“And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher.”
Joshua 15:15 is part of a passage that describes the portion of the land allotted to the tribe of Judah during the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan. In this verse, we encounter the name “Debir” and its previous name, “Kirjathsepher.”
Debir, also known as Kirjathsepher, was a city located in the hill country of Judah. The word “Debir” means “oracle” or “sanctuary.” This city held significance for the Israelites because it had been a stronghold of the Canaanites. In Joshua 10:38-39, we see that Joshua and the Israelites had already captured Debir and its king, and they destroyed the city.
The renaming of the city from “Kirjathsepher” to “Debir” likely occurred after its conquest by the Israelites. This renaming process was not uncommon in biblical times and often carried symbolic or historical significance.
Context:From a broader perspective, the passage in which Joshua 15:15 is found highlights the fulfilment of God’s promise to the Israelites regarding the division and possession of the Promised Land. Joshua 15 provides a detailed account of the territory assigned to the tribe of Judah, demonstrating God’s faithfulness to His covenant with His people.
While Joshua 15:15 may seem relatively brief and lacking in theological depth, it serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and the Israelites’ journey in fulfilling their mission to claim the land God had promised them.
As with any biblical passage, it is valuable to consider the historical and cultural context:as well as exploring related verses and chapters, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the significance of a particular passage.
