Joshua 18:15

And the South quarter was from the end of Kiriath-iearim, & the border went out on the West, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah. Joshua 18:15 (KJV)

This verse records the southern boundary of the portion allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. It is situated within the larger narrative of Joshua 18:11‑20, where the land remaining after the initial conquest is divided among the seven tribes that had not yet received their inheritance. The careful surveying and allocation described in this chapter demonstrate the orderly fulfillment of God’s promise to give each tribe its designated share.

Kirjath‑jearim, mentioned at the beginning of the verse, was a city belonging to the tribe of Judah. Joshua 18:14 identifies it as “Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjath‑jearim, a city of the children of Judah.” Its location on the western edge of Judah made it a natural landmark for defining the southern limit of Benjamin’s territory. Though the exact distance from Jerusalem varies in the drafts, the important point is that Kirjath‑jearim lay west of the city and served as a clear reference point for the boundary.

From Kirjath‑jearim the border “went out on the west,” extending westward until it reached the well of waters of Nephtoah. Nephtoah was known for its abundant water source, a vital resource for the people living in the region. The well therefore marked a logical terminus for the southern line, providing both a geographical marker and a practical benefit for the inhabitants of the allotted land.

Overall, Joshua 18:15 illustrates the meticulousness with which the division of the Promised Land was carried out under Joshua’s leadership. By using well‑known cities and natural landmarks such as Kirjath‑jearim and the well of Nephtoah, the Israelites ensured that each tribe received the portion promised by God, reinforcing the covenantal faithfulness that undergirds the entire narrative of the conquest and settlement of Canaan.