Joshua 21:15
And Holon with her suburbs, and Debir with her suburbs,
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִגְרָשֶֽׁהָ׃
with her suburbs
H4054
מִגְרָשֶֽׁהָ׃
with her suburbs
Strong's:
H4054
Word #:
4 of 8
a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דְּבִ֖ר
and Debir
H1688
דְּבִ֖ר
and Debir
Strong's:
H1688
Word #:
6 of 8
debir, the name of an amoritish king and of two places in palestine
Historical Context
Debir (Tell Beit Mirsim or Khirbet Rabud) was excavated extensively, revealing a prosperous Canaanite city destroyed circa 1230-1200 BC, consistent with Joshua's conquest timeline. The site shows evidence of scribal activity, supporting its identification as "city of books." Its strategic location controlled southern trade routes. Holon appears in Jeremiah 48:21 as a Moabite city, suggesting either multiple cities with this name or later territorial shifts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Debir's transformation from "city of books" to Levitical teaching center picture the renewal of the mind in Christ (Romans 12:2)?
- What does the allocation of a conquered enemy stronghold to priests teach about spiritual warfare and occupation?
- Why is it important that Scripture records even obscure cities like Holon in redemptive history?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Holon with her suburbs, and Debir with her suburbs (חֹלֹן וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ וְאֶת־דְּבִר וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ, Cholon ve'et-migrashehah ve'et-Devir ve'et-migrashehah)—Debir merits special attention as the former Canaanite stronghold Kiriath-sepher ("city of books"), conquered by Caleb's nephew Othniel (Joshua 15:15-17; Judges 1:11-13). Its transformation from pagan learning center to Levitical teaching city illustrates redemptive conquest—replacing false wisdom with Torah truth. The name Debir (דְּבִר) shares its root with davar (word), suggesting its role as a place where God's Word was studied and taught by the Aaronic priesthood.
Holon's precise location remains uncertain (possibly Khirbet 'Alin), but its inclusion demonstrates that even lesser-known cities played vital roles in Israel's spiritual infrastructure. Not all ministry is prominent, yet all is necessary.