Joshua 18:27

KJV

And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Rekem {H7552}, and Irpeel {H3416}, and Taralah {H8634},

Complete Jewish Bible

Rekem, Yirpe'el, Tar'alah,

Berean Standard Bible

Rekem, Irpeel, Taralah,

American Standard Version

and Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 18:27, a brief yet significant verse, meticulously lists three cities—Rekem, Irpeel, and Taralah—as part of the tribal inheritance allotted to Benjamin. This precise enumeration is not merely a historical record but serves as tangible evidence of God's unwavering faithfulness and the systematic fulfillment of His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the possession of the land of Canaan. It underscores the divine order and precision inherent in God's redemptive plan, even in seemingly minor details.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 18:27 is situated within a larger section (Joshua 18:11-28) that meticulously details the boundaries and cities assigned to the tribe of Benjamin. Following the initial division of land among Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh, the remaining seven tribes were to receive their inheritance by lot at Shiloh, where the tabernacle had been set up. This specific verse is part of the concluding list of twelve cities (Joshua 18:21-28) allocated to Benjamin, serving as a comprehensive inventory of their designated territory. The preceding verses delineate the northern, western, southern, and eastern borders of Benjamin's lot, providing a geographical framework for these listed cities. The meticulous nature of this record emphasizes the administrative and legal precision with which the land division was carried out, ensuring each tribe received its rightful and divinely ordained portion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Joshua 18 occur in the post-conquest period, after Israel had largely subdued the Canaanite inhabitants but before the complete occupation of the land. For ancient Israel, land inheritance was paramount; it was the foundation of their identity, economic sustenance, tribal security, and a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). The division by lot, as commanded in [Numbers 26:53-56](/numbers/26-53 "Numbers 26:53-56 - Division of Land by Lot"), was understood as a divine act, ensuring impartiality and God's direct involvement in the distribution. The tribe of Benjamin, though one of the smallest, received a strategically important territory situated between the powerful tribes of Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north, including significant future sites like Jerusalem (partially) and Jericho. The detailed lists of cities served as vital legal and historical documents, defining tribal boundaries and rights for generations to come, preventing future disputes and preserving the integrity of the inheritance.

* **Key Themes:** Joshua 18:27, despite its brevity, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**. The very act of listing these specific cities, even seemingly obscure ones like Rekem, Irpeel, and Taralah, serves as concrete, verifiable evidence that God had indeed kept His promise to give Israel the land (as seen in [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - God's Promises Fulfilled")). Secondly, it highlights **Order and Precision** in God's plans. The detailed geographical descriptions and city enumerations throughout Joshua 18 demonstrate that the land division was not haphazard but a meticulously documented allocation, reflecting God's orderly nature. This section, particularly the list of cities for Benjamin (beginning in [Joshua 18:21](/joshua/18-21 "Joshua 18:21 - Cities of Benjamin")), underscores the comprehensive nature of this divine administration. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Importance of Inheritance**. For Israel, land was not just property; it was a sacred trust, a tangible sign of their covenant relationship with Yahweh, and the foundation of their national identity and future prosperity. The meticulous recording of each city ensured that every tribe, down to the smallest, received its promised portion, reinforcing the security and permanence of their God-given inheritance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rekem (Hebrew, _Reqem_):** A proper noun, identifying a specific town within the territory of Benjamin. While its precise etymological meaning is debated (possibly related to "variegated" or "flowery"), its significance in this context lies in its function as a tangible marker of the promised land. Its inclusion, alongside other specific place names, underscores the historical and geographical precision of the biblical record, affirming the concrete fulfillment of God's covenant.
* **Irpeel (Hebrew, _Yirpe'el_):** Another proper noun, denoting a distinct city in Benjamin's lot. The name possibly means "God will heal" or "God will restore." As with Rekem, the primary importance is its identity as a real geographical location, contributing to the comprehensive list of Benjamin's inheritance. Its presence validates the exhaustive nature of the land distribution, leaving no doubt as to the extent of the fulfillment.
* **Taralah (Hebrew, _Tar'alah_):** A proper noun, referring to a third city in Benjamin's allotted territory. The etymology is uncertain, perhaps relating to "reeling" or "staggering." Collectively, these three names, though perhaps less prominent than other cities in Benjamin, serve to complete the detailed inventory, demonstrating the meticulousness of the land division and the thoroughness of the biblical account. Their individual meanings are secondary to their collective function as concrete evidence of God's faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Rekem,":** This opening phrase introduces the first of three cities listed in this verse, continuing the enumeration of Benjamin's inheritance that began in Joshua 18:21. The simple conjunction "And" links it seamlessly to the preceding cities, highlighting the continuous and comprehensive nature of the list. It signifies a distinct, identifiable geographical location within the tribal boundaries.
* **"and Irpeel,":** The second city named, further expanding the inventory of Benjamin's territory. The repetition of "and" emphasizes the additive quality of the list, building a complete picture of the tribal inheritance. Its inclusion reinforces the meticulous detail with which the land was divided and recorded, ensuring no portion was overlooked.
* **"and Taralah,":** The final city mentioned in this verse, completing the trio. This concluding name, along with Rekem and Irpeel, contributes to the overall impression of a thorough and verifiable record. The cumulative effect of these specific place names underscores the historical accuracy and practical importance of the land division for the Israelite tribes, demonstrating the tangible fulfillment of God's promises.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 18:27, though concise, effectively employs several literary devices to achieve its purpose. The most prominent is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**, where a list of specific items (in this case, city names) is presented. This device serves to provide a detailed, almost legalistic, record of the land distribution, lending an air of historical authenticity and precision to the narrative. It reinforces the idea that the inheritance was not vague but concretely defined, fulfilling God's promises with exactitude. The simple **Repetition** of the conjunction "and" ("And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah") creates a rhythmic, cumulative effect, emphasizing the additive nature of the list and the comprehensive scope of Benjamin's allotted cities. This paratactic structure is characteristic of ancient legal and historical documents. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific, perhaps lesser-known, place names contributes to **Verisimilitude**, the appearance of being true or real. By naming these particular cities, the text enhances its credibility, suggesting a genuine historical event rather than a generalized account. This meticulous detail underscores the divine attention to every aspect of the covenant's fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 18:27, with its seemingly mundane list of city names, powerfully underscores the profound theological truth of God's unwavering faithfulness and the meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises. The detailed enumeration of land inheritance is not mere geography; it is a tangible testament to God's commitment to His word, demonstrating that He brings to pass what He has declared, down to the smallest detail. This precision reflects God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the lives of His people, providing for their physical and spiritual needs. Just as He precisely allocated land to each tribe, He orchestrates the grand narrative of salvation history with divine accuracy, ensuring every promise finds its ultimate fulfillment. This verse reminds us that God's promises are not abstract but concrete, rooted in historical reality and designed for the flourishing of His people.

* [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - God's Promises Fulfilled")
* [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Promised Land")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalms/105-8-11 "Psalm 105:8-11 - God's Covenant with Abraham")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail found in Joshua 18:27, listing specific cities like Rekem, Irpeel, and Taralah, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of precision and faithfulness, attentive to every detail, even those that seem insignificant to us. If God cared enough to ensure every square inch of the promised land was accounted for and distributed according to His word, how much more does He care for the intricate details of our lives, our circumstances, and our future? This should instill deep trust and confidence in His providential care, assuring us that He is at work even in the "mundane" aspects of our existence. Just as Israel inherited a physical land, believers in Christ receive a rich spiritual inheritance—salvation, eternal life, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and every spiritual blessing. Understanding this should prompt us to live in gratitude and security, knowing that our ultimate inheritance is secure in Christ, guaranteed by the same faithful God who fulfilled His promises to Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's attention to detail in the land distribution encourage your faith in His care for the seemingly small or insignificant aspects of your own life?**
* **In what ways have you personally experienced God's faithfulness to His promises, even when the timeline or method was unexpected?**
* **How does understanding your spiritual inheritance in Christ (e.g., salvation, the Holy Spirit, eternal life) impact your daily living and your perspective on earthly possessions?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible include such detailed lists of cities and genealogies, which often seem obscure to modern readers?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists of cities, genealogies, and boundaries in books like Joshua serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, they provide **historical accuracy and verifiability**, acting as a precise record of the fulfillment of God's promises. These lists demonstrate that the events described were not mythical but concrete historical occurrences involving real places and real people. Secondly, they functioned as **legal and administrative documents** for ancient Israel, defining tribal identities, land rights, and preventing disputes over territory (as seen in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - Census and Land Distribution") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Register of Those Who Returned")). Thirdly, these details underscore God's **faithfulness and meticulousness** in keeping His covenant. Every city listed, no matter how obscure, represents a tangible piece of the inheritance God had promised, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His word. Finally, they highlight the **divine order and precision** with which God's plans unfold, showing that His work is thorough and complete.

**What is the significance of Benjamin's territory, given that Joshua 18:27 is part of its allocation?**

Answer: The territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, though one of the smallest, was strategically and historically significant. It was situated between the powerful tribes of Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north, making it a crucial buffer zone. Benjamin's inheritance included several vital cities, such as Jericho, Gibeon, and a portion of what would become Jerusalem (as noted in [Joshua 18:11](/joshua/18-11 "Joshua 18:11 - Benjamin's Lot")). This strategic location meant Benjamin often found itself at the center of political and military conflicts throughout Israel's history. Despite its small size, Benjamin produced significant figures, including Israel's first king, Saul, and later, the apostle Paul. The meticulous listing of its cities, including Rekem, Irpeel, and Taralah, underscores the importance of this tribal inheritance in the overall divine plan for Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous detail of Joshua 18:27, listing specific cities as part of Benjamin's inheritance, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance believers receive through Jesus Christ. Just as God precisely fulfilled His ancient promises to Israel by giving them a physical land, He has, with even greater precision and faithfulness, fulfilled His redemptive promises in Christ, granting us an eternal, spiritual inheritance. The physical land of Canaan, with its defined boundaries and named cities, served as a type and shadow of the far grander reality of our spiritual blessings in Christ. Through His atoning work, Jesus has secured for us "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). Our inheritance is not a plot of land but a participation in God's divine nature, an eternal dwelling in His presence, and a share in the kingdom of light ([Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Inheritance of the Saints")). Jesus is the true "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who has opened the way to this inheritance, which is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Incorruptible Inheritance")). The precision of the Old Testament land division foreshadows the perfect and complete work of Christ, who has prepared for us a "city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God" ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - City with Foundations")), a spiritual reality 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.