, Ether, Ezem, Gaza, Gederah, Gederoth, Gederothaim, Gedor, Gibeah, Gilgal, Giloh, Great Sea, Hadashah, Halhul, Hazar-gaddah, Hazar-shual, Hazor, Hazor-hadattah, Hebron, Heshmon, Hezron, Holon, Hormah, Humtah, Iim, Iphtah, Ithnan, Jabneel, Jagur, Janim, Jarmuth, Jattir, Jebus, Jerusalem, Jokdeam, Joktheel, Jordan River, Juttah, Kabzeel, Kadesh-barnea, Kain, Keilah, Kerioth-hezron, Kinah, Kiriath-arba, Kiriath-baal, Kiriath-jearim, Kiriath-sannah, Kiriath-sepher, Lachish, Lahmam, Lebaoth, Libnah, Maarath, Madmannah, Makkedah, Maon, Mareshah, Middin, Migdal-gad, Mizpeh, Moladah, Mount Baalah, Mount Ephron, Mount Jearim, Mount Seir, Negeb, Nephtoah, Nezib, Nibshan, Rabbah, Rimmon, Salt Sea, Sansannah, Secacah, Shaaraim, Shamir, Shema, Shikkeron, Shilhim, Socoh, Tappuah, Telem, Timnah, Valley of Achor, Valley of Hinnom, Valley of Rephaim, Zanoah, Zenan, Ziklag, Zin, Zior, Ziph, ZorahTopics Border, Boundaries, Boundary, Clans, Coast, Coastline, Coast-line, Edge, Families, Judah, Limit, Line, Marked, Round, Shore, Sons, Thereof, WestDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 15:1-63 5235 boundary 7266 tribes of Israel Library The Sea of Sodom The bounds of Judea, on both sides, are the sea; the western bound is the Mediterranean,--the eastern, the Dead sea, or the sea of Sodom. This the Jewish writers every where call, which you may not so properly interpret here, "the salt sea," as "the bituminous sea." In which sense word for word, "Sodom's salt," but properly "Sodom's bitumen," doth very frequently occur among them. The use of it was in the holy incense. They mingled 'bitumen,' 'the amber of Jordan,' and [an herb known to few], with … John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaTiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C. TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation … G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 John the Baptist --visit of Jesus to John, and his Abode in the Desert of Judea --Adoption of the Baptism of John. An extraordinary man, whose position, from the absence of documentary evidence, remains to us in some degree enigmatical, appeared about this time, and was unquestionably to some extent connected with Jesus. This connection tended rather to make the young prophet of Nazareth deviate from his path; but it suggested many important accessories to his religious institution, and, at all events, furnished a very strong authority to his disciples in recommending their Master in the eyes of a certain class … Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus Divers Matters. I. Beth-cerem, Nehemiah 3:14. "The stones, as well of the altar, as of the ascent to the altar, were from the valley of Beth-cerem, which they digged out beneath the barren land. And thence they are wont to bring whole stones, upon which the working iron came not." The fathers of the traditions, treating concerning the blood of women's terms, reckon up five colours of it; among which that, "which is like the water of the earth, out of the valley of Beth-cerem."--Where the Gloss writes thus, "Beth-cerem … John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Epistle xxvi. To Theoctista, Patrician To Theoctista, Patrician [1704] Gregory to Theoctista, &c. That your Excellency, though placed in so great a tumult of affairs, is full of the fruitfulness of the sacred word, and incessantly pants after eternal joys, for this I give great thanks to Almighty God, in that in you I see fulfilled what is written of the elect fathers, But the children of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea (Exod. xv. 19). But on the other hand, I am come into the depth of the sea, and the storm hath … Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Emmaus. Kiriath-Jearim. "From Beth-horon to Emmaus it was hilly."--It was sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem.--"To eight hundred only, dismissed the army, (Vespasian) gave a place, called Ammaus, for them to inhabit: it is sixty furlongs distant from Jerusalem." I inquire, whether this word hath the same etymology with Emmaus near Tiberias, which, from the 'warm baths,' was called Chammath. The Jews certainly do write this otherwise... "The family (say they) of Beth-Pegarim, and Beth Zipperia was out of Emmaus."--The … John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi. "On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, … John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah "And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster … Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Moses and his Writings [Illustration: (drop cap W) Clay letter tablet of Moses' time.] We now begin to understand a little of the very beginning of God's Book--of the times in which it was written, the materials used by its first author, and the different kinds of writing from which he had to choose; but we must go a step farther. How much did Moses know about the history of his forefathers, Abraham and Jacob, and of all the old nations and kings mentioned in Genesis, before God called him to the great work of writing … Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam, … G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Some Helps to Mourning Having removed the obstructions, let me in the last place propound some helps to holy mourning. 1 Set David's prospect continually before you. My sin is ever before me' (Psalm 51:3). David, that he might be a mourner, kept his eye full upon sin. See what sin is, and then tell me if there be not enough in it to draw forth tears. I know not what name to give it bad enough. One calls it the devil's excrement. Sin is a complication of all evils. It is the spirits of mischief distilled. Sin dishonours … Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. ) The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal … G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done. The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the … John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Joshua The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Joshua 15:12 NIVJoshua 15:12 NLTJoshua 15:12 ESVJoshua 15:12 NASBJoshua 15:12 KJV
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