Joshua 18:28

And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which [is] Jerusalem, Gibeath, [and] Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This [is] the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

And Zelah {H6762}, Eleph {H507}, and Jebusi {H2983}, which is Jerusalem {H3389}, Gibeath {H1394}, and Kirjath {H7157}; fourteen {H702}{H6240} cities {H5892} with their villages {H2691}. This is the inheritance {H5159} of the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} according to their families {H4940}.

Tzela, Elef, Y'vusi (that is, Yerushalayim), Giv'at and Kiryat - fourteen cities, together with their villages. This is the inheritance of the descendants of Binyamin according to their families.

Zelah, Haeleph, Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah, and Kiriath-jearim—fourteen cities, along with their villages. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin.

and Zelah, Eleph, and the Jebusite (the same is Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

Commentary

Joshua 18:28 KJV concludes the detailed listing of the cities allocated to the tribe of Benjamin as part of Israel's inheritance in the Promised Land. This verse specifically names Zelah, Eleph, Jebusi (which is Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kirjath, totaling fourteen cities with their associated villages, affirming Benjamin's portion according to their families.

Context

This verse is found within the broader narrative of the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes after the initial conquests led by Joshua. After the tribes of Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh received their portions, the remaining seven tribes, including Benjamin, had their inheritance surveyed and distributed by lot at Shiloh (Joshua 18:10). The listing in verses 21-28 meticulously details the northern and southern borders, and then the cities themselves, ensuring every family unit within Benjamin received its designated territory. The inclusion of "Jebusi, which is Jerusalem" is particularly significant, indicating that the future capital city of Israel was initially assigned to Benjamin, though it remained under Jebusite control for a considerable period.

Key Themes

  • Divine Fulfillment and Promise: The meticulous distribution of land underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the possession of Canaan (Genesis 12:7). Each tribal inheritance was a direct result of God's covenant.
  • Order and Detail in God's Plan: The exhaustive list of cities and their villages highlights the precise and orderly nature of God's provision for His people. The land was not seized haphazardly but divided systematically, ensuring equity and clarity for each family.
  • The Significance of Jerusalem: The mention of "Jebusi, which is Jerusalem," within Benjamin's territory is crucial. While not fully conquered by Israel at this time, its placement within Benjamin's lot (bordering Judah) foreshadows its future central role in Israelite history, particularly as the capital under King David.
  • Tribal Identity and Inheritance: The land allocation solidified the identity and future of each tribe. For Benjamin, this territory, though small, was strategically vital, containing key cities and future battlegrounds.

Linguistic and Historical Insights

The phrase "Jebusi, which is Jerusalem" is a vital historical marker. At the time of Joshua, Jerusalem was known as Jebus and was inhabited by the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe. While the territory was allotted to Benjamin, the city itself was not fully taken until much later by King David (2 Samuel 5:6-7). This detail highlights the ongoing challenges of the conquest and the fact that the Israelites did not immediately possess all their promised inheritance.

Practical Application

Joshua 18:28 reminds us of God's meticulous care and faithfulness in keeping His promises. Just as He precisely provided for the children of Benjamin, He continues to work out His detailed plans in our lives. It encourages us to trust in His providence, even when the full realization of His promises may take time or require our persistent effort. The careful recording of these inheritances also speaks to the value of stewardship and understanding what has been entrusted to us, whether it be physical blessings, spiritual gifts, or responsibilities within the community of faith.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 21:14 (5 votes)

    And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God was intreated for the land.

  • Joshua 15:8 (4 votes)

    And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same [is] Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that [lieth] before the valley of Hinnom westward, which [is] at the end of the valley of the giants northward:

  • 2 Samuel 5:8 (2 votes)

    And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, [that are] hated of David's soul, [he shall be chief and captain]. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.

  • Isaiah 10:29 (2 votes)

    They are gone over the passage: they have taken up their lodging at Geba; Ramah is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.

  • Joshua 18:16 (2 votes)

    And the border came down to the end of the mountain that [lieth] before the valley of the son of Hinnom, [and] which [is] in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,

  • 1 Samuel 13:15 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people [that were] present with him, about six hundred men.

  • 1 Samuel 13:16 (2 votes)

    And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people [that were] present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.