“Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz.”
Context and Background:
- The Book of Joshua recounts the Israelites’ conquest and division of the Promised Land after the death of Moses. The land was allocated among the twelve tribes of Israel, and this verse specifically refers to the cities of the tribe of Benjamin.
- The tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descending from Jacob’s youngest son Benjamin. It received its inheritance in the central part of the land, situated between the territories of Judah and Ephraim.
Jericho:
- Jericho was a significant city in the region, situated about five miles west of the Jordan River and seven miles north of the Dead Sea. It is famously known for its strong walls that miraculously collapsed during the Israelites’ conquest of the city (Joshua 6).
- The city of Jericho had strategic importance as it controlled the entrance to Canaan from the east.
Bethhoglah:
- Bethhoglah, also known as Beth-Hogla or Beit Hajla, was a city located in the territory of Benjamin. Its exact location is uncertain, but it was likely near the Jordan River, close to Jericho.
- In Joshua 15:6, it is mentioned as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah as well, indicating that it may have been a border city between the tribes.
The Valley of Keziz: – The Valley of Keziz is mentioned only in this verse, and its exact location is uncertain. There is limited information available about this valley in the Bible, and it is not mentioned elsewhere.
Significance and Lessons:
- The allocation of cities to the tribe of Benjamin reveals the fulfillment of God’s promise to give the land to the Israelites. Each tribe received its portion, and the distribution of cities ensured that the Israelites could settle and inhabit the land.
- The inclusion of Jericho among the cities of Benjamin serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His miraculous intervention in the conquest of that city.
- The specific location and significance of Bethhoglah and the Valley of Keziz are not explicitly detailed, but their mention highlights the meticulous record-keeping and division of the land among the tribes.
Overall, Joshua 18:21 provides insight into the allocation of cities within the tribe of Benjamin, highlighting the fulfillment of God’s promises and the precise division of the land among the Israelites. It also serves as a reminder of God’s miraculous intervention in the conquest of Jericho.
