Joshua 18:13

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.

And the border {H1366} went over {H5674} from thence toward Luz {H3870}, to the side {H3802} of Luz {H3870}, which is Bethel {H1008}, southward {H5045}; and the border {H1366} descended {H3381} to Atarothadar {H5853}, near the hill {H2022} that lieth on the south side {H5045} of the nether {H8481} Bethhoron {H1032}.

From there the border passed on to Luz, to the south side of Luz (that is, Beit-El); then the border went down to 'Atrot-Adar, by the hill on the south side of Lower Beit-Horon.

From there the border crossed over to the southern slope of Luz (that is, Bethel) and went down to Ataroth-addar on the hill south of Lower Beth-horon.

And the border passed along from thence to Luz, to the side of Luz (the same is Beth-el), southward; and the border went down to Ataroth-addar, by the mountain that lieth on the south of Beth-horon the nether.

Commentary

Joshua 18:13 is part of a detailed geographical description of the tribal allotments in the Promised Land, specifically outlining a segment of the border for the tribe of Benjamin. After the initial major conquests, the land was surveyed and divided by lot among the remaining seven tribes who had not yet received their inheritance (Joshua 18:6).

Context

This verse precisely describes a portion of the northern boundary of the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, moving from east to west. It highlights significant landmarks that would have been well-known to the Israelites of that time. The meticulous detail underscores the importance of these boundaries, ensuring each tribe received its rightful and specific inheritance as a fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Precision: The extensive lists of geographical locations throughout Joshua, including this verse, emphasize God's meticulous care in fulfilling His promises. The division of land was not arbitrary but a carefully orchestrated act, reflecting divine order and justice.
  • Fulfillment of Promise: The very act of possessing and dividing the land of Canaan was the culmination of centuries of divine promises, particularly those made to Abraham regarding his descendants and the land. Each border marker affirmed God's faithfulness.
  • Significance of Place: The mention of specific places like "Luz, which is Bethel," highlights locations with rich spiritual history for Israel, connecting their present inheritance to their past encounters with God.

Linguistic Insights and Key Locations

  • Luz / Bethel: Originally named Luz, this site was renamed Bethel (meaning "House of God") by Jacob after his profound dream and encounter with God (Genesis 28:10-19). Its inclusion here anchors the border to a highly significant spiritual and historical landmark for the tribes of Israel.
  • Atarothadar: This location, sometimes identified with Khirbet el-’Aṭṭâr, served as another key marker along the western part of Benjamin's northern border, helping to define the precise tribal boundaries.
  • Nether Bethhoron: Part of the "Bethhoron ascent/descent," a strategic pass that linked the coastal plain with the central highlands. "Nether Bethhoron" (lower Bethhoron) and "Upper Bethhoron" were significant towns, often mentioned together, crucial for military and trade routes in ancient Israel.

Practical Application

While seemingly a dry list of geographical points, Joshua 18:13 offers profound lessons. It reminds us that God is a God of incredible detail and precision. He is faithful to His promises, fulfilling them with exactitude, even down to the specific boundaries of tribal lands. For believers today, this can be an encouragement that God cares about the specifics of our lives and works out His purposes with perfect order and faithfulness. Just as He provided a promised inheritance for Israel, He has prepared an eternal inheritance for those who trust in Him, guaranteed by His unchanging character.

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Cross-References

  • 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.

  • Joshua 16:2 (3 votes)

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

  • Joshua 16:3 (3 votes)

    And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.

  • Joshua 21:22 (2 votes)

    And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs; four cities.

  • Joshua 10:11 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, [and] were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: [they were] more which died with hailstones than [they] whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.

  • Joshua 16:5 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was [thus]: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;

  • Judges 1:22 (2 votes)

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