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,

And the border {H1366} came down {H3381} to the end {H7097} of the mountain {H2022} that lieth before {H6440} the valley {H1516} of the son {H1121} of Hinnom {H2011}, and which is in the valley {H6010} of the giants {H7497} on the north {H6828}, and descended {H3381} to the valley {H1516} of Hinnom {H2011}, to the side {H3802} of Jebusi {H2983} on the south {H5045}, and descended {H3381} to Enrogel {H5883},

Then the border went down to the farthest part of the hill located in front of the Ben-Hinnom Valley, north of the Refa'im Valley, south of the Y'vusi; and continued down to 'Ein-Rogel,

Then it went down to the foot of the hill that faces the Valley of Hinnom at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim and ran down the Valley of Hinnom toward the southern slope of the Jebusites and downward to En-rogel.

and the border went down to the uttermost part of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is in the vale of Rephaim northward; and it went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En-rogel;

Commentary

Joshua 18:16 details a crucial part of the tribal boundaries allocated to the tribe of Benjamin, specifically describing its southern border. This verse is part of a larger section (Joshua 18:11-28) that meticulously outlines the inheritance of Benjamin after the tabernacle was set up in Shiloh, emphasizing the precise fulfillment of Godโ€™s promises regarding the land of Canaan.

Historical and Cultural Context

The division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes was a monumental undertaking under Joshua's leadership, fulfilling God's long-standing promise to Abraham and his descendants. This verse describes a geographically significant area, tracing the border through valleys and by key landmarks near what would become Jerusalem. The meticulous detail highlights the importance of land ownership, tribal identity, and the fulfillment of divine covenant in ancient Israel.

Key Geographical and Thematic Insights

  • Valley of the Son of Hinnom (Gehenna): This valley, located south and southwest of ancient Jerusalem, later became notorious in Israelite history as a place of pagan child sacrifice to Molech (Jeremiah 7:31). In the New Testament, its Greek equivalent, Gehenna, is used by Jesus to refer to hell or eternal judgment (Matthew 5:22). Here, it simply serves as a geographical marker for the border of Benjamin.
  • Valley of the Giants (Rephaim Valley): Located west and southwest of Jerusalem, this valley was associated with encounters between the Philistines and King David (2 Samuel 5:18). It was a fertile area and a strategic approach to Jerusalem.
  • Jebusi: This is an early name for the city that would later become Jerusalem, still occupied by the Jebusites at this time (Joshua 15:63). The border passed along its southern side, indicating Benjaminโ€™s proximity to this crucial city, which would eventually be conquered by David.
  • Enrogel: A natural spring located just southeast of Jerusalem, outside the city walls. It was a vital water source for the ancient city and played a role in various historical events, such as during Absalom's rebellion when Jonathan and Ahimaaz hid there (2 Samuel 17:17).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew text uses precise terms for geographical features, such as gai (valley) and har (mountain), emphasizing the detailed nature of the land survey. The specificity of the names like "Valley of the son of Hinnom" (ื’ึตึผื™ ื‘ึถืŸึพื”ึดื ึนึผื, ge ben-hinnom) highlights their distinct identity, which would later gain significant symbolic weight in prophetic and wisdom literature.

Practical Application and Significance

This verse, though seemingly a dry geographical description, underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel by giving them the land He swore to their forefathers. It also highlights the meticulous care with which the land was divided, ensuring each tribe received its designated inheritance. This teaches us about divine order and the importance of boundaries, both physical and spiritual. The mention of locations like the Valley of Hinnom, which would later become infamous, reminds us that God's plan unfolds through specific times and places, often with layers of meaning that become apparent only in retrospect.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 23:10 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Joshua 15:7 (4 votes)

    And the border went up toward Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that [is] before the going up to Adummim, which [is] on the south side of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel:

  • Joshua 15:8 (4 votes)

    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:

  • Isaiah 30:33 (3 votes)

    For Tophet [is] ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made [it] deep [and] large: the pile thereof [is] fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.

  • 2 Samuel 17:17 (2 votes)

    Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.

  • Joshua 18:28 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Chronicles 33:6 (2 votes)

    And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.