And the border went up toward Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is before the going up to Adummim, which is on the south side of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel:

JOSHUA 15:7KJV
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Joshua 15:7 (KJV)

What does Joshua 15:7 mean?

Joshua 15:7 describes a section of the boundary line for the tribe of Judah, tracing its path from the valley of Achor, past several landmarks including Debir, Gilgal, Adummim, Enshemesh, and ending at Enrogel. The verse lists these locations to mark out the specific territory assigned to Judah.

In the context of the book of Joshua, these words are part of a detailed description of land allotments given by God to the Israelite tribes after they entered Canaan. The verse is not a narrative or speech but a record of borders, using known places to define exactly where Judah’s territory lay. This careful listing helped the people know and respect each tribe’s inheritance.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 15:7

  • "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word means a boundary or border, emphasizing the legal and physical limits of the land given to Judah.
  • "valley" (עֵמֶק, emeq): Refers to a low area or valley, here specifically the valley of Achor, which was a known landmark.
  • "waters" (מַיִם, mayim): Used for "waters of Enshemesh," highlighting a water source as a significant geographic marker in the boundary.
  • "Enshemesh" (עֵין שֶׁמֶשׁ, en shemesh) and "Enrogel" (עֵין רֹגֵל, en rogel): Both names begin with "en," meaning "spring" or "fountain," showing that springs were important reference points in marking territory.

Why Joshua 15:7 matters

  • Joshua 15:7 shows the care taken to define tribal boundaries, which was crucial for avoiding disputes and ensuring each tribe received its promised inheritance.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage by continuing a detailed, step-by-step description of Judah’s territory, helping readers visualize the land division.
  • By naming specific places, the verse anchors the biblical story in real geography, reminding readers that these events were tied to actual locations known in ancient Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Adummim” Hebrew H131 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 18:17 And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

“Enshemesh” Hebrew H5885 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 18:17 And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

“Enrogel” Hebrew H5883 · used in 4 verses

  • Joshua 18:16 And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,
  • 2 Samuel 17:17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.
  • 1 Kings 1:9 And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fat cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by Enrogel, and called all his brethren the king's sons, and all the men of Judah the king's servants:

“Achor” Hebrew H5911 · used in 5 verses

  • Joshua 7:24 And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor.
  • Joshua 7:26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.
  • Isaiah 65:10 And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me.