Joshua 16:2

And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,

And goeth out {H3318} from Bethel {H1008} to Luz {H3870}, and passeth along {H5674} unto the borders {H1366} of Archi {H757} to Ataroth {H5852},

went out from Beit-El to Luz, passed on to the border with the Arki to 'Atarot,

It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz) and proceeded to the border of the Archites in Ataroth.

and it went out from Beth-el to Luz, and passed along unto the border of the Archites to Ataroth;

Commentary

Context

Joshua 16:2 is part of a detailed geographical description outlining the tribal inheritance for the descendants of Joseph, specifically the tribe of Ephraim, following the Israelite conquest of Canaan. Chapters 13-19 of the Book of Joshua meticulously record the division of the promised land among the twelve tribes of Israel, fulfilling God's covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This verse specifies a segment of Ephraim's southern border, detailing the path from a significant spiritual and historical location to other key geographical markers.

Key Themes

  • Divine Fulfillment of Promise: The meticulous detailing of land boundaries underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 15:18). Every boundary stone and geographical marker mentioned serves as a testament to God's precise and orderly provision for His people.
  • Geographical Precision: The specificity of locations like "Bethel," "Luz," "Archi," and "Ataroth" highlights the tangible reality of the land distribution. This was not a vague allocation but a precise division of territory, crucial for tribal identity, administration, and future generations.

Linguistic Insights

The mention of "Bethel to Luz" is noteworthy. Bethel (Hebrew: ื‘ึตึผื™ืชึพืึตืœ, Bethel) means "house of God," a name given by Jacob after his dream of a ladder to heaven (Genesis 28:19). Luz (Hebrew: ืœื•ึผื–) was the original Canaanite name for the same city. The text here implies a path or boundary line that originates from or passes through this historically and spiritually significant location, indicating either a journey from one part of the settlement to another, or simply using both names to clearly identify the area for a broader audience.

Related Scriptures

This verse, along with the entire chapter, builds upon the initial description of Joseph's inheritance found in Joshua 16:1. The detailed land divisions across Israel are also commanded in Numbers 34, where God provides specific instructions for the boundaries of the promised land.

Practical Application

While a geographical description, Joshua 16:2 offers enduring lessons. It reminds us of God's meticulous nature and His commitment to fulfilling His promises. Just as God precisely delineated the land for His people, He also has a precise plan for our lives. This passage can encourage believers to trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that He is sovereign over every detail and will bring His purposes to pass. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of established boundaries, both physical and spiritual, for order and well-being within a community and individual life.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 18:13 (5 votes)

    And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which [is] Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that [lieth] on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.

  • Genesis 28:19 (4 votes)

    And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city [was called] Luz at the first.

  • Judges 1:22 (2 votes)

    And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD [was] with them.

  • Judges 1:26 (2 votes)

    And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name thereof Luz: which [is] the name thereof unto this day.

  • 2 Samuel 16:16 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.

  • 1 Chronicles 27:33 (2 votes)

    And Ahithophel [was] the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite [was] the king's companion: