Joshua 18:21

KJV

Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the cities {H5892} of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} according to their families {H4940} were Jericho {H3405}, and Bethhoglah {H1031}, and the valley {H6010} of Keziz {H7104},

Complete Jewish Bible

The cities of the tribe of the descendants of Binyamin according to their families were: Yericho, Beit-Hoglah, 'Emek-K'tzitz,

Berean Standard Bible

These were the cities of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin:

American Standard Version

Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Beth-hoglah, and Emek-keziz,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 18:21 meticulously lists three cities—Jericho, Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz—as part of the initial inheritance allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. This verse is a precise record within the larger narrative of land distribution, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by providing them a secure and defined territory in the Promised Land. It underscores the divine order and administrative detail involved in establishing the tribal boundaries, ensuring each family received its designated portion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 18:21 is situated within the detailed account of the land distribution among the Israelite tribes, specifically following the establishment of the Tabernacle at Shiloh and the initial allotments to Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh. Chapters 18 and 19 meticulously record the territories assigned to the remaining seven tribes through the casting of lots before the Lord. This verse, therefore, serves as a precise geographical marker within Benjamin's northern boundary, part of a comprehensive catalogue that validates the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel. The methodical listing of cities and boundaries throughout [Joshua 18](/joshua/18 "Joshua 18 - Benjamin's Inheritance") and [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Allotments for Remaining Tribes") emphasizes the divine order and the thoroughness with which Joshua and Eleazar executed the division of the land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land was the culmination of Israel's forty-year wilderness journey and the initial conquest of Canaan. Land ownership in ancient Israel was not merely an economic matter but a foundational theological concept, representing God's covenant faithfulness and the very identity of the nation. Each tribe's inheritance was permanent, passed down through families, ensuring tribal continuity and preventing the accumulation of land by a few. The inclusion of Jericho in Benjamin's territory is particularly significant, as it was the first city conquered by Israel upon entering Canaan, its walls famously falling by divine intervention as recorded in [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho"). Its reappearance here as an inherited city underscores the complete and irreversible nature of God's gift of the land, despite its initial destruction.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the broader chapters it belongs to, contributes to several significant themes. Foremost is the **Fulfillment of Promise**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan as an [eternal inheritance](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Promise of Inheritance"). The meticulous detail of the land distribution also highlights **Divine Order and Administration**, showcasing God's precision in His plans and the diligent execution by human leaders like Joshua and Eleazar. Furthermore, the assignment of distinct territories reinforced **Tribal Identity and Inheritance**, solidifying each tribe's unique place and responsibility within the larger nation of Israel, and serving as a tangible expression of their covenant relationship with God. This division was not arbitrary but a divinely guided process, ensuring justice and order among the people as they settled into their new homeland.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jericho (Hebrew, _Yericho'_):** Often associated with "fragrant" or "moon city," reflecting its ancient status as a prominent oasis and perhaps a center of moon worship before its conquest. Its inclusion here signifies not just a geographical point but a powerful symbol of God's miraculous power and the complete subjugation of Canaanite strongholds for Israel's inheritance.
* **Bethhoglah (Hebrew, _Beit Hoglah'_):** Meaning "house of the partridge" or "house of a circle/dance." This name might suggest a place known for its abundant partridges or perhaps a site used for circular rituals or dances, possibly related to ancient pagan practices or simply a descriptive geographical feature. Its specific mention underscores the granular detail of the land survey.
* **Keziz (Hebrew, _Qetsits'_):** Meaning "cut off" or "end." This name likely indicates its location at the edge or boundary of a particular region or valley, serving as a marker for the extent of Benjamin's territory. Such names were crucial for defining precise borders in an era without modern mapping.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin":** This clause introduces the specific focus on the tribal allotment for Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It emphasizes the communal and familial nature of the inheritance, as the land was given to the tribe as a whole, which was then subdivided among its constituent families. This highlights the importance of tribal identity and lineage in ancient Israelite society.
* **"according to their families were":** This phrase further specifies that the distribution within the tribe was not arbitrary but followed established family lines. This ensured fairness and continuity, reflecting the patriarchal structure of Israelite society and God's meticulous care for each family unit within the larger tribal framework. It underscores the principle that the land was an inheritance to be passed down through generations.
* **"Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz":** This final clause lists three specific geographical locations within Benjamin's inheritance. The inclusion of "Jericho" is highly significant, given its history as the first city conquered by Israel. "Bethhoglah" and "the valley of Keziz" provide further precise geographical markers, demonstrating the detailed and comprehensive nature of the land survey and the exact boundaries established by divine decree and human administration.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 18:21 primarily employs **Catalogue** or **List** as a literary device. This technique, common in ancient Near Eastern legal and historical texts, serves to provide a precise and exhaustive record of the cities allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. The meticulous enumeration of place names emphasizes the reality and tangibility of the land inheritance, underscoring God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises down to the specific geographical locations. This detailed listing also functions as a form of **Verification**, serving as an undeniable record that the land was indeed divided as commanded, leaving no room for dispute regarding tribal boundaries. Furthermore, the inclusion of Jericho, a city of immense historical and symbolic weight, injects a layer of **Symbolism**, reminding the reader of God's miraculous power and the complete subjugation of Canaanite strongholds that preceded this peaceful inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 18:21, though a simple list of names, profoundly illustrates the meticulous faithfulness of God in fulfilling His covenant promises. The precise allocation of land to each tribe, down to specific cities and valleys, demonstrates that God's word is not vague but concrete and dependable. This divine precision ensures order and justice among His people, providing a tangible inheritance that grounds their identity and future. The land was not merely property but a sacred trust, a physical manifestation of God's presence and provision among Israel. This act of distribution solidifies the nation's foundation, moving them from nomadic wanderers to settled inhabitants of the land promised to their forefathers.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Lord Gives the Land")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalm/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God Settles Israel in Their Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed listing of cities in Joshua 18:21 might seem mundane, yet it offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous faithfulness, demonstrating that He is attentive to every detail of His promises and His people's lives. Just as He precisely fulfilled His word to Israel concerning their physical inheritance, He is equally faithful in fulfilling His spiritual promises to us, down to the smallest aspects of our existence. This verse encourages us to trust in God's providence, even when circumstances seem insignificant or administrative. It also prompts us to consider our own spiritual inheritance in Christ—the blessings, gifts, and responsibilities we have received. Like the Israelites, we are called to recognize, cherish, and faithfully steward what God has entrusted to us, living with intentionality and purpose for His glory. Our lives, resources, and callings are not accidental but part of a divine plan, meticulously ordered by a faithful God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the land distribution encourage your trust in His providence in your own life?**
* **What "inheritance"—spiritual gifts, talents, opportunities, or relationships—has God entrusted to you, and how are you stewarding it?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to recognize God's order and purpose more clearly, rather than viewing things as random or insignificant?**
* **How does the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel in this verse strengthen your faith in His promises for the future?**

### FAQ
**Why are these city lists so detailed in the book of Joshua?**

Answer: The detailed city lists in Joshua, including Joshua 18:21, serve several crucial purposes. Firstly, they provide a meticulous historical and legal record of the land distribution, validating the fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan (e.g., [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abram")). Secondly, these lists established clear and undisputed boundaries for each tribe, preventing future conflicts over territory and ensuring orderly governance. Thirdly, they underscored the divine authority and precision behind the entire process, demonstrating that the land was not acquired by chance but by God's sovereign design and meticulous administration through Joshua and Eleazar. Finally, they served as a testament to the identity and inheritance of each tribal family within the nation of Israel.

**What is the significance of Jericho being listed here again, given its destruction in Joshua 6?**

Answer: The inclusion of Jericho in Benjamin's inheritance, despite its earlier destruction as detailed in [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho"), is highly significant. It signifies the complete and irreversible nature of God's gift of the land to Israel. Even though the city was razed and placed under a curse, the territory itself remained part of the Promised Land and was allotted to a tribe. This highlights that the land was given by divine decree, and its boundaries were established by God, regardless of the fate of individual cities. It also demonstrates that God's promises of inheritance were comprehensive, encompassing even the most challenging and symbolically charged locations. Later, Jericho would be rebuilt, but its initial destruction and subsequent inclusion in the tribal inheritance served as a powerful reminder of God's power and faithfulness.

**How does this ancient land division relate to believers today?**

Answer: While believers today do not inherit a physical land in Canaan, the principles embedded in Joshua 18:21 are profoundly relevant. This verse speaks to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, His meticulous care for His people, and the concept of an inheritance. For Christians, our inheritance is spiritual, not geographical. We are heirs with Christ, receiving the blessings of salvation, eternal life, and spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit (e.g., [Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Spiritual Inheritance")). Just as the Israelites were called to steward their physical land, we are called to steward our spiritual inheritance—our faith, gifts, and resources—for God's glory. This verse reminds us that God's plans are precise and purposeful, and He faithfully provides for all our needs, both temporal and eternal, as we journey towards our ultimate heavenly home (e.g., [1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous division of the land in Joshua 18:21, ensuring each tribe received its precise inheritance, foreshadows the far greater and more glorious spiritual inheritance found in Jesus Christ. Just as the physical land provided rest and security for Israel, Christ offers true and eternal rest for the soul, a rest that the law and the land could not fully provide (cf. [Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "The True Rest in Christ")). The land of Canaan was a shadow of the ultimate "Promised Land" – God's eternal kingdom, where believers, through faith in Christ, inherit all spiritual blessings. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, the true "place" prepared for His people (cf. [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "Jesus Prepares a Place")). Through His atoning work, we are adopted into God's family, becoming co-heirs with Him, receiving an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (cf. [1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")). The precision in Joshua 18:21 points to the divine certainty of our spiritual inheritance in Christ, guaranteed by His finished work on the cross and secured by the Holy Spirit (cf. [Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11 "Our Inheritance in Christ")). He is our true and eternal portion, far surpassing any earthly territory.

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 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.

Joshua 6:1

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

Joshua 18:19

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.

Luke 10:30

And Jesus answering said, A certain [man] went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded [him], and departed, leaving [him] half dead.

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:

Joshua 2:1

¶ 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.

Luke 19:1

¶ And [Jesus] entered and passed through Jericho.