Old Testament
Joshua 15:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Kedesh, Hazor, and Ithnan,
Compare translations
And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,
What Joshua 15:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Joshua 15:23, the names Kedesh, Hazor, and Ithnan are mentioned as part of the territory allocated to the tribe of Judah. These cities were significant in the ancient Israelite context, serving as locations for settlement and governance. Kedesh is often associated with refuge and safety, as it was one of the cities of refuge established for those who accidentally committed manslaughter. Hazor was a prominent city known for its strategic importance and was a center of Canaanite power before being conquered by the Israelites. Ithnan, while less known, contributes to the geographical understanding of the region. This verse highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites regarding their inheritance of the land, emphasizing the importance of these cities in the broader narrative of Israel's history and their establishment in the Promised Land.
How to apply Joshua 15:23 to your life
Understanding the significance of these cities can inspire us to recognize the importance of our own spiritual 'refuges' and safe havens. Just as the Israelites were given a land, we too can find our place and purpose in God's plan, seeking refuge in Him during life's challenges.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Joshua 15:23
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Joshua 15:23
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 15:23 mean?
Joshua 15:23 lists the cities of Kedesh, Hazor, and Ithnan as part of the territory given to the tribe of Judah. These cities were important for settlement and governance in ancient Israel.
What is the significance of Kedesh in Joshua 15:23?
Kedesh is significant because it was designated as a city of refuge, providing safety for those who accidentally committed manslaughter. It symbolizes a place of protection and mercy.
What does Hazor represent in Joshua 15:23?
Hazor represents a prominent city that held strategic importance before being conquered by the Israelites. It was a center of Canaanite power and highlights the military conquests of the Israelites.
Why are cities like Ithnan mentioned in Joshua 15:23?
Ithnan is mentioned to provide a complete geographical context of the territory allocated to Judah. While less known, it contributes to understanding the region's layout and the distribution of land among the tribes.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.