Joshua 18:28

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Joshua 18:28 serves as the concluding declaration of the territorial inheritance allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. This verse meticulously lists key cities such as Zelah, Eleph, Jebusi (identified as Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kirjath, specifying that Benjamin's portion comprised fourteen cities along with their surrounding villages. This final statement underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel, affirming the precise and divinely ordained distribution of the Promised Land among the families of Benjamin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 18 is situated within the larger narrative of the land division, following the initial conquests of Canaan. After the tribes of Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh received their portions (Joshua 15-17), the remaining seven tribes, including Benjamin, had their inheritances determined. Joshua 18:1-10 describes the setting up of the tabernacle at Shiloh and the casting of lots for these remaining tribes. Verses 11-20 detail Benjamin's borders, and verses 21-28 provide an exhaustive list of the cities within their territory. Joshua 18:28 acts as the climactic summary of this detailed enumeration, providing a final count and reaffirming the divine allocation to Benjamin's families, thus bringing the description of their inheritance to a definitive close.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of the land division, Israel was transitioning from a nomadic people to a settled nation, with land ownership being foundational to their identity and covenant relationship with God. The process of casting lots, as seen in [Joshua 18:10](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Casting Lots for Land Division"), was understood as a means by which God's will was revealed, ensuring that the distribution was not arbitrary but divinely ordained. The mention of "Jebusi, which is Jerusalem" is particularly significant; though allotted to Benjamin, Jerusalem remained under Jebusite control for centuries, highlighting the ongoing challenges of fully possessing the promised land and the need for continued faithfulness. Land was not merely property; it was a perpetual inheritance (_naḥălâ_), a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants, providing economic stability, tribal identity, and a place for worship.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detail in [Joshua 18](/joshua/18 "Joshua 18 - Benjamin's Inheritance") and specifically in verse 28 contributes to several overarching themes. First, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His ancient promises to Abraham regarding the land (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Second, the precise enumeration of cities and villages highlights God's **Orderly Provision and Meticulous Care** for His people, ensuring that each family within Benjamin received its designated portion. Third, the inclusion of "Jebusi, which is Jerusalem," though unconquered at this point, introduces the theme of **Future Significance and Unfinished Business**, foreshadowing Jerusalem's pivotal role in Israel's history as the future capital and spiritual center, eventually conquered by David (e.g., [2 Samuel 5:6-7](/2_samuel/5-6 "2 Samuel 5:6-7 - David Captures Jerusalem")). Finally, the entire process reinforces **Tribal Identity and Inheritance**, solidifying the distinct boundaries and responsibilities of each tribe within the unified nation of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jebusi (Hebrew, _Yəvûsî_):** This term refers to the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe that inhabited Jerusalem prior to its full conquest by the Israelites. The inclusion of "Jebusi, which is Jerusalem" in Benjamin's inheritance is a crucial historical and geographical note, indicating the city's identity at the time of the land division. It highlights that while the territory was allotted, the city itself was not yet fully under Israelite control.
* **Jerusalem (Hebrew, _Yərûšālayim_):** One of the most significant cities in biblical history, its name likely means "foundation of Shalem" or "city of peace." Its mention here, alongside its older name "Jebusi," marks its earliest appearance in the context of Israelite tribal allocation. Despite being within Benjamin's lot, its strategic location on the border with Judah (cf. [Joshua 15:8](/joshua/15-8 "Joshua 15:8 - Judah's Border Including Jerusalem")) foreshadowed its future importance as a shared, central city for the nation.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _naḥălâ_):** This word carries profound theological weight. It signifies not merely a piece of property but a divinely given, perpetual possession. The land was God's gift, a tangible fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For each tribe and family, their _naḥălâ_ was foundational to their identity, security, and participation in the covenant community. It was a sacred trust, to be stewarded and passed down through generations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which [is] Jerusalem, Gibeath, [and] Kirjath":** This clause lists five specific cities within Benjamin's territory. Zelah is known as the burial place of Saul's family. Eleph's exact location is uncertain. Gibeath (often identified with Gibeah) would later become a significant site in Benjaminite history, notably as Saul's hometown. Kirjath is likely Kirjath-jearim, a prominent city that would temporarily house the Ark of the Covenant (cf. [1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - Ark at Kirjath-jearim")). The explicit identification of "Jebusi, which is Jerusalem," is a critical parenthetical note, clarifying the identity of the unconquered Jebusite stronghold that lay within Benjamin's allotted territory.
* **"fourteen cities with their villages":** This phrase provides a precise numerical summary of Benjamin's urban centers and their surrounding dependent settlements. The inclusion of "villages" indicates that the inheritance extended beyond the city walls, encompassing agricultural lands, smaller hamlets, and the full extent of the tribal territory. This meticulous accounting underscores the thoroughness of the land distribution process and the comprehensive nature of Benjamin's assigned portion.
* **"This [is] the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families":** This concluding statement serves as a final, authoritative declaration. It confirms that the listed cities and their associated lands constitute the entirety of Benjamin's divinely appointed inheritance. The phrase "according to their families" emphasizes that the distribution was not merely tribal but extended to the individual family units within the tribe, ensuring equity and accountability in the fulfillment of God's promises to each household.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 18:28 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Inclusion**. The verse is the culmination of a detailed **List** of cities (vv. 21-28), providing a precise numerical summary. This meticulous listing emphasizes the divine order and thoroughness of God's plan for Israel's settlement. The parenthetical **Inclusion** of "which is Jerusalem" alongside "Jebusi" serves as a crucial geographical and historical clarification, providing contemporary identification for a significant, yet unconquered, city. This also acts as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the future importance of Jerusalem in Israelite history, even though it remained outside full Israelite control at this stage. The overall structure of the land allocation narratives in Joshua, culminating in such definitive statements, also demonstrates **Repetition** of the theme of "inheritance" (_naḥălâ_), reinforcing its central theological significance as a fulfillment of God's covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 18:28, in its finality and precision, powerfully articulates God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises. The meticulous division of the land, down to each city and family, demonstrates God's detailed care for His people. It reminds us that God's plans are not vague but specific, purposeful, and comprehensive. This inheritance was a tangible expression of God's grace and provision, establishing Israel's identity and securing their future as a nation. It serves as a profound theological statement that God keeps His word, even when the full realization of His promises requires time and continued obedience.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Psalm 16:5-6](/psalms/16-5 "The Lord is My Chosen Portion and My Cup")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "We Have Obtained an Inheritance in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Benjamin's inheritance in Joshua 18:28 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God meticulously planned and provided for the children of Benjamin, down to the specific cities and their villages, so too does He orchestrate the details of our lives. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign providence, knowing that His plans for us are precise, purposeful, and ultimately for our good. It reminds us that our "inheritance" in Christ is not haphazard but divinely secured, offering spiritual blessings and a future hope that is far more enduring than any earthly territory. Furthermore, the concept of inheritance calls us to faithful stewardship of all that God has entrusted to us—our gifts, resources, relationships, and responsibilities—recognizing that they are not merely our possessions but sacred trusts from the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for Benjamin encourage your trust in His detailed plan for your life, even in areas that feel uncertain or unconquered?**
* **In what ways are you called to steward the "inheritance" (gifts, resources, opportunities, spiritual truths) God has entrusted to you today?**
* **Considering Jerusalem's initial status as "Jebusi," what "unconquered territories" (challenges, areas of personal growth, or spiritual battles) in your life might God be calling you to trust Him to overcome, knowing His ultimate triumph is assured?**

### FAQ

**Why is Jerusalem mentioned as "Jebusi" in this verse?**

Answer: At the time Joshua 18 was written, the city we now know as Jerusalem was primarily inhabited by a Canaanite tribe called the Jebusites, and thus was commonly referred to as Jebus or Jebusi. The phrase "Jebusi, which is Jerusalem" serves as a crucial clarification for the reader, identifying the city by its contemporary name while also acknowledging its older, pre-Israelite designation. This detail highlights that while the territory was allotted to Benjamin, the city itself remained under Jebusite control and was not fully conquered by the Israelites until much later, during the reign of King David (cf. [2 Samuel 5:6-7](/2_samuel/5-6 "2 Samuel 5:6-7 - David Captures Jerusalem")).

**Did Benjamin immediately possess all these fourteen cities and their villages?**

Answer: No, the allocation of land by lot, as described in [Joshua 18](/joshua/18 "Joshua 18 - Benjamin's Inheritance"), signified the *right* to possess the territory, not necessarily immediate and complete conquest. While some cities may have been taken, the text itself indicates that Jerusalem (Jebusi) remained unconquered by the Benjaminites (cf. [Judges 1:21](/judges/1-21 "Judges 1:21 - Benjamin Fails to Drive Out Jebusites")). This pattern was common among several tribes, illustrating that the full realization of their inheritance often required ongoing military effort and faithfulness to God. The land was promised and allotted, but its full possession was a process.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous land distribution to Benjamin in Joshua 18:28, a tangible inheritance of earthly territory, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The land of Canaan was a shadow of the true rest and eternal inheritance God has prepared for His people. Just as Benjamin received a specific, divinely appointed portion, believers in Christ receive an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Heavenly Inheritance")). Jesus Himself is our ultimate inheritance and the true "Promised Land" of rest and blessing ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-11 - Entering God's Rest")). The partial conquest of Jerusalem by Benjamin, and its eventual full capture by David, foreshadows Christ's ultimate triumph over all spiritual enemies and His establishment of a perfect, eternal kingdom, the New Jerusalem, where God dwells fully with His people ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")). Through Christ, we are not merely given a piece of land, but "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")), becoming co-heirs with Him in God's eternal kingdom ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with 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

2 Samuel 21:14

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

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

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

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

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

¶ 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

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.