Joshua 18:21

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

Joshua 18:21 (KJV)

Context

The Book of Joshua records the Israelites’ conquest and division of the Promised Land after Moses’ death. This verse lists the first cities allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes descending from Jacob’s youngest son. Benjamin’s territory lay in the central part of the land, between Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north.

Meaning

The border of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, according to their families, included Jericho, Beth‑hoglah, and the valley of Keziz. The phrase “according to their families” indicates a structured and familial division of the inheritance, showing that the land was distributed in an orderly way among the clans.

Jericho was a significant city, situated about five miles west of the Jordan River and seven miles north of the Dead Sea. It is famously known for the miraculous collapse of its walls during the Israelite conquest (Joshua 6) and held strategic importance as the gateway to Canaan from the east. Though the city was cursed and not to be rebuilt as a fortified city, it was later inhabited and eventually rebuilt, becoming prominent in later biblical history.

Beth‑hoglah, also called Beth‑Hogla or Beit Hajla, lay within Benjamin’s territory. Its exact location is uncertain, but it was likely near the Jordan River close to Jericho. The city may have functioned as a border city between the tribes, and while some passages associate it with the inheritance of Judah, its appearance in other tribal lists is not consistent.

The valley of Keziz is mentioned only in this verse; its precise location remains unknown, and the Bible provides no further information about it.

Biblical connections

The allocation of these cities demonstrates the fulfillment of God’s promise to give the land to Israel. Each tribe received its portion, and the careful distribution ensured that the people could settle and inhabit the land. The inclusion of Jericho among Benjamin’s cities serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His miraculous intervention in its conquest.

Application

The brief references to Beth‑hoglah and the valley of Keziz highlight the meticulous record‑keeping involved in the division of the inheritance, underscoring the precision with which God’s promises were carried out among the Israelites. Just as God faithfully allotted each family its portion, believers can trust that He is faithful to provide for their needs according to His promises.

Reflection

This verse invites readers to see God’s hand in the details of history and inheritance. The naming of specific cities and valleys shows that God cares about the concrete realities of His people’s lives, and His promises are fulfilled in tangible ways.