יהושע, פרק ט״ו, פסוק מ״ז

Mapping the exact edges of a tribe's inheritance requires clear geographical landmarks. At the southern and western extremes of the territory given to the tribe of Judah, the boundary lines are firmly established by prominent natural features. The southern edge stretches all the way to the Brook of Egypt, creating a definitive boundary for the inheritance [מצודת דוד]. From that southern point, the boundary turns westward, extending out to the Great Sea. The sea is not merely a landmark near the territory; the body of water itself acts as the actual western border [רד״ק, מנחת שי].

Beyond the mainland, an interesting question arises regarding what additional areas are included in this coastal boundary. The primary approach among commentators is that the territory extends into the water to include the islands situated within the sea, making them a full part of Judah's inheritance [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. However, another perspective suggests that the boundary description is simply meant to emphasize that the dry coastal land directly adjacent to the water is fully incorporated into the tribe's designated land [ביאור שטיינזלץ].