The Word for Today with Ray

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Zenan, Hadashah and Migdalgad - Joshua 15:37

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families” which included among others “all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages, and in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah, and Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam, Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah, and Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages”, and in chapter fifteen and verse thirty-seven of Joshua we learn about, “Zenan, Hadashah and Migdalgad” where we read,

Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdalgad

The verse reads, “Zenan, and Hadashah, …” Joshua or the writer began with the word, “Zenan” whose name means “pointed” and was “a town in the low country of Judah”, “and Hadashah” whose name means “new” and was “one of the towns in the low country of Judah”. Joshua or the writer said “Zenan and Hadashah” were among the “cities” given to the “tribe of Judah” as an inheritance within the promise land.

The verse goes on to say, “… and Migdalgad”. Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and Migdalgad” whose name means “tower of God” and was “one of the fortified cities of Judah”. Joshua or the writer added the fortified city of “Migdalgad” to the ones which were given to the people of “Judah”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Zenan, Hadashah, and Migdalgad” were among the dwelling places allotted to the “tribe of Judah”. “Migdalgad” was a “fortified city”, and all of these places would be used by the people of “Judah” to live out their lives before Almighty God. God loves the people of Israel, and He provided for them when they entered into the promise land. God loves us as well, and because He sent His Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the grave after three days, when we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live in keeping with that truth so that our lives become a witness to the world that “Jesus Saves”. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9)

Next time Joshua or the writer shares about, “Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah - Joshua 15:36

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families” which included among others “all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages, and in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah, and Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam, Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah”, and in chapter fifteen and verse thirty-six of Joshua we learn about, “Sharaim, Adithaim, Gederah, and Gederothaim” where we read,

And Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages:

The verse reads, “And Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Shargim” whose name means “double gate” and was “a town in Judah”, “and Adithaim” whose name means “double ornament” and was “a town in the lowland of Judah”, “and Gederah” whose name means “wall” and was “a town of Judah in the lowland country”, “and Gederothaim” whose name means “two walls” and was also “a town in the low country of Judah”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Sharaim, Adithaim, Gederah, and Gederothaim” were added to the list of “cities” which were inherited by the “tribe of Judah”.

The verse continues, “fourteen cities with their villages:” Joshua or the writer added the words, “fourteen cities” which means “fourteen dwelling places or towns” “with their villages” or “alongside and accompanying their, the fourteen cities’, settled abodes and towns” . Joshua or the writer said there were “fourteen” dwelling places along with their settled abodes which were occupied by the “tribe of Judah”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how four more “cities” were among those which were bestowed upon the “tribe of Judah” within the promise land. “Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim” became places where the people of “Judah” would live and raise their families in the presence of Jehovah God. God knows our location in the world as well, and wherever that is, He desires to have a personal intimate relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the grave after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and fill us with His Holy Spirit so we are guided into all truth and empowered to live in keeping with that truth so we live in His presence as a witness to His saving grace. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 2:8-9; Revelation 4:11)

Next time Joshua or the writer shares about, “Zenan, Hadashah and Migdalgad”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah - Joshua 15:35

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families” which included among others “Bethpalet, Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah, Baalah, and Iim, and Azem, and Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah, and Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah, and Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages, and in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah, and Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam”, and in chapter fifteen and verse thirty-five of Joshua we learn about, “Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah” where we read,

Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah

The verse reads, “Jarmuth, and Adullam,…” Joshua or the writer began with the word, “Jarmuth” whose name means “heights” and was “a Canaanitish city in the lowlands of Judah with a king and located between Hebron and Lachish”, “and Adullam” whose name means “justice of the people” and was “a town of the Canaanites allotted to Judah and lying in the lowlands; site of the cave where David hid”. Joshua or the writer said “Jarmuth and Adullam” were among the “cities” given to the “tribe of Judah” within the promise land.

The verse goes on to say, “… Socoh, and Azekah” Joshua or the writer continued with the word, “Socoh” or Shochoh or Sochoh or Shoco whose name means “bushy” and was “a town in the lowlands of Judah”, “and Azekah” whose name means “dug over” and was also “a town in the lowlands of Judah” . Joshua or the writer added “Socoh and Azekah” to the list of locations that were allotted to the “tribe of Judah”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover four more “cities”, “Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah”, that were assigned to the “tribe of Judah” once the people of Israel had conquered the territory in the promise land. Jehovah God kept His word, and as the people of Israel followed and obeyed Him, they were blessed. God desires to bless us as well, and because we have sin in our lives, we are separated from a personal relationship with Him. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for all our sins, and He raised Him from the grave after three days so when we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to empower us to obey that truth so we too receive everything He desires to bestow upon us. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:18)

Next time Joshua or the writer shares about, “Sharaim, Adithaim, Gederah, and Gederothaim”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam - Joshua 15:34

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families” which included among others “Bethpalet, Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah, Baalah, and Iim, and Azem, and Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah, and Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah, and Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages, and in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah”, and in chapter fifteen and verse thirty-four of Joshua we learn about, “Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam” where we read,

And Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam,

The verse reads, “And Zanoah, and Engannim,…” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Zanoah” whose name means “cast off” and was “a city in the low country of Judah”, “and Engannim” whose name means “fountain of the garden” and was also “a city in the low country of Judah”. Joshua or the writer included the “cities” of “Zanoah and Engannim” in the list of places which were given to the “tribe of Judah”.

The verse continues, “Tappuah, and Enam,” Joshua or the writer added the word, “Tappuah” whose name means “the apple city” and was “a town in the lowland of Judah”, “and Enam” whose name means “double spring” and was indeed “a city in the lowlands of Judah”. Joshua or the writer said the “cities” of “Tappuah and Enam” were also granted to the “tribe of Judah”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn about four more locations which were distributed to the “tribe of Judah” after Israel entered the promise land. “Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam” became places where the people of “Judah” would raise their families and enjoy living before Almighty God. God loves to provide for people, and when we yield to His Son Jesus who came into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the grave after three days, He will provide forgiveness of sins, everlasting life and His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and equip us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him and reveals to others the salvation that is offered by Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8)

Next time Joshua or the writer shares about, “Jarmuth, Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Friday, July 3, 2026

Eshtaol, Zoreah and Ashnah - Joshua 15:33

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families” which included among others “Bethpalet, Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah, Baalah, and Iim, and Azem, and Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah, and Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah, and Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages”, and in chapter fifteen and verse thirty-three of Joshua we learn about, “Eshtaol, Zoreah and Ashnab” where we read,

And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,

The verse reads, “and in the valley, Eshtoal, and Zoreah …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and in the valley” which means “within the lowland, vale or plain”, “Eshtoal” whose name means “entreaty” and was “a Danite city located within Judah”, “and Zoreah” whose name means “hornet” and was “a town in Dan, residence of Manoah and the home town of Samson”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Eshtaol and Zoreah” that were “cities” located in the lowland were given to the “tribe of Judah”.

The verse goes on to say, “and Ashnah” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and Ashnah” which means “I will cause change” and was “a town in Judah”. Joshua or the writer added “Ashnah” to the list of “cities” that were allotted to the people of “Judah”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how “Eshtoal, Zoreah and Ashnah” were included in the dwelling places that were granted by Jehovah God through Joshua to the “tribe of Judah”. God told the people of Israel they would inherit the promise land, and these “cities” were part of that portion that was given to the “tribe of Judah”. God loves Israel, and He loves us as well. He proved His love by sending His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and He raised Him from the dead after three days so all who put their faith and trust in Him as their “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide them into all truth and give them the power to live according to that truth so their lives will be pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16; 16:10; Acts 1:8)

Next time Joshua or the writer shares about, “Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon - Joshua 15:32

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families” which included among others “Bethpalet, Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah, Baalah, and Iim, and Azem, and Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah, and Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah”, and in chapter fifteen and verse thirty-two of Joshua we learn about, “Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon” where we read,

And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon:

all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:

The verse reads, “And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Lebaoth” whose name means “witness” and was “a town in southern Judah”, “and Shilhim” whose name means “fountains” and was “a city in the southern portion of Judah”, “and Ain” whose name means “spring” and was “one of the southernmost cities of Judah in the Nekeb and allotted to the tribe of Simeon and given to the priests”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain and Rimon” were added to the “cities” given to the “tribe of Judah”.

The verse continues, “all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:” Joshua or the writer added the words, “all the cities” which means “each, every and the whole number of the dwelling places or towns” “are twenty and nine” or “existed as twenty-nine”, “with their villages” which means “accompanied by their, the cities’, settled abodes or towns”. Joshua or the writer shared how there were “twenty-nine” dwelling places in total that were given to the “tribe of Judah”, and there were accompanying settled abodes that were in addition to them.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover more of the places that were given to the “tribe of Judah”. “Lebaoth, Shilhim, Ain and Rimmon” were among the “twenty-nine cities” which were provided, and there were other settled abodes that accompanied them. God gave abundantly to the people of “Judah”, and He desires to give to us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we believe and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so we receive all the inheritance He desires to give us. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:20; Colossians 1:12)

Next time Joshua or the writer shares about, “Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah - Joshua 15:31

And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,

The verse reads, “And Ziklag, and Madmannah, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Ziklag” whose name means “winding” and was “a town in the south of Judah, later allotted to Simeon; noted for its having been the city of David given to him by king Achish of Gath and his residence when he was joined by many of his mighty warriors and when he received word of the death of Saul”, “and Madmannah” whose name means “dunghill” and was “a descendant of Caleb”. Joshua or the writer shared how the “cities” of “Ziklag and Madmannah” were added to the list of the locations that were provided to the “tribe of Judah”.

The verse goes on to say, “… and Sansannah,” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and Sansannah” whose name means “palm branch” and was “a town in southern Judah”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Sansannah” was also given to the “tribe of Judah”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover three more “cities”, "Ziklag, Madmannah, and Sansannah” that were provided to the people of “Judah”. Jehovah God gave these places to the “tribe of Judah” to raise their families and to worship Him for all their lives. When we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to live as His witnesses in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8)

Next time Joshua or the writer shares about, “Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…