Josué 18

Josué 18

Morris - The scientific art of surveying is ancient. The Egyptians practiced it (SEE NOTE), but long before that, the sons of Noah and their descendants used it to divide the lands for their nations after the flood (Genesis 10:32). GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 18 Described it in a book. Laid it down on a map or chart, accompanied, perhaps, with a verbal description of the leading features of the country. This is the earliest instance of land-surveying on record. The art was perhaps learned from the Egyptians; for their fields being annually overflowed by the Nile, and the land-marks swept away, they would be compelled frequently to resurvey them, in order to adjust their limits. Described it by cities. Setting down the most remarkable cities, with their towns and villages, their distances from each other, and the territories adjacent. And came again to Joshua. According to Josephus, at the end of seven months. Joshua 18:10 And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD, and there Joshua divided the land to the sons of Israel according to their divisions. cast lots: Jos 18:6,8 Pr 18:18 Eze 47:22 48:29 Mt 27:35 Ac 13:19 before the Lord: Ps 16:5,6 47:4 61:5 Joh 17:2 Ac 26:18 Col 1:12 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DIVISION OF LAND BY CASTING LOTS And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD, and there Joshua divided the land to the sons of Israel according to their divisions - While Eleazar the priest was present (Josh 14:1+) (and may have worn breastplate with the Urim and Thummim) some think that he may have used the Urim and Thummim in deciding the allotments. However here the text clearly states Joshua casts lots for them. Was the Urim and Thummim used? We simply cannot say. We can say with absolute certainty that God was sovereign (see Pr 16:33) and in control of how the lot fell! Here the tribes learn for the first time which property would be their land. Map to help you visualize the descriptions of boundaries (Click here for another excellent map of the Tribal Allotments) Here is another excellent map of the Tribal Allotments SUMMARY OF LAND ALLOTMENTS Joshua 18-19 Tribe (Number of male warriors) Location Significance of Location Description Resources Josh 18:11–28 BENJAMIN 45,600 -between Judah and Ephraim -location of holy Jerusalem -encouraged close association with Judah -mountains and ravines -rough terrain -not productive Josh 19:1–9 SIMEON 22,200 -part of Judah on the south -enemy exposed mostly flat and desert Josh 19:10–16 ZEBULUN 60,500 -included plain of Megiddo -had access to the coast -next to its wilderness encampment neighbor, Issachar -fertile plain -road to sea -very productive Josh 19:17–23 ISSACHAR 64,300 -east of Zebulun -south of Sea of Galilee -valley of Jezreel a noted battlefield of Palestine -beautiful location -in traffic of plain -very productive Josh 19:24–31 ASHER 53,400 -south of enemy Sidonians -coastal land from Carmel to Sidon -Asher’s strength protected Israel from northern coastal enemies -fertile coastal plains -famous for olives Josh 19:32–39 NAPHTALI 45,400 -east of Asher -west of Sea of Galilee and Merom -important lands in N.T. history -north-south ridge through the land -fertile, productive valleys Josh 19:40–48 DAN 64,400 -west of Benjamin -access to Great Sea -original location too small -exposed to Philistines on SW -productive section in Philistines’ hands -- Irving Jensen Joshua- Everyman's Bible Commentary: Rest-Land Won Joshua 18:11 Now the lot of the tribe of the sons of Benjamin came up according to their families, and the territory of their lot lay between the sons of Judah and the sons of Joseph. lay between the sons of Judah and the sons of Joseph.: Jos 15:1-8 16:1-10 De 10:1-22 13:12 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Deuteronomy 33:12+ Of Benjamin he said, “May the beloved of the LORD dwell in security by Him, Who shields him all the day, And he dwells between His shoulders. Deuteronomy 33:12NLT Moses said this about the tribe of Benjamin: "The people of Benjamin are loved by the LORD and live in safety beside him. He surrounds them continuously and preserves them from every harm." OUTLINE of BOOK TO THIS POINT: THE INVASION OF THE LAND - chaps. 1-5 THE SUBJECTION OF THE LAND - chaps. 6-12 THE DIVISION OF THE LAND - chaps . 13-22 OUTLINE OF JOSHUA 18 SHILOH, SEVEN AND THE SURVEY - Joshua 18:1-10 THE BOUNDARIES FOR BENJAMIN - Joshua 18:11-20 THE CITIES OF BENJAMIN - Joshua 18:21-28 Map to help you visualize the descriptions of boundaries (Click here for another excellent map of the Tribal Allotments) Here is another excellent map of the Tribal Allotments THE NEXT LOT TO BENJAMIN Benjamin, although not the largest tribe of the 7 remaining to receive their lot, was described in considerably more detail than that of the other tribes. Now the lot (goral) of the tribe of the sons of Benjamin came up according to their families, and the territory of their lot lay between the sons of Judah and the sons of Joseph - Map above shows most of Benjamin's northern border is Ephraim with a tongue of West Manasseh. The southern border is encompassed by the land of Judah. Note that Benjamin had some degree of security (cf Deut 33:12+) because it was totally surrounded by other tribes which were strong. None of its borders abutted on enemy lands. Gangel - Throughout these chapters Deuteronomy 7:22 is played out: "The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you." What we see, of course, with a number of the tribes (especially Dan) is an unwillingness to be patient with the details of the process. (Holman Old Testament Commentary - Joshua) Francis Schaeffer - The fall of the lot located Benjamin right next to Judah: “And the lots of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families; and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph” (Josh. 18:11). As a matter of fact, their land came together at the city of Jerusalem. Moses had made this prophecy concerning Benjamin: “The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders” (Deut. 33:12). Benjamin was going to have a special closeness to the Lord. When the northern tribes later turned away from God, the tribes that stood fast were Judah and Benjamin; so Moses’ prophecy was fulfilled. (The Complete Works) Rod Mattoon writes that Benjamin's allotment "would be 25 miles from East to West, and 15 miles from North to South at the longest point. The land of Benjamin acted as a buffer between the leading rival leading tribes of Judah and Ephraim. The land was steep and mountainous and one of the richest inheritances of the land. The land of Benjamin included important cities such as … * Jericho—Blind men were healed by Jesus here. * Bethel—Samuel judged here and this was the location of the school of the prophets. * Gibeon—Joab was killed here. The Tabernacle was here at one time. * Ramah—David fled from Saul to this place. * Mizpah—The home of Jephthah. * Jerusalem—The capital of Israel and the hot spot of today. The tribe of Benjamin was counted as the least of the tribes (1 Samuel 9:21). Yet, it was strong enough to defy the combined tribes (Judges 20:12). Jacob said it would have wolf-like characteristics (Genesis 49). Benjamin was known for the skill of its stone slingers. Seven hundred of them were left handed slingers. In Benjamin, Jonathan battled the Philistines. Famous Benjamites included Saul, the first king; Mordecai (Esther 2:5); Paul (Romans 11:1). The lesson of the tribe of Benjamin is this, God delights in taking little things and making them great. Benjamin proves that bigger is not necessarily better. (Treasures From Joshua) Stephen Grant - With Judah on their southern boundary, and Joseph (Ephraim) to the north, their inheritance lay between the two most powerful tribes within the land. They should have been able to rely on the protection of these two tribes in times of crisis. However, a brief look at the subsequent history of the nation (Jdg 20:12–14; 2 Sam 2:15–16; 1 Chr 8:40) demonstrates that Benjamin was a warlike tribe displaying the character of which Jacob had spoken: “Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil” (Gen 49:27). As a tribe they did not enjoy a peaceful existence. In subsequent years they formed a close alliance with Judah and even shared in the possession of Mount Zion. (What the Bible Teaches: Joshua) Gangel - Although Benjamin was a favorite son of Jacob, his allotment is one of the smaller ones in the entire promised land, indicating something of the size of the tribe. More important are the cities that fall within Benjamin's boundaries—Jericho, Bethel, Gibeon, Mizpah, Ai, and Jerusalem. Settled along the Jordan River with its western boundary reaching Kiriath Jearim and its northern boundary just north of Bethel, Benjamin was squarely positioned for a major role in Israelite history in the centuries ahead. We're reminded of Jacob's final prophecy in Genesis 49:27: "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides the plunder."We see the hand of God in the drawing of the lot for Benjamin. This tract of land between the Judahites and Josephites served to fulfill Deuteronomy 33:12 by placing the ultimate temple site in Benjamin and served to unite Israel by making Benjamin the link between the two most powerful tribal groups. We remember that it was Judah who offered himself as hostage in place of Benjamin (Gen. 43-44). (Holman Old Testament Commentary - Joshua) Lot (01486)(goral) refers to any kind of small object (e.g., stick, pebble, shard) used for making decisions by a "random" outcome (see Pr 16:33 on what controls "random") or for determining the will of God. Lot is often translated in the Septuagint with kleros which can also mean inheritance. Vine on Lot - Gôrâl (גֹּרָל, Strong's #1486), “lot.” This word is attested 77 times and in all periods of the language (if a traditional view of the formation of the canon is accepted). Gôrâl represents the “lot” which was cast to discover the will of God in a given situation: “And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat” (Lev. 16:8—the first occurrence). Exactly what casting the “lot” involved is not known. Since the land of Palestine was allocated among the tribes by the casting of the “lot,” these allotments came to be known as their lots: “This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom …” (Josh. 15:1). In an extended use the word gôrâl represents the idea “fate” or “destiny”: “And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not. This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us” (Isa. 17:14). Since God is viewed as controlling all things absolutely, the result of the casting of the “lot” is divinely controlled: “The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.” (Pr 16:33). Thus, providence (divine control of history) is frequently (ED: I WOULD SAY ALWAYS) figured as one’s “lot.” Related Resources: Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament Lots The Jewish Encyclopedia Lots GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 18 And the lot—came up. That is, came forth from the urn or vessel in which the lots were deposited. And so by an easy metaphor it is said immediately after, that ‘the coast came forth,’ because the lot on which it depended came forth. In like manner it is said, Lev 16:9, ‘The goat upon which the Lord’s lot felt, (Heb. upon which the Lord’s lot came up.’) Between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph. See Deut. 33:12. The prediction of Moses in regard to the lot of Benjamin was remarkably fulfilled, as may be seen in Deut. 33:12 Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - Verses 11-28. The boundaries of each portion were distinctly drawn, and the inheritance of each tribe settled. All contests and selfish claims were prevented by the wise appointment of God, who allotted the hill and the valley, the corn and pasture, the brooks and rivers, the towns and cities. Is the lot of any servant of Christ cast in affliction and sorrow? It is the Lord; let him do what seemeth him good. Are we in prosperity and peace? It is from above. Be humbled when you compare the gift with your own unworthiness. Forget not Him that gave the good, and always be ready to resign it at his command. QUESTION - Who was Benjamin in the Bible? ANSWER - Benjamin was a son of Jacob and head of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Benjamin was the twelfth-born and youngest son in Jacob’s family. He was born to Jacob’s wife Rachel, making Benjamin the full brother of Joseph. His story is found in Genesis chapters 35–49. It is here that we learn of his birth (Genesis 35); his relationship to his father and brothers (Genesis 37, 42–45); his relationship with Joseph (Genesis 43–45); his children (Genesis 46); and the blessing he received from his father (Genesis 46:21). Jacob had two wives, Rachel and Leah. He loved Rachel with such fervor that he worked for her dad for seven years to earn the right to marry her (Genesis 29:18), seven years that “seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her” (Genesis 29:20). This love helps us to understand Jacob’s affection for Benjamin, born to his beloved Rachel. Rachel had great difficulty in giving birth to Benjamin, although she did not know she would have another son. Her midwife told her that she was having another son. Rachel died in childbirth, as soon after she died in childbirth, but, as she was dying, she named her son Ben-Oni, which means “Son of My Trouble.” Jacob renamed him Benjamin, “Son of My Right Hand” (Genesis 35:18). Benjamin was not part of the conspiracy concocted by his ten older brothers to kill their brother Joseph. Later, when the brothers had to travel to Egypt to seek food during a famine, Jacob’s love for his youngest son compelled him to keep Benjamin home “because he was afraid that harm might come to him” (Genesis 42:4). The other brothers traveled to Egypt and met with the governor of Egypt (Joseph, whom his brothers did not recognize). Joseph tested his brothers by accusing them of spying and demanding that they prove their honesty by bringing Benjamin back with them: “You will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here” (Genesis 42:15). Joseph shut them all in prison for three days and then released all but Simeon. The others returned home with the grain they had purchased—and the money that Joseph had secretly returned to them (verse 25). Back in Canaan, Jacob laments his predicament: “You have deprived me of my children. Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is against me!” (Genesis 42:36). For a while, Jacob refused to allow Benjamin to make the trip back to Egypt (verse 38). He later relented when they ran out of grain and Judah promised to personally guarantee Benjamin’s safe return (Genesis 43:8–9). Upon arriving in Egypt, the brothers presented themselves to Joseph, who was still unrecognized by them. Joseph, as he greeted the brothers this second time, “looked about and saw his brother Benjamin, his own mother’s son, [and] he asked, ‘Is this your youngest brother, the one you told me about?’ And he said, ‘God be gracious to you, my son.’ Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep” (Genesis 43:29–30). Joseph showed favor to Benjamin by preparing five times more food and drink for him than for his brothers when they gathered for dinner (Genesis 43:34). When it came time for the children of Israel to return to their father, Joseph used Benjamin as the means of further testing them. Joseph placed a silver cup in Benjamin’s bag along with the money for the grain (Genesis 44:1–2). Joseph let his brothers set out on their journey and then sent a steward after them to feign outrage over the fact that they possessed stolen property. The brothers proclaimed their innocence, but, sure enough, the silver cup was found in Benjamin’s possession; the brothers tore their garments in grief (verses 3–13). As punishment for their “crime,” Joseph demanded that Benjamin remain in Egypt. But Judah—the same brother who had suggested years earlier that Joseph be sold into slavery—pleads with Joseph, saying, “Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? No! Do not let me see the misery that would come on my father” (Genesis 44:33–34). So, the brothers passed the test; they demonstrated a true change of heart from the time when they had mistreated Joseph. Joseph finally revealed himself to his brothers: “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that . . . God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God” (Genesis 45:4–8). Joseph then instructed his brothers to bring their father and all they possessed to Egypt, and “he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping” (verse 14). Years later in Egypt, as Jacob prepared to die, he blessed Benjamin, saying, “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides the plunder” (Genesis 49:27). The tribe of Benjamin became famous for their skill in battle and warlike nature. We learn more about Benjamin and the tribe of Benjamin throughout the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, and Judges. Descendants of Benjamin include Ehud, one of the judges; Saul, Israel’s first king; Queen Esther; and the apostle Paul.GotQuestions.org QUESTION - What can we learn from the tribe of Benjamin? ANSWER In Genesis 49 the patriarch Jacob, sensing his impending death, gathers his sons to his bedside to bless them. Each son became the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Benjamin, as the youngest, receives his father’s blessing last: “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil” (Genesis 49:27). The warlike nature of the small tribe of Benjamin became well known, as exhibited in their swordsmen (Judges 20:15–16; 1 Chronicles 8:40, 12:2; 2 Chronicles 14:8, 17:17) and in their ungodly defense of their extreme wickedness in Gibeah (Judges 19—20). Benjamin’s blessing has three parts. Compared to a wolf, his blessing has two time frames, morning and evening; it has two actions, devouring and dividing; and two outcomes, prey and spoil. This sets up a type of “before and after” experience for Benjamin and his offspring. Scripture shows that at least four great people came from Benjamin’s tribe, even though it was the smallest of the twelve tribes (1 Samuel 9:21). First, Ehud, a great warrior who delivered Israel from Moab (Judges 3:12–30). Next, Saul becomes the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 9:15–27). In later Jewish history, many Jews lived in Persia, God used Mordecai and Esther, from the tribe of Benjamin, to deliver the Jews from death (Esther 2:5–7). Finally, in the New Testament the apostle Paul affirms he, too, came from Benjamin. “I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin” (Romans 11:1). Paul repeats this affirmation in Philippians 3:4–5. Yet Benjamin’s tribe had its dark side. Their warlike nature came out not only in defense of their country but also in depravity within their country. In Judges 19—21 Benjamin takes up an offence against the other eleven tribes of Israel, and civil war ensues. This period had the reputation of everyone doing what was right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25). What led to the civil war was the horrific abuse and death of an unnamed Levite’s concubine (Judges 19:10–28). The eleven tribes turned against the tribe of Benjamin and nearly annihilated them because of their refusal to give up the perpetrators (Judges 20:1—21:25). Eventually, the tribes restored Benjamin’s tribe, greatly diminished due to the war, and the country reunited. In Jewish culture the day begins at evening. Here begins the “after” for Benjamin. Benjamin’s prophecy ends in the evening, the beginning of a new day, in which he will “divide the spoil.” This has two aspects. First, through the apostle Paul, who testifies, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15). In the apostle Paul Benjamin’s tribe had a citizen who served God mightily, as he says of himself, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith“ (2 Timothy 4:7). But Benjamin’s “dividing of the spoil” has another fulfillment yet future. In Revelation 7:8, during the tribulation period, 12,000 men from Benjamin, along with 12,000 from each of the other tribes of Israel, will reach the world’s population with the gospel. The result will be a multitude of the saved “that no man could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands” (Revelation 7:9). The second dividing of the spoil for Benjamin comes in the millennial kingdom when they will have a place in the land of Israel, along with a gate that has their name on it in the city of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 48:32). They, along with the other tribes of Israel, will find the ultimate dividing of the spoils in the New Jerusalem as each gate has a name of one of the tribes, Benjamin included (Revelation 21:12–13). What a glorious finish! What grace is this! Benjamin has great truths to teach. First, God doesn’t see as men see, for God looks on the heart. God saw a warrior inside of Benjamin. Outwardly, others saw him as the youngest son and his tribe as the smallest tribe. But God saw more, a man who would both devour and divide. The second lesson for us lies in the two Sauls who came from the tribe of Benjamin. King Saul, the epitome of the sin nature and its war against God, and Saul/Paul whose nature was changed by God from a murderous Pharisee to the apostle of grace. Paul is the example of what God does for those who come to Christ in faith. GotQuestions.org Joshua 18:12 Their border on the north side was from the Jordan, then the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north, and went up through the hill country westward, and it ended at the wilderness of Beth-aven. Jericho: Jos 2:1 3:16 6:1 16:1 the wilderness: Jos 7:2 Ho 4:15 5:8 10:5 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Map to help visualize descriptions of boundaries of Manasseh Zondervan Atlas of the Bible: C. Rasmussen (recommended resource - do not reproduce) NORTHERN BORDER OF BENJAMIN Their border on the north side was from the Jordan, then the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north, and went up through the hill country westward, and it ended at the wilderness of Beth-aven - This border is the southern border of Ephraim (Josh 16:1–5). Beth-Aven - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “house of deception” or “of idolatry.” 1. A city near Ai east of Bethel (Joshua 7:2 ). It formed a border of Benjamin (Joshua 18:12 ) and was west of Michmash (1 Samuel 13:5 ). Saul defeated the Philistines here after God used his son Jonathan to start the victory (1 Samuel 14:23 ). The exact location is not known. Suggestions include Burqa, south of Bethel; tell Maryam; and Ai. Rasmussen - The strategic importance of Benjamin cannot be overemphasized. One of the main approach roads from the coastal plain into the hill country ran through its western portion. On the east, several roads led down into the Rift Valley and joined at the oasis of Jericho and from there proceeded eastward across the fords of the Jordan into Transjordan. Thus, throughout history, Benjamin was one of the busiest tribal areas, for invading international powers often entered the hills via the roads from the east or the west, and the northern and southern Israelite tribes occasionally met in battle in the territory of the Benjamites as they sought to expand their influence. (Zondervan Atlas of the Bible) Joshua 18:13 From there the border continued to Luz, to the side of Luz (that is, Bethel) southward; and the border went down to Ataroth-addar, near the hill which lies on the south of lower Beth-horon. Luz: Jos 16:2 Ge 28:19 Jdg 1:22-26 Beth-horon: Jos 10:11 Josh 16:3 Josh 21:22 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries From there the border continued to Luz, to the side of Luz (that is, Bethel) southward; and the border went down to Ataroth-addar, near the hill which lies on the south of lower Beth-Horon - These locations are also described in notes Joshua 16:1-3. Beth Horon belonged to Ephraim (Josh 16:3) and was also a Levitical city (Josh 21:22) Luz - Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia The ancient name of Bethel () [BETHEL]. The spot to which the name of Bethel was given appears, however, to have been at a little distance in the environs of Luz, and they are accordingly distinguished in , although the name of Bethel was eventually extended to that town. Fausset adds that "Luz was originally the city, Bethel the pillar and altar of Jacob; in Genesis 12:8 it is called Bethel by anticipation (Genesis 28:19), after Ephraim's conquest the town Bethel arose. The nearness of the two accounts for their being identified in all eases where there was no special reason for distinguishing them. After one of the townsmen of ancient Luz had betrayed it to Israel he went into "the land of the Hittites," and built a city of the same name (Judges 1:23-26). Answering to Khirbet Lozeh, close to Beitin. Ataroth-Addar - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “crowns of glory.” A border town in Ephraim (Joshua 16:5 ), bordering Benjamin (Joshua 18:13 ), probably modern Khirbet Attara at the foot of tell en-Nasbeh or possibly identical with tell en-Nasbeh and thus with biblical Mispah. Joshua 18:14 The border extended from there and turned round on the west side southward, from the hill which lies before Beth-horon southward; and it ended at Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), a city of the sons of Judah. This was the west side. Kirjath-baal: Jos 15:9,60 1Sa 7:1,2 2Sa 6:2 1Ch 13:5,6 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries WESTERN BORDER OF BENJAMIN The border extended from there and turned round on the west side southward, from the hill which lies before Beth-horon southward; and it ended at Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-Jearim), a city of the sons of Judah. This was the west side. - See notes on Josh 15:60. Beth-Horon - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name of uncertain meaning. Suggestions include, “house of caves,” “house of anger,” “house of the hollow,” “house of (the god) Hauron.” Twin cities, one higher than the other, and so called Upper and Lower Beth Horon. An important road here dominates the path to the Shephelah, the plain between the Judean hills and the Mediterranean coast. Joshua used the road to chase the coalition of southern kings led by the king of Jerusalem (Joshua 10:10 ). Here God cast hail stones on the enemies. The border between the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin was at Beth-horon (Joshua 16:3 ,Joshua 16:3,16:5; Joshua 18:13-14 ). The city belonged to Ephraim but was set aside for the Levites (Joshua 21:22 ). The Philistines sent one unit of their army the way of Beth-horon to attack Saul and Jonathan (1 Samuel 13:18 ). Solomon rebuilt the lower city as a stone city and as a defense outpost (1 Kings 9:17 ). The chronicler preserved an even earlier tradition of a descendant of Ephraim, a woman named Sherah, building the two cities (1 Chronicles 7:22-24 ). When King Amaziah of Judah (796-767 B.C.) followed a prophet's advice and sent home mercenary soldiers he had hired from Israel, those soldiers fought the cities of Judah, including Beth-horon (2 Chronicles 25:13 ). Upper Beth Horon is modern beit Ur el-Foqa, five miles northwest of Gibeon and ten miles northwest of Jerusalem. It Isaiah 1750 feet above sea level. Lower Beth Horon is two miles to the east and only 1050 feet above sea level. It is modern beit Ur et-Tahta. Kiriath-Baal - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “city of Baal.” Another name for Kiriath-Jearim in Joshua 15:60; Joshua 18:14 . Joshua 18:15 Then the south side was from the edge of Kiriath-jearim, and the border went westward and went to the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah. Nephtoah: Jos 15:9 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SOUTHERN BORDER OF BENJAMIN Then the south side was from the edge of Kiriath-jearim, and the border went westward and went to the fountain of the waters of Nephtoah - This is the NORTHERN boundary of Judah described in notes on Joshua 15:5-9. Kiriath-Jearim - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “city of forests.” Kiriath-Jearim was located at modern Abu Gosh nine miles north of Jerusalem. It was on the border where Dan, Benjamin, and Judah joined before Dan began their migration northward (Joshua 15:9 ,Joshua 15:9,15:60; Joshua 18:14-15 ). Dan's army camped there in their search for new territory (Judges 18:12 ). After the Philistines returned the ark of the covenant, it was kept at Kiriath-Jearim for a time (1 Samuel 6:21-7:2 ). David attempted to move the ark to Jerusalem from there, but because he did so improperly, God struck down Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:1-8 ). Among Kiriath-Jearim's sons was Uriah, a faithful prophet and contemporary of Jeremiah. He was executed for prophesying against the king (Jeremiah 26:20-24 ). The Romans built a fort over the ancient ruins to guard the main route from Jerusalem to the Mediterranean Sea. A garrison from the Tenth Legion was stationed there. Kiriath-Jearim is identified with Deir al-Azhar near the modern village of Qaryet el-Inab or Abu Gosh. Nephtoah - Easton's Bible Dictionary Opened, a fountain and a stream issuing from it on the border between Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:8,9; 18:15 ). (Smith - It lay northwest of Jerusalem). Joshua 18:16 The border went down to the edge of the hill which is in the valley of Ben-hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim northward; and it went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the slope of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En-rogel. in the valley of Ben-hinnom Jos 15:8 2Ki 23:10 2Ch 28:3 33:6 Isa 30:33 Jer 7:31,32 19:2,6,11 Jer 32:35 the valley of Rephaim the valley of the giants: Jos 15:8 18:16 1Ch 14:9 Jebusite: Mount zion, south of Jerusalem; for Jebusi or Jebus was the ancient name of that city. Jos 18:28 15:63 Jdg 1:8,21 19:10 Enrogel: Jos 15:7 2Sa 17:17 1Ki 1:9 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries The border went down to the edge of the hill which is in the valley of Ben-hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim northward; and it went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the slope of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En-rogel - See notes on Joshua 15:8 for Valley of Ben Hinnom. See notes on Joshua 15:7 for En-rogel. Rasmussen - Of particular interest—as evidenced by the minute details—are the notations of its southern boundary in the Jerusalem area (Josh 18:16–17), where it is explicitly noted that Jerusalem was located in Benjamin, not in Judah, despite the fact that later a Judahite (David) would capture the city and make it his personal possession. Ben-Hinnom - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “son of Hinnom.” A valley south of Jerusalem serving as northern border of tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:8 ) and southern boundary of tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:16 ). Pagan child sacrifices occurred here, some kings of Judah included (Ahaz, 2 Chronicles 28:3; Manasseh, 2 Chronicles 33:6 ). Jeremiah announced God's judgment on the valley because of such practices (Jeremiah 19:1-15 ). The valley would be renamed, “valley of slaughter” (Jeremiah 19:6 ). The sin of the valley gave God reason to bring the Babylonians to destroy Jerusalem (Jeremiah 32:35 ). King Josiah defiled and did away with the altars there (2 Kings 23:10 ). The valley served as the northern boundary of the Judean villages where the returning exiles settled (Nehemiah 11:30 ). Rephaim, Valley of - Easton's Bible Dictionary (Joshua 15:8; 18:16 , RSV). When David became king over all Israel, the Philistines, judging that he would now become their uncompromising enemy, made a sudden attack upon Hebron, compelling David to retire from it. He sought refuge in "the hold" at Adullam (2 Samuel 5:17-22 ), and the Philistines took up their position in the valley of Rephaim, on the west and south-west of Jerusalem. Thus all communication between Bethlehem and Jerusalem was intercepted. While David and his army were encamped here, there occurred that incident narrated in 2 Samuel 23:15-17 . Having obtained divine direction, David led his army against the Philistines, and gained a complete victory over them. The scene of this victory was afterwards called Baalperazim (q.v.). A second time, however, the Philistines rallied their forces in this valley (2 Samuel 5:22 ). Again warned by a divine oracle, David led his army to Gibeon, and attacked the Philistines from the south, inflicting on them another severe defeat, and chasing them with great slaughter to Gezer (q.v.). There David kept in check these enemies of Israel. This valley is now called el-Bukei'a En-Rogel - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “spring of the fuller” or “spring of the foot.” A border town between the tribal territory of Judah (Joshua 15:7 ) and that of Benjamin (Joshua 18:16 ). Jonathan and Ahimaaz, the priests' sons, stayed at En-rogel as messengers to relay to David what the priests might learn from Absalom when he took over Jerusalem from his father (2 Samuel 17:17 ). Adonijah staged a party there to proclaim himself as David's successor as king of Judah (1 Kings 1:9 ). En-rogel lay near Jerusalem where the Kidron and Hinnom valleys met at modern Bir Ayyub. Joshua 18:17 It extended northward and went to En-shemesh and went to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. Geliloth: Geliloth is probably the same as Gilgal; though as the word may signify border or limits, some think that it is probably not the proper name of a place: "And went forth towards the borders which are over against the ascent to Adummim." Others render Geliloth circuits or roundings, or the hills about Jordan, {tumuli Jordanis.} Vulgate: {pertransit usque ad tumulos.} the stone: Jos 15:6 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries It extended northward and went to En-shemesh and went to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben - "From En-rogel the boundary proceeded in a northerly direction and came to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth (which is across from the slopes of Adummim). Then it went down to the Stone of Bohan. (Bohan was Reuben's son.)" (Jos 18:17NLT) For En Shemesh see notes on Joshua 15:7. For Stone of Bohan see notes on Joshua 15:6. En-Shemesh - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “spring of the sun.” Town on border between tribal territories of Judah (Joshua 15:7 ) and Benjamin (Joshua 18:17 ). It is located at ain el-Hod, “the spring of the apostles,” about two miles east of Jerusalem on the eastern edge of Bethany. Geliloth - Fausset's Bible Dictionary Joshua 18:17. One of the southern bounds of Benjamin, "over against the going up (ascent) of Adummim." Gilgal occupied the same position "before the going up of Adummim" (Joshua 15:7) on the northern boundary of Judah, which is the southern bound of Benjamin; therefore Grove would substitute "Gilgal" for "Geliloth." Its derivation is gaalal "to roll"; like the Scotch "links," meaning both the windings of the stream (Geliloth is near the Jordan) and the coasts; whereas Ciccar is the circle of vegetation or dwellings round the bends of the water. Conder connects Geliloth with the "tells" or mounds of Palestine, which he thinks to be the accumulated refuse of sun-dried bricks, which served as a platform on which others were baked, as at the present day in India and Egypt. They are found in the Jordan valley, and in the plain of Esdraelon. They always occur near water, and in alluvial clay plains, as in the clay lands between Succoth and Zarthan, where Solomon east his temple brasswork. Adummim - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “red ones.” A rocky pass on the road descending from Jerusalem to Jericho located at modern Talcat ed-damm. It formed the border of Judah and Benjamin in the tribal allotments Joshua made (Joshua 15:7; Joshua 18:17 ). Today the Inn of the Good Samaritan is there because late traditions locate the Good Samaritan narrative there (Luke 10:30-37 ). Bohan - McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia a Reubenite, (See BEN- BOHAN), in whose honor a stone was erected which afterward served as a boundary mark on the frontier of Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:6; Joshua 18:17). It does not appear from the text whether this stone was a sepulchral monument, or set up to commemorate some great exploit performed by this Bohan in the conquest of Canaan (comp. 1 Samuel 7:12). Bohan The Stone of - Smith's Bible Dictionary A stone erected in honor of Bohan, on the boundary between Judah and Benjamin, in the valley of Achor, along the eastern side of the present Wady Dahr, running into the Dead Sea. Joshua 18:18 It continued to the side in front of the Arabah northward and went down to the Arabah. Arabah: Jos 15:6,61 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries It continued to the side in front of the Arabah northward and went down to the Arabah. NLT - "From there it passed along the north side of the slope overlooking the Jordan Valley. The border then went down into the valley," Arabah refers to the Jordan Valley and means “dry, infertile area” and common Hebrew noun meaning desert with hot climate and sparse rainfall. Joshua 18:19 The border continued to the side of Beth-hoglah northward; and the border ended at the north bay of the Salt Sea, at the south end of the Jordan. This was the south border. bay: Jos 15:2 Isa 11:15 the salt: Jos 3:16 12:3 Ge 14:3 19:25 Nu 34:3 De 3:17 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SOUTHERN BORDER OF BENJAMIN The border continued to the side of Beth-hoglah northward; and the border ended at the north bay of the Salt (Dead) Sea, at the south end of the Jordan - NET = " It then crossed to the slope of Beth Hoglah to the north and ended at the northern tip of the Salt Sea at the mouth of the Jordan River. This was the southern border. (Jos 18:19NET)" NLT = "ran past the north slope of Beth-hoglah, and ended at the north bay of the Dead Sea, which is the southern end of the Jordan River. This was the southern boundary." For Beth-hoglah see notes on Joshua 15:6. Salt Sea = Dead Sea - Gen. 14:3; Num. 34:3; Num. 34:12; Deut. 3:17; Jos. 3:16; Jos. 12:3; Jos. 15:2; Jos. 15:5; Jos. 18:19 See People's Bible Dictionary This was the south border - TSK note - This was the south border. The borders of this tribe on the north were the same as those of Ephraim on the south, and his southern boundaries the same as the northern borders of Judah; but drawn from west to east, instead of from east to west (Joshua 15:1-12; ch. 16.) As the inheritance of Benjamin did not extend to the Mediterranean sea, and no other sea or lake is known to have been in those parts, perhaps this depression, "compassed the corner of the sea southward," (Josh 18:14,) should be rendered, "made a circuit on the side next the sea towards the south;" for it seems to connect the northern border, in the preceding verses, with the southern which follows. Beth-Hoglah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “house of the partridge.” Border city between tribes of Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:6; Joshua 18:19 ,Joshua 18:19,18:21 ). It is probably modern Ain Hajlah four miles southeast of Jericho. Joshua 18:20 Moreover, the Jordan was its border on the east side. This was the inheritance of the sons of Benjamin, according to their families and according to its borders all around. Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries EASTERN BORDER OF BENJAMIN Moreover, the Jordan was its border on the east side. This was the inheritance of the sons of Benjamin, according to their families and according to its borders all around. Joshua 18:21 Now the cities of the tribe of the sons of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho and Beth-hoglah and Emek-keziz, Jericho: Jos 18:12 2:1 6:1 Lu 10:30 19:1 Bethhoglah: Jos 18:19 15:6 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CITIES OF BENJAMIN While the territory of Benjamin was small, the list of cities was the third longest after Judah and Levi. Now the cities of the tribe of the sons of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho and Beth-Hoglah and Emek-keziz - The cities consist of 12 on the eastern side (Joshua 18:21-24) and 14 on the western side (Joshua 18:25-28). For Beth-hoglah see notes on Joshua 15:6. Rasmussen - Benjamin’s city list (Josh 18:21–28) consists of two sections of twelve and fourteen cities respectively. It seems that the list is divided into eastern and western groupings of cities—approximately along the line of the watershed in the mountains. William Blaikie - The cities of Benjamin included several of the most famous. Among them was Jericho, the rebuilding of which as a fortified place had been forbidden, but which was still in some degree inhabited; Bethel, which was already very famous in the history, but which, after the separation of the kingdoms, was taken possession of by Jeroboam, and made the shrine of his calves; Gibeon, the capital of the Gibeonites, and afterwards a shrine frequented by Solomon (1 Kings 3:5); Ramah, afterwards the dwelling-place of Samuel (1 Sam. 7:17); Mizpeh, one of the three places where he judged Israel (1 Sam. 7:16); Gibeath, or Gibeah, where Saul had his palace (1 Sam. 10:26); and last, not least, Jerusalem. Howard notes that "ten of the cities here never occur elsewhere in the Bible: Emek, Keziz, Avvim, Parah, Kephar Ammoni, Ophni, Mozah, Irpeel, Taralah, Zelah, and Haeleph" (Joshua: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition) Beth-Hoglah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “house of the partridge.” Border city between tribes of Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:6; Joshua 18:19 ,Joshua 18:19,18:21 ). It is probably modern Ain Hajlah four miles southeast of Jericho. Emek-Keziz - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “the cut off valley” or “the valley of gravel.” It is listed as one of the cities assigned the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:21 ). Its location is not known. Related Resource: What is the significance of Jericho in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Joshua 18:22 and Beth-arabah and Zemaraim and Bethel, Betharabah: Jos 18:18 15:6 Zemaraim: Ge 10:18 2Ch 13:4 Bethel: 1Ki 12:29-32 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Beth-arabah and Zemaraim and Bethel, For Beth-arabah see notes on Joshua 15:6. For Bethel see notes on Joshua 7:2 (cf Jdg 1:22-23+). Related Resource: What is the significance of Bethel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Joshua 18:23 and Avvim and Parah and Ophrah, Ophrah: Situated, according to Eusebius, five miles east of Bethel. 1Sa 13:17 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Avvim and Parah and Ophrah Madvig - “Parah” is modern Khirbet ‘Ain Farah, northeast of Anathoth. “Ophrah” is modern et-Taiyibeh, about four miles northeast of Bethel. (The Expositor's Bible Commentary Volume 3) Joshua 18:24 and Chephar-ammoni and Ophni and Geba; twelve cities with their villages. Ophni: Probably the same as Gophna (['Ayin] being often pronounced as G); which, according to Josephus, was about fifteen miles from Jerusalem, towards Shechem, says Eusebius, (Onom. in [pharaux botrous.]) Gaba: Gaba or Geba, according to Josephus, was not far from Rama, forty stadia from Jerusalem, and, according to Eusebius, five miles from Gophna, towards Shechem. Jos 21:17 Ezr 2:26 Ne 7:30 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Chephar-ammoni and Ophni and Geba; twelve cities with their villages - Joshua 18:25 Gibeon and Ramah and Beeroth, Gibeon: Jos 9:17 10:2 1Ki 3:4,5 9:2 Isa 28:21 Ramah: Situated, according to Eusebius, six miles from Jerusalem towards Bethel; though Jerome places it near Gaba, seven miles from Jerusalem. 1Sa 1:1, Ramathaim-zophim, Jos 7:17 15:34 Jer 31:15 Mt 27:57, Arimathea Beeroth: Eusebius says Beeroth was seven miles from Jerusalem, towards Nicopolis or Emmaus. Jerome, however, reads Neapolis or Shechem; but Reland prefers the former. Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Gibeon and Ramah and Beeroth, - For “Gibeon” and Beeroth see notes on Joshua 9:17. Madvig - “Ramah” is modern er-Ram, about five miles north of Jerusalem. (The Expositor's Bible Commentary Volume 3) Beeroth - Holman Bible Dictionary A city of the Gibeonites to which Joshua and his army came to defend the Gibeonites after making a covenant with them (Joshua 9:17 ). The city was allotted the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:25 ). Ishbosheth's army captains came from Beeroth (2 Samuel 4:2 ), whose citizens had fled to Gittaim when Israel, possibly under Saul, conquered Beeroth (2 Samuel 4:3 ). Compare 2 Samuel 21:1-9 for Saul's dealing with the Gibeonites. Joab's armorbearer, one of David's 30 heroes, came from Beeroth ( 2 Samuel 23:37 ). Citizens of Beeroth returned with Zerubbabel from Exile in Babylon about 537 B.C. (Ezra 2:25 ). The city had to be close to Gibeon, but its exact location is debated. Among suggestions are: el-Bireh, tell en-Nasbeh, Nebi Samwil, Khirbet el-Burj, Biddu, Khirbet Raddana, ras et-Tahune. Joshua 18:26 and Mizpeh and Chephirah and Mozah, Mizpeh: Situated not far from Rama, forty stadia from Jerusalem. Jdg 10:17 Chephirah: Jos 9:17 Ezr 2:25 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Mizpeh and Chephirah and Mozah, For Chephirah see notes on Joshua 9:17. Mizpah, Mizpeh - Holman Bible Dictionary The town of Mizpeh located in the territory of Benjamin (Joshua 18:26 ) seems to be the most important of the Mizpeh's in the Old Testament. In spite of the numerous references to this important Old Testament site, its location is still debated. Two major sites have been suggested as possible locations: Nebi Samwil, located about five miles north of Jerusalem, and tell en-Nasbeh, located about eight miles north of Jerusalem. While a major excavation has never been done at Nebi Samwil, the stories of Samuel seem to fit this location. On the other hand, tell en-Nasbeh has been excavated, and the archaeological data fits well the history of Mizpeh of Benjamin. The important role of Mizpah played in Old Testament history is reflected in the many events associated with the site. Mizpah was a rallying point for Israel as they gathered against the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 20:1 ). Samuel gathered Israel to Mizpah for prayer in the light of the Philistine threat (1 Samuel 7:5-11 ). Mizpah was a major site at which legal decisions were made (1 Samuel 7:15-17 ). One of the most interesting chapters in the history of Mizpah took place after the Fall of Jerusalem. With Jerusalem in shambles following the Babylonian attack in 587 B.C., Mizpah became the administrative center of this Babylonian province. At Mizpah Gedaliah, who had been appointed governor of the province, sought to encourage those who had remained behind (Jeremiah 40:1 ). See Watchtower; Samuel; Jephthah; Gedaliah . Chephirah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “queen of the lions.” It is located at khirbet Kefire about four miles west of Gibeon. One of the four cities of the Gibeonites which Joshua delivered from the coalition led by the king of Jerusalem (Joshua 9:17 ). Joshua assigned it to the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:26 ). Some of its exiled inhabitants returned to the post-exilic village with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:25 ). Mozah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “unleavened.” City in Benjamin (Joshua 18:26 ), later a center for pottery production as attested by numerous vessels recovered at Jericho and tell-en-Nasbeh bearing the inscription Mozah on their handles. The site is likely that of modern Qaluniya, four miles northwest of Jerusalem on the Tel Aviv road. (Madvig adds "“Mozah” is modern Qalunyah, about four miles northwest of Jerusalem near the waters of Nephtoah.") Joshua 18:27 and Rekem and Irpeel and Taralah, Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries and Rekem and Irpeel and Taralah, Rekem - Holman Bible Dictionary meaning, “maker of multicolored cloth. Unidentified site in Benjamin (Joshua 18:27 ).” Irpeel - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “God heals.” Town in tribal territory of Benjamin (Joshua 18:27 ). Location is not known. Taralah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “strength.” Unidentified site in Benjamin, likely northwest of Jerusalem (Joshua 18:27 ). Joshua 18:28 and Zelah, Haeleph and the Jebusite (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah, Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the sons of Benjamin according to their families. Zelah: 2Sa 21:14 Jebusite: Jos 18:16 15:8,63 2Sa 5:8 Gibeath: Jdg 19:12-15 20:4,5 1Sa 10:26 13:15,16 Isa 10:29 Ho 10:9, Gibeah according: Nu 26:54 33:54 Joshua 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Samuel 21:14 They buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the grave of Kish his father; thus they did all that the king commanded, and after that God was moved by prayer for the land. Gangel - We leave this chapter noting that the blessing of Moses upon Benjamin was considerably stronger than the blessing of Jacob. In Deuteronomy 33:12 we read, "About Benjamin he said: 'Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.'" We are not sure what to make of this metaphor except that Jerusalem, a Benjaminite city, would become the most holy city of Israel. (Holman Old Testament Commentary - Joshua) and Zelah, Haeleph and the Jebusite (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah, Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the sons of Benjamin according to their families - Saul and Jonathan were buried at Zelah (see passage above) Madvig - “Gibeah” is modern Tell el-Ful. It must not be confused with Gibeah in Judah (15:57). (The Expositor's Bible Commentary Volume 3) Zelah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “rib, side, slope.” Town allotted to Benjamin (Joshua 18:28 ), in which the bones of Saul and Jonathan were buried (2 Samuel 21:14 ). The site is probably khirbet Salah between Jerusalem and Gibeon or else another site in the hills north and west of Jerusalem Haeleph - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “the ox.” KJV reads the initial “h” as the Hebrew definite article and thus has “Eleph.” Some interpreters combine the preceding town name in Joshua 18:28 to read, “Zelah Haeleph” as one town, following early Greek manuscript evidence. Town in tribal territory of Benjamin ( Joshua 18:28 ). The location is not known. Gibeah - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “a hill,” closely related to names of Geba and Gibeon. Gibeah or Gibeath was the name of four different places in the Old Testament. ....The most significant Gibeah was the city in the tribal territory of Benjamin (Joshua 18:28 ). A bloody civil war between Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes broke out when the men of Gibeah raped a traveling Levite's concubine (Judges 19:1-21:25 ). Saul had close family connections to the city (1 Chronicles 8:29-33 also connects them with the nearby and similar-sounding Gibeon; see 1Samuel 10:5, 1 Samuel 10:26; 1 Samuel 15:34; 1 Samuel 23:19 ). If the “hill of God” (1 Samuel 10:5 KJV, NAS, REB) or “Gibeath-elohim” (NRSV) should be translated “Gibeah of God” (NIV) and equated with Gibeah of Saul, then the Philistines controlled the city prior to Saul gaining control. Apparently the Philistines built a fortress there which Saul took over, or Saul constructed his own royal complex, since archaeologists have uncovered a fortress from this period. After Saul's death, the city declined. Hosea and Isaiah referred to it during the eighth century B.C. ( Isaiah 10:29; Hosea 5:8; Hosea 9:9; Hosea 10:9 ). Isaiah shows it was on the natural path of march for an enemy army such as the Assyrians attacking Jerusalem from the north. Archaeologists have shown the city flourished once more after the destruction of Jerusalem and again in the Maccabean age. Gibeah is located at tell el-Ful on a high ridge three and a half miles north of Jerusalem. See Benjamin; Geba; Saul . Kiriath - Holman Bible Dictionary Place name meaning, “city” in tribal territory of Benjamin (Joshua 18:28 NAS, NIV; KJV has Kirjath, an alternate spelling). The same as Kiriath-Jearim (see Joshua 18:28 NRSV, REB, TEV). Related Resource: What is the significance of the city of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Norman Geisler - When Critics Ask: A Popular Handbook on Bible Difficulties JOSHUA 18:28—Was Jerusalem in the territory of Benjamin or in Judah? PROBLEM: Joshua 15:8 lists Jerusalem in Judah, but Joshua 18:28 says it is in Benjamin. SOLUTION: Both are true. Some scholars also point to a Jewish tradition that held the altars and sanctuary were in Benjamin, while the courts of the temple were in Judah. Be that as it may, the city was actually within the limits of Benjamin’s territory, but it was also on the border of Judah’s land. So it may properly be described as being part of both.