New International VersionKedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,
New Living TranslationKedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,
English Standard VersionKedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,
Berean Standard BibleKedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,
King James BibleAnd Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,
New King James VersionKedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,
New American Standard BibleKedesh, Hazor, and Ithnan,
NASB 1995and Kedesh and Hazor and Ithnan,
NASB 1977 and Kedesh and Hazor and Ithnan,
Legacy Standard Bible and Kedesh and Hazor and Ithnan,
Amplified Bibleand Kedesh and Hazor and Ithnan,
Christian Standard BibleKedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,
Holman Christian Standard BibleKedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,
American Standard Versionand Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,
English Revised Versionand Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationKedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,
Good News TranslationKedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,
International Standard VersionKedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,
NET BibleKedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,
New Heart English Bibleand Kedesh, and Hazor Ithnan,
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleKedesh, Hazor, Ithnan,
World English BibleKedesh, Hazor, Ithnan, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,
Young's Literal Translation and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Kedesh and Hazor and Ithnan, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Cades and Asor and Jethnam,
Catholic Public Domain Versionand Kadesh and Hazor and Ithnan,
New American BibleKedesh, Hazor, and Ithnan;
New Revised Standard VersionKedesh, Hazor, Ithnan, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleKedesh, Hazor, Nathnin,
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Qadesh and Khatsur and Nathnin OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan;
Brenton Septuagint Translationand Cades, and Asorionain, and Maenam,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Cities of Judah… 22Kinah, Dimonah, Adadah, 23Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan, 24Ziph, Telem, Bealoth,…
Cross References Joshua 19:1-9The second lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Simeon: Their inheritance lay within the territory of Judah / and included Beersheba (or Sheba), Moladah, / Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem, ...
1 Chronicles 4:28-33They lived in Beersheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, / Bilhah, Ezem, Tolad, / Bethuel, Hormah, Ziklag, ...
Numbers 34:2-12“Command the Israelites and say to them: When you enter the land of Canaan, it will be allotted to you as an inheritance with these boundaries: / Your southern border will extend from the Wilderness of Zin along the border of Edom. On the east, your southern border will run from the end of the Salt Sea, / cross south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continue to Zin, and go south of Kadesh-barnea. Then it will go on to Hazar-addar and proceed to Azmon, ...
Deuteronomy 19:8-9And if the LORD your God enlarges your territory, as He swore to your fathers, and gives you all the land He promised them, / and if you carefully keep all these commandments I am giving you today, loving the LORD your God and walking in His ways at all times, then you are to add three more cities to these three.
Judges 1:1-2After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?” / “Judah shall go up,” answered the LORD. “Indeed, I have delivered the land into their hands.”
1 Kings 4:7-19Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year, / and these were their names: Ben-hur in the hill country of Ephraim; / Ben-deker in Makaz, in Shaalbim, in Beth-shemesh, and in Elon-beth-hanan; ...
Ezekiel 47:13-23This is what the Lord GOD says: “These are the boundaries by which you are to divide the land as an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel; Joseph shall receive two portions. / You are to divide it equally among them. Because I swore with an uplifted hand to give it to your forefathers, this land will fall to you as an inheritance. / This shall be the boundary of the land: On the north side it will extend from the Great Sea by way of Hethlon through Lebo-hamath to Zedad, ...
Genesis 15:18-21On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land—from the river of Egypt to the great River Euphrates— / the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, / Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, ...
Exodus 23:31And I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the Euphrates. For I will deliver the inhabitants into your hand, and you will drive them out before you.
2 Samuel 24:1-9Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He stirred up David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.” / So the king said to Joab the commander of his army, who was with him, “Go now throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and register the troops, so that I may know their number.” / But Joab replied to the king, “May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?” ...
Nehemiah 11:25-30As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath-arba, Dibon, Jekabzeel, and their villages; / in Jeshua, Moladah, and Beth-pelet; / in Hazar-shual; in Beersheba and its villages; ...
Matthew 1:1-17This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: / Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. / Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram. ...
Luke 3:23-38Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. He was regarded as the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, / the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, / the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, ...
Acts 13:19And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, He gave their land to His people as an inheritance.
Romans 15:4For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
Joshua 12:22
The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one; Numbers 33:37
And they removed from Kadesh, and pitched in mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom. Deuteronomy 1:19
And when we departed from Horeb, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which ye saw by the way of the mountain of the Amorites, as the LORD our God commanded us; and we came to Kadeshbarnea. Hazor the LXX. Jump to Previous Hazor KedeshJump to Next Hazor KedeshJoshua 15 1. The borders of the lot of Judah13. Caleb's portion and conquest16. Othniel, for his valour, marries Achsah, Caleb's daughter18. She obtains a blessing of her father21. The cities of Judah63. The Jebusites unconqueredKedeshKedesh is one of the cities listed in the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. It is important to distinguish this Kedesh from other locations with the same name, such as Kedesh in Naphtali, which was a city of refuge. The name "Kedesh" means "holy" or "sacred," indicating its possible significance in religious practices or its status as a consecrated place. The location of this Kedesh is not definitively identified today, but it is believed to be in the southern part of Judah's territory. The mention of Kedesh in this context highlights the comprehensive nature of the land distribution among the tribes of Israel, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham regarding the land. Hazor
Hazor in this context should not be confused with the more famous Hazor in the north, which was a major Canaanite city and later a significant Israelite city. This Hazor is a lesser-known location within Judah's inheritance. The name "Hazor" means "enclosure" or "fortress," suggesting it may have been a fortified settlement. The presence of multiple cities named Hazor in the biblical narrative reflects the commonality of certain names and the widespread nature of Canaanite culture before Israel's conquest. The listing of Hazor among Judah's cities underscores the tribe's strategic and diverse holdings in the Promised Land. Ithnan
Ithnan is one of the cities mentioned in the southern part of Judah's territory. Its exact location is uncertain, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, which suggests it may have been a smaller or less significant settlement. The inclusion of Ithnan in the list of cities demonstrates the thoroughness of the land division process and the importance of even minor locations in the fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel. The detailed recording of such cities in Scripture emphasizes the historical and legal aspects of the land allotment, ensuring that each tribe received its rightful inheritance as ordained by God. Persons / Places / Events 1. KedeshA city located in the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. The name "Kedesh" means "holy" or "sacred" in Hebrew, indicating its possible significance as a place of worship or sanctuary. 2. HazorAnother city within the boundaries of Judah. Not to be confused with the more famous Hazor in the north, this Hazor is part of the southern hill country. The name "Hazor" means "enclosure" or "village." 3. IthnanA lesser-known city in the list of towns within Judah's inheritance. The meaning of "Ithnan" is not entirely clear, but it is part of the detailed territorial description given to the tribe of Judah. Teaching Points The Importance of InheritanceThe detailed listing of cities in Joshua 15 highlights the importance of inheritance and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the tribes of Israel. Believers today can trust in God's promises and His provision for their lives. Significance of NamesThe names of the cities, such as Kedesh meaning "holy," remind us of the importance of holiness and dedication to God in our own lives. We are called to be set apart for His purposes. God's Sovereignty in DetailsThe meticulous recording of territories and cities shows God's sovereignty and attention to detail. This encourages us to trust that God is involved in the details of our lives and has a plan for each of us. Community and BelongingThe allocation of land to the tribes of Israel emphasizes the importance of community and belonging. As believers, we are part of a spiritual community and have a place in God's family. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 15:23?
2. How does Joshua 15:23 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?
3. What can we learn about God's plan from the cities listed in Joshua 15:23?
4. How does Joshua 15:23 connect to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15?
5. How can understanding Joshua 15:23 strengthen our trust in God's promises today?
6. What practical steps can we take to remember God's faithfulness as seen in Joshua 15:23?
7. What is the historical significance of the locations mentioned in Joshua 15:23?
8. How do archaeologists verify the existence of the cities listed in Joshua 15:23?
9. Why are specific cities named in Joshua 15:23 important to biblical history?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 15?
11. Did Joshua and the Israelites capture Jerusalem? Yes (Joshua 10:23, 40) No (Joshua 15:63)
12. Psalm 15:2-3 demands complete truthfulness and no slander; how do we reconcile this with instances of approved deceit (e.g., Rahab in Joshua 2)?
13. Why is there no conclusive archaeological evidence for the six cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9-15) if they were central to Israelite legal practice?
14. Joshua 17:14-15: If the tribe's population was huge, why was their allotment so limited, and is this numerically believable?What Does Joshua 15:23 Mean Kedesh• “Kedesh, Hazor, Ithnan” (Joshua 15:23) sits inside a long catalogue of towns that “belonged to the tribe of Judah according to their clans” (Joshua 15:20). • This southern Kedesh should not be confused with the well-known city in Naphtali (Joshua 19:37); here it marks part of Judah’s Negev frontier near Edom (Joshua 15:21). • Its inclusion underlines God’s meticulous fulfillment of His promise that Abraham’s descendants would possess the land (Genesis 15:18–21; Deuteronomy 34:2–4). • Each named town became a tangible reminder that the Lord “faithfully brought to Israel all the good things He had promised” (Joshua 21:45).
Hazor• Unlike the great Hazor of northern Canaan that Joshua burned (Joshua 11:10–13), this Hazor in Judah’s south (also listed in 1 Samuel 30:30) was a modest settlement. • The same name in two regions illustrates how wide God’s victory stretched—from the far north to the deep south (Joshua 11:23). • Judah’s Hazor helped anchor the tribe’s border, affirming that God assigns every boundary (Acts 17:26) and intends His people to occupy them in faith and obedience. • By recording even small villages, Scripture shows that no place or person in God’s covenant family is overlooked (Luke 12:6–7).
Ithnan• Ithnan appears only here, yet its lone mention is significant: it proves that every inheritance, no matter how obscure, is real and secure (Psalm 16:5–6). • The verse’s spare style—just the names—echoes a title deed: concise, legal, irreversible (Jeremiah 32:9–12). • Ithnan’s anonymity invites modern readers to see their own “hidden” lives included in God’s grand story (Colossians 3:3–4), assuring us that faithfulness in quiet places matters.
summaryJoshua 15:23 may seem like a simple roll call of three towns, yet it stands as a threefold witness to the Lord’s unfailing faithfulness. Kedesh highlights the precision of fulfilled promise, Hazor showcases God’s comprehensive victory and personal care, and Ithnan reminds us that even the smallest allotment is eternally secure. In every name, the text shouts that God keeps His word down to the last detail—and invites us to rest confidently in that same faithfulness today.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Kedesh,וְקֶ֥דֶשׁ (wə·qe·ḏeš)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6943: Kedesh -- 'sanctuary', the name of several places in IsraelHazor,וְחָצ֖וֹר (wə·ḥā·ṣō·wr)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2674: Hazor -- the name of several places in Palestine, also one in ArabiaIthnan,וְיִתְנָֽן׃ (wə·yiṯ·nān)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3497: Ithnan -- a city in the desert of Judah
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OT History: Joshua 15:23 Kedesh Hazor Ithnan (Josh. Jos) |
