Joshua 18:21

Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

Now the cities {H5892} of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} according to their families {H4940} were Jericho {H3405}, and Bethhoglah {H1031}, and the valley {H6010} of Keziz {H7104},

The cities of the tribe of the descendants of Binyamin according to their families were: Yericho, Beit-Hoglah, 'Emek-K'tzitz,

These were the cities of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin:

Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Beth-hoglah, and Emek-keziz,

Commentary

Context

Joshua 18:21 is part of a detailed record of the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes. After the initial conquests under Joshua's leadership, the tabernacle was set up at Shiloh, and the remaining land was surveyed to ensure an equitable distribution. Chapters 18 and 19 specifically document the allotments for the seven tribes who had not yet received their inheritance, following the assignments for Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh.

This particular verse lists some of the northernmost cities designated for the tribe of Benjamin. The inclusion of "Jericho" is significant, as it was the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering Canaan, its walls famously falling by divine intervention (see Joshua 6:20). Its reappearance here as part of Benjamin's territory underscores God's faithfulness in delivering the land and establishing His people within it.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Promise: The meticulous listing of cities and boundaries highlights God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants this land as an eternal inheritance.
  • Divine Order and Administration: The detailed nature of the land distribution, including specific cities and geographical markers, demonstrates the divine order and precision in God's plans. It also reflects the diligent administration by Joshua and Eleazar, who oversaw this complex process.
  • Tribal Identity and Inheritance: Each tribe received a distinct territory, reinforcing their identity and responsibility within the larger nation of Israel. This inheritance was not merely geographical but also a foundational aspect of their covenant relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

The names of the cities themselves often carry meaning:

  • Jericho (יְרִיחוֹ - Yericho): Often associated with "fragrant" or "moon city," reflecting its ancient status as a prominent oasis.
  • Bethhoglah (בֵּית חָגְלָה - Beit Hoglah): Meaning "house of the partridge" or "house of a circle/dance," possibly indicating a place known for these birds or for circular-shaped features or rituals.
  • Keziz (קְצִיץ - Qetsits): Meaning "cut off" or "end," suggesting its location might have been at the edge or boundary of a particular region or valley.

Practical Application

While a seemingly mundane list of ancient cities, Joshua 18:21 offers enduring lessons:

  • God's Faithfulness in Detail: Just as God was meticulous in fulfilling His promise down to the specific cities and boundaries, He is faithful in every detail of our lives. We can trust His providence, even in the seemingly small or administrative aspects.
  • Stewarding Our Inheritance: The Israelites were given a physical inheritance, but believers today receive a spiritual inheritance in Christ. This verse reminds us of the importance of recognizing, cherishing, and stewarding the blessings and responsibilities God has given us, whether spiritual gifts, talents, or opportunities.
  • Order and Purpose: The organized division of land reflects God's desire for order and purpose in His people's lives. We are called to live with intentionality, recognizing that our lives and resources are given by Him for His glory.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 18:12 (3 votes)

    And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.

  • Joshua 6:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.

  • Joshua 18:19 (2 votes)

    And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this [was] the south coast.

  • Luke 10:30 (2 votes)

    And Jesus answering said, A certain [man] went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded [him], and departed, leaving [him] half dead.

  • Joshua 15:6 (2 votes)

    And the border went up to Bethhogla, and passed along by the north of Betharabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben:

  • Joshua 2:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.

  • Luke 19:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And [Jesus] entered and passed through Jericho.