Joshua 15:8

KJV

And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same [is] Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that [lieth] before the valley of Hinnom westward, which [is] at the end of the valley of the giants northward:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the border {H1366} went up {H5927} by the valley {H1516} of the son {H1121} of Hinnom {H2011} unto the south {H5045} side {H3802} of the Jebusite {H2983}; the same is Jerusalem {H3389}: and the border {H1366} went up {H5927} to the top {H7218} of the mountain {H2022} that lieth before {H6440} the valley {H1516} of Hinnom {H2011} westward {H3220}, which is at the end {H7097} of the valley {H6010} of the giants {H7497} northward {H6828}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the border went up the Ben-Hinnom Valley to the south side of the Y'vusi (that is, Yerushalayim), and the border continued up to the top of the hill in front of the Hinnom Valley on the west (which is also at the northernmost end of the Refa'im Valley)

Berean Standard Bible

From there the border went up the Valley of Hinnom along the southern slope of the Jebusites (that is, Jerusalem) and ascended to the top of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom on the west, at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim.

American Standard Version

and the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the side of the Jebusite southward (the same is Jerusalem); and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the uttermost part of the vale of Rephaim northward;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:8 precisely outlines a significant portion of the northern boundary for the tribal inheritance of Judah, meticulously detailing its course around the ancient city of Jerusalem. This highly specific geographical description underscores the strategic importance of Jerusalem within Judah's divinely apportioned territory, even as the city itself remained under Jebusite control at the time of this survey, thereby setting the stage for profound future historical and theological developments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of [Joshua chapter 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah"), which provides an exhaustive and highly detailed account of the boundaries and internal divisions of the land allotted to the powerful tribe of Judah. Following the initial military campaigns and conquests in Canaan, the book of Joshua transitions from narratives of war to the meticulous distribution of the land among the twelve tribes, thereby fulfilling God's ancient covenant promises. Chapter 15, in particular, demonstrates the immense scale and precision of this division, systematically tracing Judah's borders from its southern extent, moving eastward, then northward, and finally westward. Verse 8 marks a pivotal point in defining Judah's northern border, specifically where it intersects with the territory of Benjamin and encompasses the strategically vital area surrounding Jerusalem. These detailed geographical markers serve not merely as cartographic data but as profound theological affirmations of God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing to fruition His ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning their descendants' tangible inheritance of the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of the land distribution described in the book of Joshua, the Israelites had achieved significant victories in subduing major Canaanite strongholds, yet certain pockets of resistance and unconquered territories persisted. Jerusalem, then known as Jebus and inhabited by the formidable Jebusites, represented one such resilient stronghold. Although clearly designated geographically to Judah, the city itself was not fully conquered by the Israelites until centuries later, under the leadership of King David, as vividly recounted in [2 Samuel 5:6-9](/2_samuel/5-6-9 "2 Samuel 5:6-9 - David Conquers Jerusalem and Makes it His Capital"). The meticulous border descriptions in Joshua, therefore, represent a divine claim and a future possession rather than an immediate, full occupation. Culturally, land was an absolutely central element of Israelite identity, covenant relationship with Yahweh, and the tangible manifestation of divine blessing and promise fulfillment. The specific mention of the "Valley of the Son of Hinnom" and the "Valley of the Giants" (Rephaim) points to areas with existing geographical prominence and, in the case of Hinnom, future cultic significance, underscoring the deep historical and theological layers embedded within this seemingly dry geographical text.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 15:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes that permeate the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Promise Fulfillment**. The precise allocation of land, down to specific valleys and mountains, vividly demonstrates God's meticulous care and unwavering commitment in keeping His word to His people, providing them with a tangible inheritance as promised to their patriarchs (e.g., [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant and Land Promise to Abraham")). Secondly, the verse subtly highlights the inherent tension between **Divine Promise and Human Possession**. While Jerusalem is unequivocally within Judah's divinely allotted territory, the reference to "the south side of the Jebusite" explicitly indicates that the city was not yet fully subdued. This illustrates a crucial theological principle: God's promises are absolutely certain, but their complete realization often requires human cooperation, perseverance, and patient obedience. This dynamic foreshadows later struggles and the eventual conquest by David. Thirdly, the **Strategic Significance of Geography** is profoundly evident. The mention of key valleys and mountains around Jerusalem emphasizes the city's natural defensibility and its future, pivotal role as the capital of Israel and a preeminent spiritual center, a destiny subtly hinted at by its inclusion within Judah's primary inheritance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **border (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** This word (H1366) refers to a boundary or limit, often demarcated by natural features or physical markers. In the context of Joshua, it signifies the divinely ordained and meticulously defined extent of a tribe's inheritance. The repeated use of "border went up" emphasizes the careful and precise delineation of Judah's territory, reflecting God's orderly and intentional fulfillment of His promises. It speaks to the legal and theological claim of the Israelites over the land.
* **Hinnom (Hebrew, _Hinnôm'_):** This proper noun (H2011) refers to a specific individual or family, the "son of Hinnom," whose valley became a significant geographical landmark south and southwest of Jerusalem. While initially a neutral geographical marker in Joshua 15:8, the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) later acquired profound negative connotations due to its association with the horrific practice of child sacrifice to Molech (e.g., [Jeremiah 32:35](/jeremiah/32-35 "Jeremiah 32:35 - Child Sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom")). This later infamy underscores how seemingly mundane geographical references in the biblical text can carry deep historical and theological weight.
* **Jebusite (Hebrew, _Yᵉbûwçîy'_):** This term (H2983) identifies the pre-Israelite inhabitants of Jebus, which is explicitly identified as Jerusalem in this verse. The mention of the Jebusites highlights the reality that while the land was divinely promised and apportioned, its full possession was not immediate. The presence of the Jebusites in Jerusalem signifies an unconquered enclave within Judah's designated territory, setting the stage for future conflicts and the eventual, centuries-later conquest of the city by King David. It illustrates the tension between divine promise and the need for human action and perseverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite;":** This initial clause precisely establishes a crucial segment of Judah's northern boundary. It indicates that the border ascended from the Valley of Hinnom, tracing its course along the southern flank of the territory occupied by the Jebusites. This meticulous detail demonstrates the exactitude of the land allocation and highlights the immediate proximity of Judah's divinely claimed territory to the unconquered city of Jerusalem.
* **"the same [is] Jerusalem:":** This parenthetical clarification is profoundly significant, explicitly identifying "the Jebusite" with the ancient city that would later become Jerusalem, the capital of Israel. This statement unequivocally confirms that this strategically vital city, even in its pre-Israelite form, was definitively contained within the divinely ordained boundaries of the tribe of Judah, establishing its rightful place within the promised land from the very beginning of the tribal allotments.
* **"and the border went up to the top of the mountain that [lieth] before the valley of Hinnom westward, which [is] at the end of the valley of the giants northward:":** This final clause continues the detailed delineation of the border, specifying its ascent to a prominent mountain situated to the west of the Valley of Hinnom. The additional reference to the "valley of the giants northward" (also known as the Valley of Rephaim) further pinpoints the intersection of Judah's border with this well-known landmark, solidifying the precise geographical definition. This highly specific detail underscores the thoroughness of the land division and the divine intentionality behind every boundary marker, ensuring clarity and legitimacy for Judah's inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 15:8, though primarily a geographical description, masterfully employs several literary techniques to convey deeper meaning. The most prominent is **Geographical Precision**, where the text meticulously lists specific landmarks, valleys, and mountains to define the exact boundaries. This serves to legitimize the land claims, demonstrate the divine order in the allocation process, and provide a verifiable record of God's faithfulness. The mention of "the Jebusite" alongside "Jerusalem" also functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the inhabitants (Jebusite) stand in for the city itself, subtly highlighting the contemporary reality of its foreign occupation within the promised land. Furthermore, the detailed mapping of the land, including strategic and historically significant locations like the Valley of Hinnom and the Valley of the Giants, serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**. These locations, seemingly mere geographical points, would later become sites of profound historical and theological significance, from pagan rituals and defilement to pivotal battles and ultimately, in the case of Jerusalem, the spiritual and political heart of a nation. Thus, the seemingly dry, factual reporting carries latent narrative and theological weight, hinting at the future unfolding of God's redemptive plan within these very territories.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:8, a seemingly mundane geographical description, carries profound theological weight, serving as a testament to God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham regarding the land inheritance for his descendants. The precision of the border delineation reflects the divine order and intentionality in providing for His people. More deeply, the inclusion of Jerusalem within Judah's territory, despite its current Jebusite occupation, illustrates the inherent tension between divine promise and the human responsibility for actual possession. It teaches us that God's plans are certain and immutable, but their full realization often requires time, perseverance, and active obedience on the part of His people. This dynamic of a promised inheritance awaiting full possession is a recurring theme throughout biblical history, culminating in the spiritual inheritance offered to all believers through Christ.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1-12 "The Borders of the Land of Canaan")
* [Judges 1:21](/judges/1-21 "The Benjaminites and the Jebusites in Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed mapping of Judah's border in Joshua 15:8, particularly its precise delineation around Jerusalem, offers a powerful and enduring lesson in God's faithfulness and the nature of our spiritual inheritance as believers. Just as God meticulously delineated the physical boundaries for Judah, He has laid out a clear path and promised an inheritance for us in Christ. This verse profoundly reminds us that God's promises are not vague aspirations but concrete realities, meticulously planned and faithfully executed, even if their full realization requires time, effort, and active participation on our part. The profound truth that Jerusalem was promised but not yet fully possessed by Judah encourages us to persevere in faith, knowing that there may be "Jebusites" in our own spiritual "promised land"—areas of our lives, ministries, or character that God has claimed for His glory but which we have not yet fully conquered or yielded to His Lordship. It calls us to active trust, diligent obedience, and patient waiting for God's perfect timing in bringing His intentions to full fruition in our lives and in the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land allocation in [Joshua 15:8](/joshua/15-8 "Joshua 15:8 - Judah's Border Near Jerusalem") encourage your trust in His precise and purposeful plans for your own life?**
* **What "Jebusites" or unconquered areas exist in your spiritual life, and how might this verse inspire you to press into God's promise for full possession and surrender to His Lordship?**
* **How does understanding the historical context of Jerusalem's delayed conquest inform your perspective on waiting for God's timing and patiently persevering in your own circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "Valley of the Son of Hinnom" (Gehenna) in this verse?**

Answer: In [Joshua 15:8](/joshua/15-8 "Joshua 15:8 - Judah's Border Near Jerusalem"), the "Valley of the Son of Hinnom" (Hebrew: _Ge ben-Hinnom_) primarily functions as a precise geographical marker, defining a segment of Judah's northern border. It is a deep ravine situated to the south and southwest of ancient Jerusalem. However, its significance extends far beyond mere geography. In later periods of Israelite history, this valley tragically gained infamy as a site where horrific pagan rituals, including the abominable practice of child sacrifice to Molech, were performed (e.g., [2 Kings 23:10](/2_kings/23-10 "2 Kings 23:10 - Josiah Defiles Topheth in Hinnom")). Because of these profound abominations, it became inextricably associated with divine judgment and defilement. By the time of the New Testament, its name, "Gehenna," was used metaphorically by Jesus and others to refer to a place of ultimate judgment or hell (e.g., [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear Him Who Can Destroy Both Soul and Body in Gehenna")). Thus, its mention in [Joshua 15:8](/joshua/15-8 "Joshua 15:8 - Judah's Border Near Jerusalem"), while initially descriptive, subtly foreshadows its later dark historical and profound theological connotations.

**Why was Jerusalem, though within Judah's allotted territory, not immediately conquered by the Israelites?**

Answer: [Joshua 15:8](/joshua/15-8 "Joshua 15:8 - Judah's Border Near Jerusalem") explicitly states that the border went "unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same [is] Jerusalem," clearly indicating that the city was still inhabited by the Jebusites, a formidable Canaanite people, at the time of the land distribution. Despite being within Judah's divinely appointed inheritance, Jerusalem's strategic location on a highly defensible hill made it a formidable stronghold. The Israelites, though victorious in many campaigns, did not fully dispossess all the inhabitants of Canaan as commanded by God. [Judges 1:21](/judges/1-21 "Judges 1:21 - The Benjaminites and the Jebusites in Jerusalem") specifically notes that the Benjaminites (whose territory bordered Judah's at this point) did not drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem. This highlights a recurring theme in the book of Judges: the incomplete obedience of Israel in fully conquering the land. Jerusalem remained a foreign enclave until King David eventually conquered it centuries later, making it his capital (see [2 Samuel 5:6-9](/2_samuel/5-6-9 "2 Samuel 5:6-9 - David Conquers Jerusalem")). This delay illustrates the profound tension between God's certain promise and the ongoing need for human faithfulness, perseverance, and active obedience in possessing that which God has already given.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 15:8, with its meticulous delineation of Judah's promised land around an unconquered Jerusalem, serves as a powerful Old Testament type pointing to Christ and the spiritual inheritance of believers. Just as Judah was given a physical inheritance that required future conquest for full possession, believers in Christ are granted a spiritual inheritance that is both "already" received and "not yet" fully realized. Our ultimate "promised land" is not a geographical territory but a spiritual reality in Christ—a new creation, a kingdom not of this world, and eternal life. We are already "blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")), yet we still contend with the "Jebusites" of sin, temptation, and the forces of darkness in our lives and in the world. Christ, as the true and greater Joshua, leads His people not into a physical land but into a spiritual reality of salvation and new life. He is the one who ultimately conquers all remaining "strongholds" (cf. [2 Corinthians 10:4](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - Spiritual Warfare")) and secures our full possession of the eternal inheritance, the "city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem" ([Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). The detailed precision of the border in [Joshua 15:8](/joshua/15-8 "Joshua 15:8 - Judah's Border Near Jerusalem") foreshadows the absolute certainty and meticulous fulfillment of God's promises in Christ, guaranteeing that every spiritual blessing and our eternal dwelling with Him will be fully realized through His finished work on the cross and His triumphant resurrection.

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 18:16

And the border came down to the end of the mountain that [lieth] before the valley of the son of Hinnom, [and] which [is] in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,

Joshua 15:63

As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.

Joshua 18:28

And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which [is] Jerusalem, Gibeath, [and] Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This [is] the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

Judges 19:10

But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and departed, and came over against Jebus, which [is] Jerusalem; and [there were] with him two asses saddled, his concubine also [was] with him.

Judges 1:21

¶ And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.

2 Kings 23:10

And he defiled Topheth, which [is] in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.

Jeremiah 19:2

And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which [is] by the entry of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee,