Joshua 18:26

KJV

And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Mizpeh {H4708}, and Chephirah {H3716}, and Mozah {H4681},

Complete Jewish Bible

Mitzpeh, K'firah, Motzah,

Berean Standard Bible

Mizpeh, Chephirah, Mozah,

American Standard Version

and Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 18:26, a seemingly simple enumeration of three cities—Mizpeh, Chephirah, and Mozah—serves as a vital detail within the meticulous account of the land distribution to the tribe of Benjamin. This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating His precise and orderly provision of the Promised Land, down to every specific town and boundary, ensuring each tribe received its divinely appointed inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 18 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Joshua, detailing the allocation of land to the remaining seven tribes of Israel after Judah and the House of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) had received their portions. The chapter opens with the significant act of setting up the tabernacle at [Shiloh](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - Tabernacle at Shiloh"), signifying a more settled presence in the Promised Land and a central place of worship. Following this, Joshua commissions three men from each of the seven tribes to survey the remaining land and divide it into seven parts. The land was then distributed by lot at Shiloh before the Lord, ensuring a fair and divinely guided process. Verse 26, specifically, is part of the extensive list of cities and their associated villages that comprised the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin, meticulously recorded from [Joshua 18:21-28](/joshua/18-21 "Joshua 18:21-28 - Cities of Benjamin").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Joshua is one of transition for the Israelites, moving from a nomadic, conquering force to a settled agricultural society. Land ownership was paramount, serving as the foundation of tribal identity, economic stability, and social structure. The concept of "inheritance" (Hebrew: _nachalah_) was deeply significant, representing not merely property but a permanent, divinely sanctioned possession passed down through generations. The division by lot was a common ancient Near Eastern practice, but for Israel, it carried the theological weight of divine guidance and approval, ensuring that God's will was enacted in the distribution. Benjamin's territory was strategically located between the powerful tribes of Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north, encompassing important cities like Jerusalem (though it remained largely Jebusite at this time) and Jericho. The mention of Chephirah in this list is particularly noteworthy, as it was one of the four Gibeonite cities that made a deceptive treaty with Joshua, leading to their integration into Israelite society as "hewers of wood and drawers of water" ([Joshua 9:17](/joshua/9-17 "Joshua 9:17 - Gibeonite Cities")).

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of towns, including seemingly minor ones like Mizpeh, Chephirah, and Mozah, powerfully underscores several key themes woven throughout the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it highlights the **fulfillment of God's promises** to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")) and his descendants to inherit the land of Canaan. Every detail, down to each village, contributes to the narrative of divine promise meticulously realized. Secondly, the precise division of the land by lot and careful surveying reflects God's **divine order and sovereignty**. It established clear boundaries and responsibilities for each tribe, preventing future disputes and demonstrating God's orderly nature in His provision for His people. Finally, the concept of **inheritance and identity** is central; for the Israelites, their assigned territory was integral to their tribal identity and their future, serving as their permanent "heritage" or "inheritance" within the Promised Land, a concept echoed in [Psalm 16:6](/psalm/16-6 "Psalm 16:6 - The Pleasant Portion of Inheritance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mizpeh (Hebrew, מִצְפֶּה, _Mitzpah'_):** Meaning "watchtower" or "lookout," this name appears multiple times in the Old Testament for different locations. The Mizpeh mentioned here is likely the one in Benjamin's territory, which later played a significant role in Israelite history as a gathering place for the tribes, particularly in times of national crisis or assembly (e.g., [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - Assembly at Mizpeh")). Its inclusion signifies a place of strategic importance, likely offering a vantage point over the surrounding terrain.
* **Chephirah (Hebrew, כְּפִירָה, _Kephirah'_):** Potentially meaning "village" or "lioness," this town is notable for its historical connection as one of the four cities of the Gibeonites mentioned in the cunning treaty they made with Joshua ([Joshua 9:17](/joshua/9-17 "Joshua 9:17 - Chephirah among Gibeonite Cities")). Its inclusion within Benjamin's allocated territory confirms the Gibeonites' settlement within the tribal boundaries, highlighting the complex socio-political realities of the conquest era.
* **Mozah (Hebrew, מוֹצָה, _Motzah'_):** Meaning "outlet" or "source," this place name is less prominent in biblical narrative compared to Mizpeh or Chephirah. Its primary significance lies in its contribution to the exhaustive and precise geographical record of Benjamin's inheritance, reinforcing the meticulous nature of the land division.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Mizpeh":** This phrase introduces the first of three cities listed in this verse as part of the inheritance for the tribe of Benjamin. Mizpeh, a name meaning "watchtower," was a strategic location within Benjamin's territory, known for its elevated position and later historical significance as a gathering point for Israel. Its inclusion here emphasizes the detailed nature of the land allocation.
* **"and Chephirah":** Following Mizpeh, Chephirah is listed as another city belonging to Benjamin. This city is historically significant as one of the four Gibeonite cities that entered into a deceptive covenant with Joshua, resulting in their preservation and integration into Israelite society. Its specific mention indicates the inclusion of existing settlements, even those with a unique status, within the tribal boundaries.
* **"and Mozah":** The final city enumerated in this verse, Mozah, completes the trio of towns. While less prominent in the broader biblical narrative, its inclusion further underscores the exhaustive and precise nature of the land distribution. The listing of these three cities, along with others in the surrounding verses, serves to define the exact geographical boundaries and possessions of the tribe of Benjamin.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Joshua 18:26, and indeed throughout the lists of cities in Joshua 13-19, is **Catalog** or **List**. This technique involves the systematic enumeration of items, in this case, specific towns. Its use here serves to emphasize the completeness, precision, and divine order of the land distribution. The meticulous detail of these lists is not merely geographical record-keeping but a theological statement, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel down to the very last detail. The repeated use of the conjunction "and" (a form of **polysyndeton**) before each city name ("And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah") further emphasizes the distinct inclusion of each entity, giving weight and significance to every single place named, underscoring the thoroughness of the divine provision and the established boundaries. This precise **Geographical Precision** is a characteristic feature of the book of Joshua, grounding the theological narrative in tangible, verifiable locations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 18:26, though a mere fragment of a lengthy list, is profoundly significant in its theological implications. It speaks volumes about the character of God – His faithfulness, His meticulousness, and His commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises. The precise allocation of land, down to individual cities, demonstrates that God's promises are not vague generalities but specific, tangible realities. This detailed provision for Benjamin, a relatively small tribe, illustrates God's care for every part of His people, ensuring that each received its rightful inheritance. It also highlights the concept of divine order and the importance of boundaries, both physical and spiritual, for the flourishing of God's people. Just as Israel was given a defined inheritance, believers today are called to understand and inhabit the spiritual inheritance they have in Christ.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Psalm 16:6](/psalm/16-6 "The Pleasant Portion of Inheritance")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Our Spiritual Inheritance in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane listing of cities in Joshua 18:26 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is faithful not only in grand, sweeping acts but also in the intricate, often unseen, details of our lives. Just as He meticulously surveyed and distributed the land to each tribe, ensuring every family had a place, He orchestrates the specific circumstances, provisions, and relationships that shape our existence. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign care, knowing that He is attentive to our needs and committed to fulfilling His promises to us, even in what might appear to be insignificant details. Furthermore, it prompts us to reflect on our own "inheritance"—not merely material possessions, but the spiritual blessings and gifts we have received in Christ. We are called to recognize, appreciate, and steward these gifts, living fully within the boundaries and provisions God has established for us, understanding that our true identity is found in our relationship with Him and our place within His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the land division encourage your trust in His care for the specific details of your own life?**
* **What "inheritance"—spiritual or otherwise—has God provided for you, and how are you stewarding it?**
* **In what ways can recognizing God's divine order and established boundaries bring peace and clarity to your personal life or community?**

### FAQ

**Why are these specific cities listed, and what is their significance?**

Answer: These cities—Mizpeh, Chephirah, and Mozah—are listed as part of the detailed record of the land inheritance given to the tribe of Benjamin. Their inclusion serves several purposes:
* **Fulfillment of Promise:** It demonstrates God's precise and faithful fulfillment of His covenant promise to give the land of Canaan to Israel. Every city, no matter how small, was part of this divine promise.
* **Establishing Boundaries:** These lists meticulously define the geographical boundaries and possessions of each tribe, preventing future disputes and establishing clear ownership.
* **Historical Context:** Some cities, like Chephirah, carry specific historical significance. Chephirah was one of the Gibeonite cities ([Joshua 9:17](/joshua/9-17 "Joshua 9:17 - Gibeonite Cities")) that made a treaty with Joshua, and its inclusion here shows the integration of these people within Benjamin's territory. Mizpeh was also a significant future gathering place for Israel ([Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - Assembly at Mizpeh")).

**What is the broader message of these detailed lists of cities in Joshua?**

Answer: While seemingly mundane, the detailed lists of cities throughout Joshua (including [Joshua 18](/joshua/18 "Joshua 18 - Benjamin's Inheritance")) convey profound theological messages. They emphasize God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous care in fulfilling His promises. The land was not acquired by chance or human might alone, but by divine decree and precise allocation. These lists validate the historical reality of the conquest and settlement, grounding the spiritual narrative in tangible geography. They also highlight the importance of inheritance and belonging for the Israelite identity, demonstrating that God provides a secure and defined place for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical inheritance of land in Joshua 18:26, meticulously detailed for the tribe of Benjamin, points forward to the greater, spiritual inheritance found in Jesus Christ. The Promised Land, with its specific boundaries and provisions, was a type and shadow of the ultimate "rest" and dwelling place that God provides for His people. Just as the Israelites entered into a physical inheritance after a period of wandering and conquest, believers in Christ enter into a spiritual inheritance of salvation, peace, and eternal life, not through their own striving but through the finished work of Jesus. He is the true "place" where we find our security, identity, and belonging. The land of Canaan, though a blessing, was temporary and imperfect; it was a foretaste of the eternal kingdom and the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). Jesus, as the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises, is the one who secures for us 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 - Imperishable Inheritance")). Through Him, we are not merely given a plot of land, but adopted as co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), inheriting all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and the promise of dwelling eternally in the presence of God, the ultimate "rest" that the land of Canaan could only foreshadow ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - The Rest of God's People")).

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

Judges 10:17

Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.

Joshua 9:17

And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities [were] Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.

Ezra 2:25

The children of Kirjatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.