Joshua 15:28 (KJV)

What does Joshua 15:28 mean?

Joshua 15:28 lists three towns—Hazarshual, Beersheba, and Bizjothjah—as part of the territory assigned to the tribe of Judah. This verse is part of a larger section that details the boundaries and towns within Judah’s inheritance in the land of Canaan.

In context, Joshua is recording the distribution of land among the tribes of Israel after their conquest of Canaan, with this verse specifically naming some of the southern towns. These place names help define the extent of Judah’s territory and would have been meaningful for the Israelites as they settled in the land.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 15:28

• חֲצַר שׁוּעָל (Ḥatsar-Shuʿal, Hazarshual): This name is often understood as “village of the fox” or “enclosure of the jackal.” Its mention marks a southern boundary area, showing the reach of Judah’s land toward the desert.
• בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (Be’er Shevaʿ, Beersheba): This is a well-known town whose name means “well of seven” or “well of the oath.” Beersheba is significant in Israel’s history as a frequent southern landmark and a place of patriarchal stories.
• בִּזְיֹתְיָה (Bizyotyah, Bizjothjah): The meaning of this name is less clear, but its inclusion shows the detailed record-keeping of the towns within Judah’s allotment.

Why Joshua 15:28 matters

• Joshua 15:28 helps clarify the specific boundaries and settlements given to Judah, showing how carefully the land was divided among the tribes.
• The mention of Beersheba connects this list to earlier stories in Genesis, grounding the new generation’s inheritance in the history of their ancestors.
• The verse highlights the importance of even small or lesser-known towns in the biblical record, reflecting the thoroughness of the land distribution process.