יהושע, פרק ט״ו, פסוק מ״ה

When mapping out the land, the borders include major urban centers along with their dependent settlements. The region of Ekron is outlined to include not just the main hub, but a network of smaller communities connected to it.

The primary approach among commentators is that these connected areas are the small villages and towns located right next to the central city. These smaller settlements naturally encircle and serve as direct extensions of the primary city of Ekron [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].