“And was drawn from the north, and went forth to En-shemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.”
Context:Joshua 18 is part of the narrative where the land of Canaan was being divided among the tribes of Israel. After conquering Jericho and Ai, the Israelites were instructed by God to allot the remaining land to the seven remaining tribes.
Description of the boundary:The verse describes a portion of the boundary line for the tribe of Benjamin. The boundary starts from the north and proceeds to Enshemesh, then continues toward Geliloth. It is situated opposite the ascent of Adummim and descends to the stone of Bohan, who was the son of Reuben.
Importance of boundaries:In the context of the division of the Promised Land, boundaries were crucial to ensure each tribe received its designated portion. God had promised each tribe an inheritance, and the establishment of specific boundaries helped ensure the fair distribution of land. Boundaries were essential for maintaining order, facilitating governance, and preventing conflicts among the tribes.
Enshemesh and Geliloth:These two locations mentioned in the verse are not widely known, and their exact locations are uncertain. They were likely smaller towns or landmarks that served as reference points for the boundary line. While we may not have extensive information about these places, we can understand their significance within the context of the division of the land.
Adummim and the stone of Bohan:Adummim refers to a location that served as a landmark on the boundary line. It is described as the “going up of Adummim,” suggesting it was an ascent or a higher elevation. The stone of Bohan is mentioned as a point of reference along the boundary. It was likely a large stone or marker named after Bohan, who was the son of Reuben, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Lessons for us:Although this specific verse may not offer explicit spiritual or moral teachings, it reminds us of the importance of boundaries, order, and fairness. The division of the land among the tribes of Israel required meticulous planning and adherence to God’s instructions. It serves as a reminder that God cares about justice, order, and the fair distribution of resources. We can apply this principle to our lives by ensuring fairness and justice in our dealings with others and respecting boundaries set by God and society.
Remember, studying the Bible involves exploring various passages and understanding their broader context to gain deeper insights into God’s Word.
