Joshua 15:20 - This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.

Generated Verse: Joshua 15:20

What does "Joshua 15:20" mean?


This verse, Joshua 15:20, "This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families," is a summarizing statement. It marks the conclusion of a detailed description of the land allotted to the tribe of Judah in the Promised Land after the Israelite conquest of Canaan. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"This is the inheritance..." This signifies the land was not just territory conquered by force, but a divinely ordained inheritance promised to them by God. The term "inheritance" underscores the idea of ownership, belonging, and a lasting legacy.

"...of the tribe of the children of Judah..." This specifies that the described territory was specifically for the tribe of Judah. Tribes were significant social and political units within Israel, each descended from one of Jacob's (Israel's) sons. Judah was a particularly important tribe, being the one from which King David and ultimately, according to Christian belief, Jesus Christ would descend.

"...according to their families." The land was not merely assigned to the tribe collectively, but it was likely further subdivided amongst the various clans (families) within the tribe. This ensured that individual families had their own portions to cultivate, build upon, and pass down to future generations. This is a key concept of inheritance and land ownership in the Ancient Near East.

In essence, the verse is a declaration that the preceding detailed listing of cities, towns, and boundaries (Joshua 15:21-63) represents the God-given territory for the tribe of Judah, distributed among its families for their perpetual possession. It represents fulfillment of God's promises and establishes the tribe of Judah as a major power in the region, centered around Jerusalem. It solidifies their identity and their relationship with the land, as well as their relationship with God.

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