This verse summarizes the western boundary of Judah’s allotment, emphasizing key Philistine cities such as Ashdod and Gaza, their villages, and the extent toward the Great Sea and the brook of Egypt.
“Ashdod, its towns and its villages; Gaza, its towns and its villages, as far as the brook of Egypt and the Great Sea, even its coastline.” (Joshua 15:47) These words continue the description of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah, marking out a western expanse that includes significant Philistine cities and extends toward the Mediterranean Sea. When the text says “Ashdod, its towns and its villages” and “Gaza, its towns and its villages” (Joshua 15:47), it highlights two of the important Philistine strongholds situated along the coastal plain. Ashdod, located near the Mediterranean coast, played a formidable role in the power dynamics of the region. Gaza, centrally placed along the coastal route to Egypt, was a key city that would later appear in biblical narratives involving judges like Samson (Judges 16:1-3). In Joshua’s day, these cities represented the frontier of Israel’s inheritance and the ongoing challenge of subduing the land that God promised.
The passage then states “as far as the brook of Egypt and the Great Sea, even its coastline.” (Joshua 15:47) This indicates that the western boundary of Judah’s inheritance extended to the Wadi of Egypt (often referred to as the brook of Egypt) and up to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This narrow strip of land would become contested territory between the Israelites and their neighbors to the southwest, impacting trade routes and political alliances. The mention of “the Great Sea” underscores the significance of maritime access in ancient times, as control over these coastal areas conferred both economic opportunities and military advantages. Although much of this region remained inhabited by Philistines for generations, this verse establishes the formal boundary that Judah’s tribe was intended to occupy.
Though Joshua 15:47 does not mention any specific individuals, it sets the stage for later developments in Israel’s history and for memorable events that take place in both Ashdod and Gaza. For instance, centuries later, the Philistines of Ashdod would seize the Ark of the Covenant, only to discover the power of Israel’s God (1 Samuel 5:1-7). Gaza would continue to be a key city where the Israelites would interact with the Philistines off and on. Along with the broader narrative of Joshua 15, this verse underscores the sweep of God’s faithfulness in granting the land, while also hinting at the challenges Israel would face in fully realizing the divine promise in these coastal regions.
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Joshua 15:47 meaning
“Ashdod, its towns and its villages; Gaza, its towns and its villages, as far as the brook of Egypt and the Great Sea, even its coastline.” (Joshua 15:47) These words continue the description of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah, marking out a western expanse that includes significant Philistine cities and extends toward the Mediterranean Sea. When the text says “Ashdod, its towns and its villages” and “Gaza, its towns and its villages” (Joshua 15:47), it highlights two of the important Philistine strongholds situated along the coastal plain. Ashdod, located near the Mediterranean coast, played a formidable role in the power dynamics of the region. Gaza, centrally placed along the coastal route to Egypt, was a key city that would later appear in biblical narratives involving judges like Samson (Judges 16:1-3). In Joshua’s day, these cities represented the frontier of Israel’s inheritance and the ongoing challenge of subduing the land that God promised.
The passage then states “as far as the brook of Egypt and the Great Sea, even its coastline.” (Joshua 15:47) This indicates that the western boundary of Judah’s inheritance extended to the Wadi of Egypt (often referred to as the brook of Egypt) and up to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This narrow strip of land would become contested territory between the Israelites and their neighbors to the southwest, impacting trade routes and political alliances. The mention of “the Great Sea” underscores the significance of maritime access in ancient times, as control over these coastal areas conferred both economic opportunities and military advantages. Although much of this region remained inhabited by Philistines for generations, this verse establishes the formal boundary that Judah’s tribe was intended to occupy.
Though Joshua 15:47 does not mention any specific individuals, it sets the stage for later developments in Israel’s history and for memorable events that take place in both Ashdod and Gaza. For instance, centuries later, the Philistines of Ashdod would seize the Ark of the Covenant, only to discover the power of Israel’s God (1 Samuel 5:1-7). Gaza would continue to be a key city where the Israelites would interact with the Philistines off and on. Along with the broader narrative of Joshua 15, this verse underscores the sweep of God’s faithfulness in granting the land, while also hinting at the challenges Israel would face in fully realizing the divine promise in these coastal regions.