“And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel.”
This verse is part of a passage in the book of Joshua that describes the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. In this particular section, the territory of the tribe of Benjamin is being defined.
To better understand Joshua 18:16, it’s helpful to examine the context of the verse. After Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the land of Canaan, the land was to be distributed among the twelve tribes. The allocation of land was a significant event, ensuring that each tribe had its own portion and inheritance within the Promised Land.
Joshua 18 provides an account of how the land was divided, focusing specifically on the tribe of Benjamin. The verse in question delineates the southern and northern borders of Benjamin’s territory.
Let’s break down the geographical references mentioned in Joshua 18:16:
The end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom: This refers to the location where the border reached the end of a mountain facing the valley of Hinnom. The valley of Hinnom was situated just outside the southwestern walls of Jerusalem.
The valley of the giants on the north: The border then descended to the valley of the giants, which was located in the northern direction from the previous point.
The valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south: Next, the border proceeded to the valley of Hinnom, which was situated on the southern side of Jebusi (another name for Jerusalem).
Enrogel: Finally, the border descended to Enrogel, which was a place of significance located near Jerusalem, south of the Kidron Valley.
The purpose of providing these specific details was to establish the precise boundaries of Benjamin’s allotted territory within the Promised Land. By providing these geographical markers, the Israelites would have a clear understanding of the borders of their inheritance.
This verse may seem more descriptive than theological, as it primarily serves the purpose of defining the territorial boundaries. However, it is a testament to the meticulousness with which the Israelites approached the distribution of land, ensuring that each tribe received its rightful portion according to God’s command.
In conclusion, Joshua 18:16 is a verse that contributes to the overall account of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. It provides geographical references to establish the borders of the tribe of Benjamin’s territory, exemplifying the thoroughness with which God fulfilled His promise of inheritance to the Israelites.
