“And Gederoth, Beth-dagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages.”
This verse is part of the description of the borders and allotment of land for the tribe of Judah in the Promised Land. Joshua 15 provides a detailed account of the inheritance given to the tribe of Judah after the Israelites conquered the land of Canaan.
In this particular verse, four cities are mentioned: Gederoth, Beth-dagon, Naamah, and Makkedah. These cities, along with their surrounding villages, were part of the portion of land allotted to the tribe of Judah. Each tribe of Israel received a specific territory within the Promised Land, and this verse specifies some of the cities within Judah’s inheritance.
Gederoth: The exact location of Gederoth is uncertain, but it was likely a city in the southern region of Judah. It was mentioned among other cities in the tribe’s allotted land.
Beth-dagon: Beth-dagon means “house of Dagon.” Dagon was a Philistine god associated with agriculture and fertility. It was a common practice in ancient times to name cities after gods. Beth-dagon may have been a town dedicated to the worship of Dagon, situated within the territory of Judah.
Naamah: Naamah was another town within the land of Judah. Its precise location is not known with certainty, but it is believed to be in the vicinity of the Shephelah, a region between the coastal plain and the mountains.
Makkedah: Makkedah was a city mentioned several times in the Bible, particularly in the context of Joshua’s conquest of Canaan. It was one of the cities captured by Joshua during the Israelite campaign to possess the land. The city is known for the incident where Joshua defeated the five kings of the Amorites and ordered the sun and moon to stand still to aid in the victory (Joshua 10:10-14).
The detailed listings of cities and their villages in Joshua 15 highlight the division and allocation of the land according to God’s instructions. These descriptions provide historical and geographical context, showcasing the fulfillment of God’s promise to the Israelites to possess the land of Canaan.
By studying these passages, we can gain insights into the historical events surrounding the Israelites’ settlement in the Promised Land, the distribution of territories among the twelve tribes, and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His covenant with His people.