Joshua 15:6

KJV

And the border went up to Bethhogla, and passed along by the north of Betharabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the border {H1366} went up {H5927} to Bethhogla {H1031}, and passed {H5674} along by the north {H6828} of Betharabah {H1026}; and the border {H1366} went up {H5927} to the stone {H68} of Bohan {H932} the son {H1121} of Reuben {H7205}:

Complete Jewish Bible

then the border went up to Beit-Hoglah and passed north of Beit-'Aravah; next the border went up to the Stone of Bohan the son of Re'uven;

Berean Standard Bible

The northern border started from the bay of the sea at the mouth of the Jordan, went up to Beth-hoglah, proceeded north of Beth-arabah, and went up to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben.

American Standard Version

and the border went up to Beth-hoglah, and passed along by the north of Beth-arabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:6 precisely delineates a crucial segment of the northern boundary assigned to the tribe of Judah, tracing its course from the ancient settlement of Bethhogla, continuing along the northern edge of Betharabah, and culminating at the enduring landmark known as the "stone of Bohan the son of Reuben." This verse, an integral part of an extensive geographical record, powerfully underscores the divine precision involved in the allocation of the Promised Land and highlights the profound practical and theological significance of clearly defined territories for the identity, inheritance, and stability of God's chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - Judah's Tribal Inheritance"), a chapter entirely devoted to the comprehensive and meticulous description of the vast territorial inheritance allotted to the tribe of Judah. Following the successful conquest of Canaan, detailed in earlier chapters, the land was systematically divided among the twelve tribes of Israel by lot, a process initiated in [Joshua 14:1-2](/joshua/14-1-2 "Joshua 14:1-2 - Division of the Land by Lot"). The exhaustive listing of boundaries, commencing with [Joshua 15:1](/joshua/15-1 "Joshua 15:1 - Judah's Southern Border"), serves not merely as a geographical record but as a profound theological affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land ([Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abram Regarding the Land")). The unparalleled precision of these descriptions underscores the immense legal and theological significance of each tribe's inheritance, establishing clear claims, preventing future disputes, and thereby laying the foundational groundwork for Israel's identity and enduring settlement in the [Promised Land](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - The Promised Land").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following the conquest of Canaan marked a pivotal transition for the Israelite tribes, shifting from a nomadic existence to a settled agrarian lifestyle. In this new phase, land ownership was of paramount importance, serving as the bedrock of economic stability, social identity, and tribal cohesion. In an era preceding modern surveying techniques, natural and man-made landmarks such as springs, hills, and prominent stones were indispensable for defining, recognizing, and enforcing territorial boundaries. The "stone of Bohan" exemplifies such a crucial landmark, functioning as an undeniable, permanent marker in the rugged landscape. Furthermore, the presence of a Reubenite landmark within Judah's territory highlights the shared knowledge and recognition of ancient geographical features among the tribes, even when their primary inheritances were separated by significant distances (Reuben's land was predominantly east of the Jordan River, while Judah's was west). This detailed demarcation was absolutely vital for establishing order, preventing inter-tribal conflict over resources, and ensuring the peaceful settlement of the new nation.
* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 15:6](/joshua/15-6 "Joshua 15:6 - Judah's Northern Boundary") and the broader land distribution narrative contribute significantly to several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Fulfillment**, showcasing God's meticulous and unwavering faithfulness in bringing to pass His ancient promises to His people, providing them with a tangible and secure inheritance in the land He had sworn to give them ([Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34 "Numbers 34 - Boundaries of the Land of Canaan")). Secondly, the precise demarcation emphasizes **Order and Possession**, highlighting God's desire for an orderly and stable society where each tribe possessed a clear, undisputed claim to its inheritance, thereby minimizing the potential for conflict and ensuring stable settlement. This divine order intrinsically reflects God's character as a God of peace, not confusion ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Peace")). Lastly, the land itself was inextricably linked to **Identity and Inheritance** for each tribe. Their assigned territory was not merely acreage but a tangible sign of their unique place within God's covenant nation, fundamentally defining their tribal identity and their share in the abundant blessings of the covenant. This inheritance was a physical manifestation of their belonging and God's provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bethhogla (Hebrew, _Bêyth Choglâh'_):** Meaning "House of the Partridge," this was an ancient town strategically located near the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, specifically within the Jordan Valley. Its mention in this verse indicates a pivotal point on Judah's eastern-to-northern border, underscoring its geographical importance as a recognizable and established landmark in the ancient landscape, serving as a fixed reference for the boundary line.
* **Betharabah (Hebrew, _Bêyth hâ-ʻĂrâbâh'_):** Meaning "House of the Desert," this refers to a town situated within the Arabah, the significant rift valley extending south from the Sea of Galilee through the Jordan Valley to the Gulf of Aqaba. Its inclusion signifies that the border passed through this relatively desolate but geographically distinct region, further pinpointing the precise and detailed path of Judah's northern boundary within a well-known topographical feature.
* **Bohan (Hebrew, _Bôhan'_):** Identified as "the son of Reuben," the personal identity of Bohan is not extensively detailed in scripture beyond this mention and [Joshua 18:17](/joshua/18-17 "Joshua 18:17 - Benjamin's Border"). However, the "stone of Bohan" was clearly a well-known and enduring landmark. Its naming after a son of Reuben, a tribe whose main inheritance was east of the Jordan, suggests it was an ancient, perhaps pre-Israelite, boundary marker or a point of reference mutually recognized by tribes on both sides of the Jordan, signifying its established and undeniable status as a fixed and authoritative point in the landscape.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the border went up to Bethhogla,"**: This clause describes the initial segment of the boundary's trajectory, indicating an ascent in elevation or a movement towards higher ground as the line reached the vicinity of Bethhogla. This detail suggests a topographical change or a specific landmark that marked this point in Judah's meticulously defined territory, emphasizing the precision of the land allocation.
* **"and passed along by the north of Betharabah;"**: From Bethhogla, the border continued its course, specifically skirting the northern side of Betharabah. This clarifies that the town of Betharabah itself was not encompassed within Judah's primary northern border but served as a critical reference point, with Judah's territory extending immediately to its north. This level of geographical detail highlights the meticulousness and exactitude of the land division process.
* **"and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben:"**: The repetition of "went up" suggests another ascent or a significant topographical shift as the border reached this prominent and ancient landmark. The "stone of Bohan" served as a critical, identifiable, and permanent boundary marker. Its naming after a Reubenite, despite its location within Judah's sphere of influence, underscores its ancient and universally recognized status as a fixed point in the landscape, crucial for delineating the full extent of Judah's northern inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
The description in [Joshua 15:6](/joshua/15-6 "Joshua 15:6 - Judah's Northern Boundary") primarily employs **Topographical Listing**, a pervasive and essential feature throughout the book of Joshua, particularly in chapters detailing land distribution. This meticulous enumeration of geographical points and landmarks serves to establish the legal and divine legitimacy of Israel's possession of the land, affirming God's faithfulness. The **Repetition** of the phrase "the border went up" (or similar directional verbs) emphasizes the careful, step-by-step delineation of the territory, reinforcing the precision, thoroughness, and divine authority behind the division process. Furthermore, the "stone of Bohan" functions as a powerful **Symbolism**. It is not merely a physical marker but a tangible representation of ancient claims, tribal identity, and the enduring nature of divinely ordained boundaries. Its very existence, named after a son of Reuben, speaks to a shared historical memory and the communal recognition of established landmarks across tribal lines, solidifying the collective understanding and acceptance of the land's sacred division.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail of [Joshua 15:6](/joshua/15-6 "Joshua 15:6 - Judah's Northern Boundary"), describing the precise boundaries of Judah's inheritance, stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His absolute commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises. Just as God meticulously measured and apportioned the land to His people, ensuring every detail was accounted for, so too does He operate with divine precision and perfect order in all aspects of His redemptive plan for humanity. This passage powerfully reminds us that God is a God of order, not chaos, and that His promises are concrete, dependable, and eternally secure, providing an unshakeable foundation for His people's identity and future. The physical boundaries of the land, divinely established, foreshadow the spiritual boundaries and blessings God establishes for believers, providing a secure and eternal inheritance that cannot be taken away or diminished.

* [Deuteronomy 19:14](/deuteronomy/19-14 "Deuteronomy 19:14 - Do Not Move Boundary Stones")
* [Psalm 16:6](/psalms/16-6 "Psalm 16:6 - Pleasant Lines and a Good Inheritance")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Spiritual Inheritance in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While [Joshua 15:6](/joshua/15-6 "Joshua 15:6 - Judah's Northern Boundary") may initially appear to be a dry geographical description, it carries profound spiritual weight and timeless relevance for contemporary believers. The meticulousness with which God allocated land to Judah speaks volumes about His immutable character: He is a God of precision, order, and absolute faithfulness to His promises. Just as He provided a tangible and secure inheritance for Israel, He has provided an even greater, spiritual inheritance for us in Christ, one that transcends earthly boundaries and temporal limitations. This passage invites us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God's detailed plans for our lives, knowing with certainty that He has meticulously prepared every step of our journey and every aspect of our spiritual inheritance. It also subtly reminds us of the profound importance of boundaries—spiritual, relational, and personal—for establishing peace, order, and security in our own lives, thereby reflecting God's own divine design. We are called to live within the "pleasant lines" that God has marked out for us, finding our ultimate identity and security not in fleeting earthly possessions, but in our eternal, divine inheritance in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Judah's land allocation in Joshua 15:6 deepen your understanding of God's character and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to establish or respect healthy boundaries, mirroring the divine order seen in the precise division of the land?**
* **How does understanding Israel's physical inheritance in the Promised Land help you to more fully appreciate the depth, security, and eternal nature of your spiritual inheritance in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why is so much detail given to land boundaries in the book of Joshua?**

Answer: The extensive detail regarding land boundaries in Joshua, as exemplified by [Joshua 15:6](/joshua/15-6 "Joshua 15:6 - Judah's Northern Boundary"), serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abram")). The precise demarcation proves that God's word is reliable and His promises are concrete and unchangeable. Secondly, these detailed descriptions functioned as vital legal documents in an ancient society, establishing clear and undisputed claims to territory for each tribe. This minimized inter-tribal disputes over resources and land, fostering essential order and stability within the nascent nation of Israel. Thirdly, the land was intrinsically linked to the identity and inheritance of each tribe. Their assigned territory defined their unique place within the twelve tribes and their share in the blessings of God's covenant, making the boundaries a vital part of their national and spiritual identity as God's chosen people.

**Who was Bohan, and why is his stone significant?**

Answer: Bohan is identified in [Joshua 15:6](/joshua/15-6 "Joshua 15:6 - Judah's Northern Boundary") as "the son of Reuben." While the Bible provides no further personal details about him beyond this mention and [Joshua 18:17](/joshua/18-17 "Joshua 18:17 - Benjamin's Border"), the "stone of Bohan" was clearly a prominent and well-known landmark used to define Judah's northern border. Its significance lies in several aspects: Firstly, it was a durable, natural marker in the landscape, providing a permanent and undeniable point of reference for the boundary in an era without modern surveying tools. Secondly, the fact that it was named after a Reubenite, even though Reuben's primary inheritance was east of the Jordan River ([Joshua 13:15-23](/joshua/13-15-23 "Joshua 13:15-23 - Reuben's Inheritance")), suggests that this stone was an ancient, recognized landmark that predated the tribal divisions or was known and respected by multiple tribes. This indicates a shared geographical understanding and a common acceptance of established boundary points, reinforcing the legitimacy and divine authority of the land distribution.

**What is the significance of "Bethhogla" and "Betharabah" in this verse?**

Answer: "Bethhogla" and "Betharabah" are two specific towns mentioned as key points along Judah's northern border in [Joshua 15:6](/joshua/15-6 "Joshua 15:6 - Judah's Northern Boundary"). "Bethhogla" (meaning "House of the Partridge") was a town located near the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, serving as a key geographical reference point in the eastern part of Judah's northern boundary. "Betharabah" (meaning "House of the Arabah") refers to a settlement situated within the Arabah, the great rift valley that encompasses the Jordan Valley. The mention of these towns, along with their specific relation to the border (e.g., "by the north of Betharabah"), provides precise topographical detail. They function as identifiable and well-known landmarks in the ancient world, allowing for the clear, unambiguous, and legally binding delineation of Judah's vast territory. Their inclusion underscores the meticulous and divinely ordained nature of the land division, ensuring that every inch of the Promised Land was accounted for and properly assigned according to God's sovereign will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Joshua 15:6](/joshua/15-6 "Joshua 15:6 - Judah's Northern Boundary") meticulously details a physical land inheritance, its deeper theological resonance profoundly points to the ultimate spiritual inheritance found in Jesus Christ. The land of Canaan, so carefully measured and given to Israel, was a powerful type and shadow of a greater reality: the eternal Kingdom of God and the immeasurable spiritual blessings bestowed upon all believers. Just as God faithfully provided a secure physical dwelling for His people in the Old Testament, so too does He provide an infinitely more secure spiritual dwelling and an eternal inheritance through His Son, Jesus Christ. Our true "Promised Land" is not a geographical location but a spiritual reality, a new creation in Christ where we are made "heirs according to the promise" ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). Jesus Himself is the ultimate "boundary stone," defining the parameters of our salvation and the boundless extent of our spiritual blessings. Through His atoning work on the cross, we have been "blessed... with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")), and have obtained an "inheritance" that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The meticulous division of the land in Joshua, therefore, beautifully foreshadows God's perfect and precise plan for our redemption and our secure, eternal place in His Kingdom, where we will ultimately dwell with Him in the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heavens and New Earth").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 18:17

And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which [is] over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

Joshua 18:19

And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this [was] the south coast.

Joshua 18:21

Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,