Joshua 18:28

And Zela, Eleph, and Iebusi, (which is Ierusalem) Gibeath, and Kiriath, foureteene cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Beniamin according to their families. Joshua 18:28 (KJV)

Joshua 18:28 describes the cities allotted to the tribe of Benjamin: “And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebus, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.” The verse lists Zelah, Eleph, Jebus (Jerusalem), Gibeah, and Kirjath among the fourteen cities. Zelah is mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, notably in 2 Samuel 21:14, where it is identified as the burial place of Saul and Jonathan. Eleph appears only in this allocation and has limited additional biblical references. Jebus, not Jebusi, is the ancient name for Jerusalem; at the time of the land division the city was still occupied by the Jebusites and had not yet been taken by Israel. Gibeath, also called Gibeah, was a significant settlement within Benjamin’s territory and later becomes the setting for the tragic events recorded in Judges 19‑21. Kirjath is likely Kirjath‑Jearim, a city more commonly associated with the tribe of Judah in Joshua 15:9, yet it is included here as part of Benjamin’s inheritance. The passage records the tribal allocation of land, demonstrating the concrete fulfillment of God’s promise to give the Israelites a permanent home in the Promised Land. By enumerating the cities and their villages, the verse provides a clear picture of how the families of Benjamin were organized within their allotted portion of Canaan. The detailed enumeration underscores the importance of family lineage in the distribution, as each city is tied to the families of the tribe. This careful recording ensured that each clan received its rightful portion, preserving the covenantal order established by God. The inclusion of both major towns and their surrounding villages illustrates the comprehensive nature of the allotment, covering urban centers and rural settlements alike.