Joshua 15:31 (KJV)

What does Joshua 15:31 mean?

Joshua 15:31 lists three towns—Ziklag, Madmannah, and Sansannah—as part of the territory assigned to the tribe of Judah. This verse is part of a larger section detailing the boundaries and cities given to Judah after the Israelites entered the Promised Land.

In this passage, Joshua is recording the allotment of land to the different tribes of Israel, specifically naming the towns that fell within Judah’s portion. The listing of these towns helped define the tribe’s inheritance and established their place in the new land, providing a record for future generations.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 15:31

• זִקְלַג (Ziklag, ziklag): This town is often remembered later as a place where David stayed. Its mention here marks it as originally part of Judah’s inheritance.
• מַדְמַנָּה (Madmannah, madmannah): The name may suggest a place associated with dung or refuse, but here it simply identifies a specific settlement within Judah’s territory.
• סַנְסַנָּה (Sansannah, sansannah): The meaning is less clear, but it is included to show the completeness of the territorial list.

Why Joshua 15:31 matters

• Listing these towns shows the careful division and organization of the land among the tribes, emphasizing the fulfillment of God’s promise to give Israel a homeland.
• The mention of Ziklag is significant because it later becomes important in the life of David, connecting this administrative list to later biblical events.
• This verse is part of a detailed record that helped preserve the historical and geographical identity of the tribe of Judah.