Joshua 18:12

And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.

And their border {H1366} on the north {H6828} side {H6285} was from Jordan {H3383}; and the border {H1366} went up {H5927} to the side {H3802} of Jericho {H3405} on the north {H6828} side, and went up {H5927} through the mountains {H2022} westward {H3220}; and the goings out {H8444} thereof were at the wilderness {H4057} of Bethaven {H1007}.

On the north side, their border began at the Yarden, went up alongside Yericho on the north, continued up through the hills westward and arrived at the Beit-Aven Desert.

On the north side their border began at the Jordan, went up past the northern slope of Jericho, headed west through the hill country, and came out at the wilderness of Beth-aven.

And their border on the north quarter was from the Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north, and went up through the hill-country westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Beth-aven.

Commentary

Commentary on Joshua 18:12 (KJV)

Joshua 18:12 meticulously describes a portion of the northern boundary for the tribe of Benjamin's inheritance in the Promised Land. This verse is part of a larger section (Joshua 18:11-28) detailing the specific geographical limits for each of the seven tribes that had not yet received their portion, following the initial division among Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh.

Context

After the initial conquest of Canaan and the establishment of the tabernacle at Shiloh (see Joshua 18:1), Joshua commanded a survey of the remaining land to ensure an equitable and divinely ordained distribution. The detailed border descriptions, like the one in this verse, reflect the precise nature of God's provision for His people and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This division was not arbitrary but followed careful survey and the casting of lots, emphasizing divine guidance in the allocation of territory to each tribe.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness: The meticulous detailing of borders underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give the land of Canaan to Israel (as seen in Numbers 34:2). Every boundary stone and geographical marker represented a tangible manifestation of His covenant.
  • Order and Inheritance: The precise demarcation of land ensured that each tribe had a clear, defined inheritance, preventing future disputes and establishing a basis for tribal identity and communal life. This concept of a sure inheritance is central to the biblical narrative.
  • Geographical Significance: The verse mentions key geographical points like the Jordan River, Jericho, and the wilderness of Bethaven, anchoring the tribal territory in recognizable and significant locations within the land. The proximity to Jericho, a city famously conquered by Israel, highlights the historical and strategic importance of Benjamin's territory.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "goings out thereof" (Hebrew: yotse'ลtรชhฤ) refers to the termination points or extremities of the border. It emphasizes the definitive nature of these boundaries. The name "Bethaven" (Hebrew: Bรชth-สผฤ€ven) literally translates to "house of iniquity" or "house of vanity." This name was often used later in prophetic literature (e.g., Hosea 10:5) as a derogatory reference to Bethel ("house of God"), which was nearby, due to the idolatry practiced there. However, in Joshua, it primarily functions as a geographical identifier for a specific wilderness area.

Practical Application

While this verse describes ancient land boundaries, it offers timeless principles:

  • God's Meticulous Care: Just as God precisely provided for each tribe's physical needs through land, He cares for the intricate details of our lives. We can trust in His provision and planning (Philippians 4:19).
  • Importance of Boundaries: The concept of clear boundaries applies beyond physical land. Spiritually, morally, and relationally, healthy boundaries are essential for order, identity, and flourishing. God's Word provides the boundaries for a righteous life.
  • Inheritance and Stewardship: The tribes received an inheritance to steward. Believers also receive an inheritance in Christ, including spiritual blessings and gifts. We are called to be good stewards of all that God entrusts to us (1 Peter 4:10).
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 16:1 (5 votes)

    ยถ And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, unto the water of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goeth up from Jericho throughout mount Bethel,

  • Joshua 7:2 (4 votes)

    And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which [is] beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.

  • Joshua 2:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.

  • Hosea 4:15 (2 votes)

    Though thou, Israel, play the harlot, [yet] let not Judah offend; and come not ye unto Gilgal, neither go ye up to Bethaven, nor swear, The LORD liveth.

  • Hosea 10:5 (2 votes)

    The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof [that] rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.

  • Joshua 3:16 (2 votes)

    That the waters which came down from above stood [and] rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, failed, [and] were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.

  • Joshua 6:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.