Joshua 18:14

KJV

And the border was drawn [thence], and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that [lieth] before Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah: this [was] the west quarter.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the border {H1366} was drawn {H8388} thence, and compassed {H5437} the corner {H6285} of the sea {H3220} southward {H5045}, from the hill {H2022} that lieth before {H6440} Bethhoron {H1032} southward {H5045}; and the goings out {H8444} thereof were at Kirjathbaal {H7154}, which is Kirjathjearim {H7157}, a city {H5892} of the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063}: this was the west {H3220} quarter {H6285}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The border was delineated as turning at the western corner and heading southward, from the hill located in front of Beit-Horon on the south; and it ended at Kiryat-Ba'al (that is, Kiryat-Ye'arim), a city belonging to the descendants of Y'hudah; this was the west side.

Berean Standard Bible

On the west side the border curved southward from the hill facing Beth-horon on the south and came out at Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), a city of the sons of Judah. This was the western side.

American Standard Version

And the border extended thence, and turned about on the west quarter southward, from the mountain that lieth before Beth-horon southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kiriath-baal (the same is Kiriath-jearim), a city of the children of Judah: this was the west quarter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 18:14 meticulously delineates a specific segment of the western boundary for the tribe of Benjamin's allotted territory within the Promised Land. This verse, part of a broader section detailing the precise borders and cities assigned to Benjamin after the casting of lots at Shiloh, underscores the divine order, precision, and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by providing each tribe with its designated inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 18:14 is situated within the detailed account of the land distribution to the remaining seven tribes of Israel (Joshua 18:1-19:51), following the initial conquests and the allocation of territory to Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh. Specifically, it belongs to the description of Benjamin's inheritance (Joshua 18:11-28), which was the first of the seven tribes to receive its portion after a comprehensive survey of the land. The preceding verses (Joshua 18:4-9) describe Joshua's command to send out men to survey the land and record its divisions, emphasizing the meticulous and orderly nature of this process. This verse, therefore, is not merely a geographical marker but a testament to the systematic fulfillment of God's promise, ensuring that every boundary was clearly defined and understood, preventing future disputes and establishing tribal identity within the nascent nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of land was a foundational act for the newly formed nation of Israel, transitioning from a nomadic, conquering force to a settled, agricultural society. In the ancient Near East, precise land demarcation was crucial for establishing ownership, taxation, and tribal identity, often involving natural landmarks and surveyed lines. The act of casting lots at [Shiloh](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - The Tabernacle at Shiloh") was not a random event but a divinely guided process, signifying God's sovereign hand in the distribution, ensuring that the inheritance was truly from Him. The mention of "the corner of the sea" almost certainly refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which formed a natural western boundary for many tribal territories. Cities like Bethhoron and Kirjathjearim were significant strategic and cultural landmarks, often situated on key trade routes or elevated positions, making them ideal points for defining borders. The fact that Kirjathjearim is noted as "a city of the children of Judah" highlights the precise intersection of tribal territories, demonstrating the careful interweaving of the twelve tribes' portions.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Order and Precision**, revealing God as a meticulous architect who meticulously plans and executes His purposes, down to the exact boundaries of a tribe's inheritance. This precision underscores His sovereignty and foresight. Secondly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of Promise**, as the very act of dividing the land is the culmination of centuries of divine promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning their descendants inheriting the land of Canaan (e.g., [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abram")). Every boundary marker was a tangible sign of [God's unwavering faithfulness](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - God's Faithfulness in Fulfilling Promises"). Thirdly, it solidifies **Tribal Identity and Inheritance**, providing each tribe with a distinct, God-given territory essential for their self-governance, economic stability, and the preservation of their unique heritage within the covenant community. This defined space was crucial for their identity as the people of God, living out their covenant responsibilities within their designated spheres.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Drawn (Hebrew, _ta'ar'_):** This verb signifies "to mark out," "to delineate," or "to describe." Its use here emphasizes the deliberate and precise nature of the boundary setting. It implies a careful surveying process, where lines were not arbitrarily assigned but meticulously determined, often by following natural contours or established landmarks. This speaks to the intentionality behind the land's division, reflecting God's orderly character.
* **Compassed (Hebrew, _savav'_):** Meaning "to surround," "to go around," or "to encompass," this word illustrates the winding and encircling path of the border. Rather than a straight, artificial line, the boundary followed the natural topography, curving around geographical features like hills and valleys. This further highlights the practical and detailed approach to land division, making use of the existing landscape to define the tribal territories.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the border was drawn [thence], and compassed the corner of the sea southward":** This clause initiates the description of Benjamin's western border, indicating its starting point or direction. "Thence" implies a continuation from a previously described point, and "the corner of the sea" refers to the Mediterranean coast, establishing the extreme western limit of the territory. The direction "southward" specifies the trajectory of this segment of the border, moving along the coast.
* **"from the hill that [lieth] before Bethhoron southward":** This provides a crucial landmark for the border's path. Bethhoron (likely Upper Bethhoron) was a strategically important city on a major ascent from the coastal plain to the central highlands. The border is described as running from a specific hill situated "before" (east of) Bethhoron, continuing its southward trajectory. This detail anchors the boundary to a recognizable geographical feature.
* **"and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah":** This clause marks the end point or junction of this particular segment of the western border. "Goings out" refers to the termination or extension of the boundary. Kirjathbaal, later known as Kirjathjearim, was a significant city. The parenthetical clarification, "a city of the children of Judah," is vital, indicating that this point was where Benjamin's western border met the northern boundary of Judah's territory, creating a shared frontier between the two tribes.
* **"this [was] the west quarter.":** This concluding phrase succinctly summarizes the preceding description, confirming that the detailed geographical markers delineate the entire western side of Benjamin's tribal inheritance. It provides a clear and unambiguous statement of the boundary's orientation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 18:14, and indeed throughout the land allocation chapters, is **Topographical Detail**. The meticulous enumeration of specific geographical features—such as "the corner of the sea," "the hill that lieth before Bethhoron," and "Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim"—serves to establish the absolute precision and specificity of the land division. This level of detail is not merely descriptive; it functions as a form of **Legal Language**, akin to a deed or property survey, solidifying the divine grant of land to each tribe. The repetition of directional indicators like "southward" further reinforces the clarity and exactness of the boundaries. This detailed mapping underscores the divine order and the fulfillment of covenant promises, transforming abstract promises into tangible, defensible territories.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 18:14, with its detailed description of Benjamin's western border, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous nature and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The precision in land allocation is not arbitrary; it signifies God's sovereign design for His people, providing them with a secure inheritance and a defined space in which to live out their covenant responsibilities. This divine ordering speaks to a God who cares about the details of His creation and His people's lives, ensuring stability and identity. It reminds us that God's promises are concrete and reliable, fulfilled with exactitude, even when the process seems lengthy or complex. The physical boundaries for Israel foreshadow the spiritual boundaries and inheritance God provides for His people today, offering security, identity, and purpose within His kingdom.

* [Deuteronomy 32:8](/deuteronomy/32-8 "Deuteronomy 32:8 - God's Division of Nations")
* [Psalm 16:6](/psalms/16-6 "Psalm 16:6 - The Pleasant Lines of Inheritance")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalms/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God Dividing the Land by Lot")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient details of Joshua 18:14 might seem distant, yet they offer profound insights for contemporary believers. This verse, embedded in a narrative of divine land distribution, reminds us that our God is a God of order, precision, and faithfulness. Just as He meticulously defined the physical boundaries for Israel, He has a precise plan for our lives, our spiritual inheritance, and the boundaries of our calling. This should inspire immense trust: if God cares about the exact location of an ancient tribal border, how much more does He care about the intricate details of our existence, our provision, and our eternal destiny? Understanding that our "lines have fallen in pleasant places" (as Psalm 16:6 beautifully puts it) in Christ provides profound security and peace. It calls us to live within the "boundaries" of His Word and His will, finding our true identity and purpose not in worldly possessions or achievements, but in the spiritual inheritance He has graciously bestowed upon us. This passage encourages us to embrace God's divine order in our own lives, trusting that His meticulous care extends to every aspect of our journey, guiding us to our ultimate, glorious inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision for Israel's inheritance encourage your trust in His provision for your own life?**
* **In what ways can understanding our "spiritual boundaries" in Christ provide security and purpose in a world that often feels chaotic?**
* **How does God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel challenge you to live faithfully within the "inheritance" He has given you, whether spiritual gifts, relationships, or resources?**

### FAQ
**Why are these geographical details so important in the Bible?**

Answer: The meticulous geographical details in passages like Joshua 18:14 are crucial for several reasons. First, they demonstrate the **historical veracity** of the biblical narrative, grounding the events in real places and times. This precision validates the claims of the text. Second, they underscore the **fulfillment of God's promises** to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showing how the land, specifically delineated, was indeed given to their descendants as an inheritance (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Promise of Land to Abram")). Third, these details establish **tribal identity and boundaries**, which were vital for the social, economic, and political organization of ancient Israel. They prevented disputes and ensured each tribe knew its God-given portion. Finally, they reveal God's **meticulous and orderly character**, showing that His divine plan extends to the most intricate specifics, ensuring that His will is carried out with precision and purpose.

**What is the significance of "Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim"?**

Answer: Kirjathbaal, later known as Kirjathjearim, was a significant city that served as a key landmark on the border between the tribes of Benjamin and Judah. Its dual name reflects a transition in its identity or common usage over time. Its importance extends beyond simply being a border marker; it later gained historical prominence as the place where the [Ark of the Covenant resided for many years](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1 - The Ark at Kirjathjearim") after its return from the Philistines, before King David brought it to Jerusalem. This detail highlights how seemingly minor geographical points in the allocation narrative can later become central to Israel's sacred history, connecting the initial divine ordering of the land to the unfolding narrative of God's presence among His people.

**How was the land divided among the tribes?**

Answer: The land was divided among the tribes through a combination of divine guidance and practical surveying. After the initial conquests, Joshua commanded representatives from the remaining seven tribes to survey the land and divide it into seven parts, describing each part by its cities (Joshua 18:4-6). This survey was then brought back to Joshua at [Shiloh](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - The Tabernacle at Shiloh"), where the Tabernacle was located. The final allocation was determined by casting lots before the Lord (Joshua 18:10). This method ensured that the division was seen as divinely ordained, preventing human favoritism or disputes. While the lots determined the general areas, the detailed descriptions, like that in Joshua 18:14, then meticulously defined the exact boundaries, often following natural geographical features. This process underscored God's sovereignty over the land and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The precise delineation of tribal boundaries in Joshua 18:14, though seemingly a mundane geographical detail, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Just as God meticulously prepared and allocated a physical inheritance for His people Israel, He has, with even greater precision and love, prepared an eternal spiritual inheritance for all who are "in Christ" (e.g., [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Jesus Christ is the ultimate "inheritance" (e.g., [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, Heir of All Things")), the true "Promised Land" in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" (e.g., [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). The meticulous boundaries of Benjamin's territory foreshadow the secure and everlasting dwelling place that Christ prepares for His followers (e.g., [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). The detailed mapping of the land points to the perfect, unchangeable plan of redemption, where believers are brought into a new covenant relationship, inheriting eternal life and a place in God's kingdom, not by lot or human survey, but by the finished work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Ultimately, the physical inheritance in Joshua points to the spiritual reality that our true home and secure boundaries are found in Christ, who is our peace and our eternal portion (e.g., [Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Inheritance of the Saints in Light")).

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 15:9

And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which [is] Kirjathjearim:

2 Samuel 6:2

And David arose, and went with all the people that [were] with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth [between] the cherubims.

1 Samuel 7:1

¶ And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.

1 Samuel 7:2

And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.

1 Chronicles 13:5

So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.

1 Chronicles 13:6

And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, [that is], to Kirjathjearim, which [belonged] to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth [between] the cherubims, whose name is called [on it].

Joshua 15:60

Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages: