Joshua 18:17

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And was drawn {H8388} from the north {H6828}, and went forth {H3318} to Enshemesh {H5885}, and went forth {H3318} toward Geliloth {H1553}, which is over against {H5227} the going up {H4608} of Adummim {H131}, and descended {H3381} to the stone {H68} of Bohan {H932} the son {H1121} of Reuben {H7205},

Complete Jewish Bible

where it was drawn to the north; then it went on to 'Ein-Shemesh; continued to G'lilot, which is across from Ma'alei-Adumim; went down to the Stone of Bohan the son of Re'uven;

Berean Standard Bible

From there it curved northward and proceeded to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth facing the Ascent of Adummim, and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben.

American Standard Version

and it extended northward, and went out at En-shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim; and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 18:17 meticulously delineates a crucial segment of the southern boundary for the tribe of Benjamin, tracing its path through a series of ancient and prominent geographical landmarks. This precise description is far more than a mere geographical listing; it profoundly underscores the divine order, unwavering faithfulness, and meticulous provision inherent in God's allocation of the Promised Land, ensuring each tribe received its designated and indisputable inheritance in fulfillment of His ancient covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 18:17 is situated within the broader narrative of land distribution to the remaining seven tribes of Israel, specifically detailing the territory granted to Benjamin (Joshua 18:11-28). Following the initial, major allocations to Judah and the house of Joseph, the central sanctuary (the tabernacle) was moved to Shiloh, where Joshua, under divine guidance, cast lots for the remaining tribes (Joshua 18:10). This verse, in particular, outlines a critical portion of Benjamin's southern border, which simultaneously functioned as the northern border of Judah, thereby creating a shared and carefully defined demarcation. The highly detailed geographical descriptions found throughout this chapter, replete with specific directions and named landmarks, emphasize the meticulous, orderly, and legally binding nature of the division, leaving no ambiguity regarding tribal inheritances and preventing future disputes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, land inheritance was absolutely foundational to tribal identity, economic stability, social structure, and covenant faithfulness. The precise delineation of boundaries, often marked by enduring natural features (like springs or distinctive rock formations) or by erected stones, was paramount to prevent future conflicts, as evidenced by explicit prohibitions against moving boundary markers (e.g., [Deuteronomy 19:14](/deuteronomy/19-14 "Deuteronomy 19:14 - Do Not Move Your Neighbor's Boundary Mark")). The mention of specific places such as "Enshemesh," "Geliloth," "Adummim," and the ancient "Stone of Bohan" highlights the reliance on established and universally recognizable landmarks in a pre-surveying era. These markers often carried deep historical or traditional significance, reinforcing their authority as undisputed points of demarcation. The "going up of Adummim" was a particularly well-known, notoriously difficult, and often dangerous ascent from the Jordan Valley towards Jerusalem, indicating a significant and unmistakable topographical feature.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous geographical descriptions in this verse and the surrounding passages contribute to several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, they powerfully demonstrate **Divine Precision and Order**, illustrating God's meticulous care in fulfilling His promises and establishing a structured, harmonious society for His people. Every landmark mentioned signifies God's deliberate, exact, and unchangeable provision. Secondly, the entire process of land distribution, of which this verse is an integral part, represents the tangible **Fulfillment of God's Promises** made centuries earlier to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant - Land Promise")) and his descendants. The physical possession of the land was the visible, undeniable sign of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant. Lastly, the emphasis on specific, enduring landmarks highlights the **Significance of Boundaries and Inheritance**. These markers were not merely geographical points but served as enduring testimonies to the tribal inheritances, legally defining what belonged to each family and tribe, providing security, identity, and a sense of belonging, much like the detailed account of Judah's inheritance in [Joshua 15:1-12](/joshua/15-1-12 "Joshua 15:1-12 - Judah's Inheritance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adummim (Hebrew, _ʾĂḏummîm'_):** From H131, meaning "red spots." This refers to the distinctive reddish rock formations found along a notorious ascent from the Jordan Valley towards Jerusalem. The "going up of Adummim" was a well-known, difficult, and dangerous pass, making its reddish hue a prominent and unmistakable geographical feature that served as a clear boundary marker.
* **Geliloth (Hebrew, _Gᵉlîylôwth'_):** From H1553, meaning "circles." This term likely refers to a specific area characterized by circular or rolling hills, or perhaps a series of distinct regions. Its inclusion as a boundary point suggests it was a recognizable topographical feature or a named locality that helped delineate the border's path.
* **Bohan (Hebrew, _Bôhan'_):** From H932, an orthographical variation of a word meaning "thumb." While the root suggests "thumb," in this context, it refers to Bohan, an Israelite, specifically "Bohan the son of Reuben." The "stone of Bohan" is a particularly unique and ancient landmark, suggesting an established memorial or tribal marker that predated the conquest of Canaan. Its inclusion highlights the deep historical roots and the venerable, undisputed nature of these ancient land divisions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And was drawn from the north":** This phrase establishes the starting point and general direction of the boundary segment for Benjamin. It indicates that the border is being traced from a northern point, moving southwards, thereby defining the southern edge of Benjamin's allotted territory.
* **"and went forth to Enshemesh":** From its northern origin, the boundary proceeds to the well-known landmark of Enshemesh, which means "Fountain of the Sun." This marks a specific, identifiable, and prominent natural spring that served as a crucial point of demarcation on the border.
* **"and went forth toward Geliloth":** The boundary continues its course, heading in the direction of Geliloth. This indicates a general trajectory towards another significant topographical feature or named region, further specifying the path of the border.
* **"which [is] over against the going up of Adummim":** This clause provides further geographical context for Geliloth, situating it "opposite" or in proximity to the ascent of Adummim. This clarifies the location by referencing another prominent and easily recognizable landmark, emphasizing the rugged and challenging terrain of the region through which the boundary passed.
* **"and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben":** The boundary then takes a downward turn, indicating a descent, likely towards the Jordan Valley. The "stone of Bohan" is a highly significant and ancient landmark, marking a crucial, enduring point where Benjamin's territory connected with Judah's, serving as a venerable, perhaps pre-Israelite conquest, marker.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Joshua 18:17, and indeed throughout the land distribution chapters, is **Topographical Detail**. The verse is saturated with specific geographical names and precise directional indicators ("from the north," "went forth," "toward," "over against," "descended"), demonstrating an almost cartographic precision. This detailed mapping serves to authenticate the divine allocation of land, leaving no room for ambiguity or dispute regarding tribal inheritances. The **Repetition** of phrases like "went forth" (H3318, _yâtsâ'_) emphasizes the continuous and sequential tracing of the boundary, guiding the reader along the described path and reinforcing the thoroughness of the demarcation process. Furthermore, the mention of "the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben" functions as an **Allusion** to an ancient past, hinting at a history and established order that predates the Israelite conquest, lending an air of timeless authority and venerability to the boundary and the land claims.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 18:17, though seemingly a dry geographical description, is profoundly theological. It powerfully illustrates God's character as a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. The meticulous detail in defining the tribal boundaries is not merely for administrative purposes but serves as a tangible demonstration of God fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants with exactitude. Every landmark mentioned is a testament to His precise provision and the certainty of His word, ensuring that His people receive their promised inheritance. This divine meticulousness in land allocation foreshadows God's care in establishing spiritual boundaries and inheritances for His people, ensuring that every promise made is fulfilled with absolute precision and security.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant - Land Promise")
* [Deuteronomy 19:14](/deuteronomy/19-14 "Deuteronomy 19:14 - Do Not Move Your Neighbor's Boundary Mark")
* [Psalm 16:6](/psalms/16-6 "Psalm 16:6 - Pleasant Places and a Good Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The precise and detailed nature of the land division in Joshua 18:17 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. Just as God meticulously ensured every tribe received its precise and indisputable inheritance, so too does He care for the intricate details of our lives, fulfilling His promises with accuracy and unwavering faithfulness. This passage encourages us to trust in His sovereign provision for our "boundaries," whether they are our unique callings, our current circumstances, or the spiritual blessings He has prepared for us. Understanding these divine boundaries, both physical and spiritual, provides a deep sense of security, purpose, and identity, much like the tribes knew their specific land. Moreover, the respect given to ancient landmarks like the Stone of Bohan reminds us of the importance of honoring established truths and the wisdom passed down through generations, especially the unchanging Word of God, which serves as our ultimate boundary marker and infallible guide for life and faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's provision in Joshua 18:17 encourage your trust in His care for the "boundaries" of your own life, whether in relationships, career, or personal growth?**
* **In what ways can understanding your spiritual inheritance in Christ provide security and purpose, similar to how the tribes understood their physical land?**
* **What "ancient landmarks" or established truths in God's Word are you called to respect and uphold in your life today, and how do they define your spiritual boundaries and guide your path?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: These geographical details are critically important for several reasons. Firstly, they demonstrate God's faithfulness and the literal fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham that his descendants would inherit a specific land (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant - Land Promise")). Secondly, they provided the legal and practical basis for tribal identity, inheritance, and governance in ancient Israel, preventing disputes over territory. The meticulous descriptions underscore the divine order and precision in God's dealings with His people, showing that His provision is exact and intentional. They also serve as historical markers, rooting the biblical narrative in real-world geography and making the account verifiable and tangible, demonstrating God's work in concrete history.

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

Answer: Bohan was a son of Reuben, one of the twelve patriarchs and the eldest son of Jacob. The "stone of Bohan" is significant because it represents an ancient and enduring landmark, possibly predating the Israelite conquest of Canaan. Its existence suggests that certain boundary markers were already established and recognized even before the land was formally divided by Joshua. This stone served as a crucial, undisputed point on the shared border between the tribes of Benjamin and Judah, highlighting the continuity of land claims and the respect for established markers. It likely functioned as a memorial or a tribal marker from the patriarchal period, underscoring the deep historical roots and the sacred, enduring nature of these land divisions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 18:17 describes a physical inheritance of land, it powerfully foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. Just as the tribes received their precise, divinely appointed portion of the Promised Land, so too do believers receive 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 Inheritance Kept in Heaven")). Jesus, as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, is our true "Promised Land" and the substance of our inheritance. Through Him, we are made "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), not of a physical territory, but of eternal life, righteousness, and all the spiritual blessings "in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The meticulous precision of the land division in Joshua points to the absolute certainty and security of our spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is guaranteed by God's faithfulness, secured by His sacrifice, and sealed by the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11-14 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Inheritance and the Seal of the Spirit")). We are now part of a spiritual kingdom, looking forward to a "city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God" ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham Looked for a City with Foundations")), a heavenly inheritance far surpassing any earthly territory ([Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Sharing in the Inheritance of the Saints")).

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 15:6

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: