“And Beth-arabah, and Zemaraim, and Beth-el,”
Joshua 18:22 is a part of the narrative describing the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. After the conquest of Jericho and Ai, Joshua and the Israelites were instructed by God to divide the land as an inheritance for each of the twelve tribes.
In this verse, three cities are mentioned: Beth-arabah, Zemaraim, and Bethel. Let’s take a closer look at each of these places:
- Beth-arabah: Beth-arabah means “house of the desert” or “house of the steppe.” It was a town located in the wilderness or desert region of Judah. It is mentioned several times in the Old Testament as a landmark or a place of importance (Joshua 15:6, 61; 2 Chronicles 20:2). The exact location of Beth-arabah is uncertain, but it is believed to be in the vicinity of the Dead Sea or the Jordan Valley.
- Zemaraim: Zemaraim means “double woolens” or “double fleece.” It was a city situated in the hill country of Benjamin. Zemaraim is mentioned a few times in the Bible, primarily in relation to its location (Joshua 18:22; 2 Chronicles 13:4). The exact location of Zemaraim is not definitively known today.
- Bethel: Bethel means “house of God” or “place of God.” It was a significant city in the land of Canaan and holds great historical and spiritual significance. Bethel was initially mentioned in the account of Jacob’s dream, where he saw a ladder reaching to heaven and received God’s promises (Genesis 28:10-22). Later, Bethel became an important religious center for Israel, housing one of the golden calves erected by Jeroboam during the divided kingdom period (1 Kings 12:28-29).
Bethel played a prominent role in the lives of various biblical figures, including Abraham, Jacob, and Samuel. Joshua 18:22 mentions Bethel as one of the cities being allocated to the tribes of Israel during the division of the land. The city was located in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin.
By studying Joshua 18:22, we gain insights into the geographical landmarks and cities mentioned during the division of the land among the Israelite tribes. Understanding the historical context and significance of these places helps us appreciate the journey and settlement of the Israelites in the promised land.
