Why is such a detailed geographical description important in the Bible?

Detailed geographical descriptions, like that in Joshua 18:19, are crucial for several reasons. First, they serve as historical and legal documentation, affirming the literal fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan (e.g., Genesis 12:7). These precise boundaries established the tribal identities and their specific inheritance, preventing future disputes and ensuring order within the newly settled nation. Second, they underscore the divine precision and meticulousness of God's work. It demonstrates that God's plans are not vague but are executed with exactness, down to every detail. Third, these details provide concrete anchors for understanding the biblical narrative, allowing readers to visualize the landscape and appreciate the real-world context of the events described. They transform abstract promises into tangible realities.

18:18 18:18

Joshua 18:19

18:20 18:20

Bible Versions

And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this [was] the south coast.

And the border {H1366} passed along {H5674} to the side {H3802} of Bethhoglah {H1031} northward {H6828}: and the outgoings {H8444} of the border {H1366} were at the north {H6828} bay {H3956} of the salt {H4417} sea {H3220} at the south {H5045} end {H7097} of Jordan {H3383}: this was the south {H5045} coast {H1366}.

Then the border passed alongside Beit-Hoglah, heading north; and the border ended at the north bay of the Dead Sea, at the south end of the Yarden; this was the south border.

The border continued to the northern slope of Beth-hoglah and came out at the northern bay of the Salt Sea, at the mouth of the Jordan. This was the southern border.

and the border passed along to the side of Beth-hoglah northward; and the goings out of the border were at the north bay of the Salt Sea, at the south end of the Jordan: this was the south border.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Genesis 14:3

All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
Joshua 15:2

And their south border was from the shore of the salt sea, from the bay that looketh southward:
Numbers 34:3

Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward:
Genesis 19:25

And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.
Isaiah 11:15

And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make [men] go over dryshod.
Joshua 3:16

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 12:3

And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah:

Bible Versions

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