Joshua 15:49, "Dannah, Kiriath Sannah (which is Debir)," is a small part of a larger list of towns and villages assigned to the tribe of Judah in the division of the land of Canaan after the Israelite conquest. Let's break down what each part means:
Dannah: This is the name of a town. Its exact location is uncertain, but it was in the southern part of Judah.
Kiriath Sannah: This is another town, but the verse provides an alternative name. "Kiriath" means "city" or "town." Sannah's meaning isn't definitively known, but it might be related to the word for "instruction" or "learning," perhaps suggesting it was a center of knowledge or scribal activity.
(which is Debir): This clarifies that Kiriath Sannah is the same place as a town known as Debir. This is the most significant part of the verse because Debir is mentioned elsewhere in the Bible and is associated with some important events.
Significance of Debir:
Conquest: Debir was a Canaanite city that was conquered by the Israelites, specifically by Othniel (Judges 1:11-13). This conquest is described as a reward for Othniel's bravery.
Levitical City: Debir was later designated as a city for the Levites (Joshua 21:15), indicating its importance within the Israelite administration and religious structure.
Strategic Location: Debir's location in the hill country of Judah made it strategically important.
Historical Connections: knowing Kiriath Sannah is also called Debir helps us link up different biblical events and understand the history of this area.
In summary, Joshua 15:49 is a brief geographical notation. Its importance lies in:
Identifying towns within the tribal allotment of Judah.
Equating Kiriath Sannah with Debir, a city with historical and religious significance.
Providing insight into the place names and geography of ancient Canaan.
The verse itself is a detail in a larger administrative text, but it serves as a key to unlocking a better understanding of the biblical narrative surrounding the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land.
Joshua 15:49, "Dannah, Kiriath Sannah (which is Debir)," is a small part of a larger list of towns and villages assigned to the tribe of Judah in the division of the land of Canaan after the Israelite conquest. Let's break down what each part means:
Dannah: This is the name of a town. Its exact location is uncertain, but it was in the southern part of Judah.
Kiriath Sannah: This is another town, but the verse provides an alternative name. "Kiriath" means "city" or "town." Sannah's meaning isn't definitively known, but it might be related to the word for "instruction" or "learning," perhaps suggesting it was a center of knowledge or scribal activity.
(which is Debir): This clarifies that Kiriath Sannah is the same place as a town known as Debir. This is the most significant part of the verse because Debir is mentioned elsewhere in the Bible and is associated with some important events.
Significance of Debir:
Conquest: Debir was a Canaanite city that was conquered by the Israelites, specifically by Othniel (Judges 1:11-13). This conquest is described as a reward for Othniel's bravery.
Levitical City: Debir was later designated as a city for the Levites (Joshua 21:15), indicating its importance within the Israelite administration and religious structure.
Strategic Location: Debir's location in the hill country of Judah made it strategically important.
Historical Connections: knowing Kiriath Sannah is also called Debir helps us link up different biblical events and understand the history of this area.
In summary, Joshua 15:49 is a brief geographical notation. Its importance lies in:
Identifying towns within the tribal allotment of Judah.
Equating Kiriath Sannah with Debir, a city with historical and religious significance.
Providing insight into the place names and geography of ancient Canaan.
The verse itself is a detail in a larger administrative text, but it serves as a key to unlocking a better understanding of the biblical narrative surrounding the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land.