Joshua 18:23

KJV

And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Avim {H5761}, and Parah {H6511}, and Ophrah {H6084},

Complete Jewish Bible

'Avim, Parah, 'Ofrah,

Berean Standard Bible

Avvim, Parah, Ophrah,

American Standard Version

and Avvim, and Parah, and Ophrah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 18:23, a concise enumeration of three cities—Avim, Parah, and Ophrah—serves as a pivotal detail within the broader account of the land's division among the tribes of Israel, specifically delineating a portion of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. Far from being a mere geographical roster, this verse underscores God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to His people, establishing their identity and secure place within the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 18:23 is situated within the lengthy and detailed narrative of the division of the land of Canaan, following Israel's conquest. Chapters 13-19 meticulously record the allocation of territories to each of the twelve tribes. Specifically, chapter 18 focuses on the seven tribes who had not yet received their inheritance, after Judah and the house of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) had been settled. Joshua, at Shiloh, sent out a survey team to map the remaining land, which was then divided by lot before the Lord ([Joshua 18:10](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Casting Lots at Shiloh")). Verses 21-28 provide a comprehensive list of the cities belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, a strategically important territory situated between the powerful tribes of Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north. These lists are not incidental but are foundational to the legal and social structure of early Israel, defining tribal boundaries and identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land was a monumental undertaking, marking the transition from a nomadic, conquering people to a settled nation. The process of casting lots, as seen in [Joshua 18:10](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Casting Lots at Shiloh"), was understood as a divinely guided method for determining God's will and ensuring equitable distribution, preventing inter-tribal disputes. Land ownership was central to Israelite identity, social structure, and economic stability. Each family's inheritance was considered permanent and inalienable, a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). The cities listed, including Avim, Parah, and Ophrah, were not merely dots on a map but represented tangible assets—agricultural lands, water sources, and strategic points—that formed the bedrock of tribal life and national security.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed enumeration of cities and boundaries in [Joshua 18](/joshua/18 "Joshua 18 - Benjamin's Inheritance") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the **Fulfillment of God's Promise**, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Covenant with Abraham")). The meticulous record-keeping reflects **Divine Order and Administration**, showcasing God's character as a God of precision and justice, ensuring each tribe received its rightful portion. This process also solidified **Tribal Identity and Inheritance**, providing a clear sense of belonging and purpose for each clan and family within the larger nation of Israel, establishing the socio-political framework for generations to come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Avim (אווים, _'Avvim'_):** This city name is often associated with the Avvites, a pre-Israelite people mentioned in [Deuteronomy 2:23](/deuteronomy/2-23 "Deuteronomy 2:23 - The Avvites"). While its precise meaning as a place name is debated, it may suggest a settlement that was once inhabited by this group or a place of "ruins." Its inclusion signifies the complete transfer of control and ownership from previous inhabitants to the tribe of Benjamin, marking a tangible aspect of the conquest and inheritance.
* **Parah (פָּרָה, _Parah'_):** Meaning "heifer" or "cow," this name likely indicates a fertile region suitable for pasturage and livestock. Such names were common in ancient times, reflecting the primary economic activity or distinguishing natural feature of a location. For the tribe of Benjamin, a territory known for its agricultural potential would have been a valuable and life-sustaining part of their inheritance.
* **Ophrah (עָפְרָה, _'Ophrah'_):** This name means "fawn" or "dusty place." While an Ophrah is also mentioned as Gideon's hometown in [Judges 6:11](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11 - Gideon at Ophrah"), the Ophrah in Joshua 18:23 refers to a distinct location within Benjamin's territory. The dual meaning suggests either a place known for its wildlife (fawns) or its arid, dusty terrain, providing another specific geographical marker for Benjamin's boundaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Avim":** This introductory phrase, common in these lists, simply presents the first of three specific locations. Its inclusion signifies a distinct and identifiable settlement within the tribal allotment, a tangible piece of the promised land now under Israelite control.
* **"and Parah":** Following the pattern, "and Parah" introduces the second city. The conjunction "and" emphasizes the sequential nature of the list, indicating that these cities collectively form part of the designated territory, each contributing to the overall boundary and internal composition of Benjamin's inheritance.
* **"and Ophrah":** The final city in this specific triplet, "and Ophrah," completes the enumeration. The simplicity of the listing belies its profound theological significance, as each name represents a divine promise fulfilled and a secure possession granted to God's people.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 18:23 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Topographical Listing**. The verse is part of a longer list of cities, a common feature in ancient Near Eastern land grants and administrative documents. This **Enumeration** serves to provide a precise and exhaustive account of Benjamin's inheritance, leaving no ambiguity regarding their divinely appointed boundaries. The **Topographical Listing** itself functions as a legal and historical record, validating the tribe's claim to the land. While seemingly dry, this detailed cataloging underscores the meticulousness of God's fulfillment of His promises. The very act of naming each city, however small or obscure, imbues the text with a sense of divine intentionality and thoroughness, emphasizing that every detail of God's plan is brought to fruition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 18:23, though a mere list of names, profoundly reinforces the overarching biblical theme of God's meticulous faithfulness to His covenant promises. The precise enumeration of cities within Benjamin's territory serves as a tangible testament to the fulfillment of the land promise made to Abraham centuries earlier. This level of detail demonstrates that God's promises are not vague generalities but specific, concrete realities that unfold in history. It highlights the divine order in the establishment of the nation of Israel, where every tribe and family had a designated place and inheritance, reflecting God's providential care for His people. This historical fulfillment provides a powerful foundation for understanding God's reliability in all His promises, both for ancient Israel and for believers today.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34 - The Borders of Canaan")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalms/105-8 "Psalm 105:8-11 - God's Everlasting Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane list of cities in Joshua 18:23 holds profound implications for our faith and daily lives. It reminds us that God is a God of intricate detail and unwavering faithfulness. Just as He meticulously ensured every promise concerning the land was fulfilled for Israel, down to specific city names, we can trust His providence in the intricate details of our own lives. He is not a God who makes vague promises but one who works with precision and purpose, overseeing even the seemingly small aspects of our existence. This passage encourages us to look for God's faithfulness in the "small print" of our lives, to recognize His hand in the specific circumstances and provisions He grants. It invites us to rest in the certainty of His character, knowing that if He was so diligent in fulfilling a physical inheritance, He is infinitely more committed to our spiritual well-being and eternal destiny.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land distribution in Joshua challenge or affirm your understanding of His faithfulness in your own life?**
* **In what "small details" of your life can you discern God's specific provision or guidance, much like the specific cities listed for Benjamin?**
* **How does the concept of a "promised inheritance" for Israel relate to the spiritual inheritance promised to believers today?**
* **What does God's commitment to order and structure in the division of the land teach us about how we should approach our own responsibilities and resources?**

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

Answer: These detailed lists, like the one in [Joshua 18:23](/joshua/18-23 "Joshua 18:23 - Cities of Benjamin"), are critically important for several reasons. First, they serve as a legal and historical record, documenting the precise fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promise to give the land of Canaan to Abraham's descendants ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Covenant with Abraham")). Second, they define the specific boundaries and internal composition of each tribal inheritance, establishing the socio-political and economic framework for the nation of Israel. This meticulous detail prevented disputes among tribes and ensured a clear sense of identity and belonging for each family. Third, they highlight God's character as a God of order, precision, and faithfulness, demonstrating that His promises are not vague but concrete and meticulously executed. These lists transform abstract promises into tangible realities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed land inheritance of Joshua 18:23, though seemingly a mere geographical list, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in the New Covenant. Just as the land of Canaan was a physical, tangible promise fulfilled for Israel, Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, providing a spiritual inheritance that is far more glorious and enduring. The meticulous division of the land foreshadows the precise and certain nature of our spiritual blessings in Christ, secured not by human conquest or lots, but by His perfect sacrifice on the cross. Through faith in Him, believers are granted 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 - The Imperishable Inheritance")). Furthermore, the concept of a secure "place" for each tribe in the Promised Land points to the ultimate "place" prepared for us in the Father's house ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2 - Many Rooms in My Father's House")). Jesus, as the true Joshua, leads His people not into a temporal land, but into an eternal rest and an everlasting kingdom, where we are co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), receiving the "fullness of the blessing of Christ" ([Romans 15:29](/romans/15-29 "Romans 15:29 - Fullness of the Blessing of Christ")).

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

1 Samuel 13:17

And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned unto the way [that leadeth to] Ophrah, unto the land of Shual: