“Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth.”
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Joshua that describes the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel after they had conquered the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership. The land was distributed among the tribes as their inheritance.
In this particular verse, three cities are mentioned: Gibeon, Ramah, and Beeroth. These cities were situated within the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin.
Gibeon: Gibeon was a prominent city in ancient Israel. It was known for its clever deception of Joshua and the Israelites. Prior to the Israelite conquest, the Gibeonites feared destruction and cunningly made a treaty with Joshua by pretending to be from a distant land (Joshua 9). As a result, the Israelites spared their lives, but they were made to serve as woodcutters and water carriers for the tabernacle. Gibeon became an important Levitical city and later gained significance during the reign of King Saul and King David.
Ramah: Ramah was a city located on a hill in the territory of Benjamin, about six miles north of Jerusalem. It served as an administrative center and later became the hometown of the prophet Samuel. Ramah is mentioned in several instances in the Bible, including in the prophecies of Jeremiah and as the place where King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon assembled his troops before invading Jerusalem (Jeremiah 40:1).
Beeroth: Beeroth was also situated in the territory of Benjamin. It is believed to be modern-day Al-Bireh, located approximately two miles north of Jerusalem. Beeroth is mentioned in the Bible as one of the four cities of the Gibeonite confederation (Joshua 9:17). The Gibeonites, including the inhabitants of Beeroth, were made servants of the tabernacle due to their deceit.
These cities played significant roles in the history of Israel, both during the time of Joshua and throughout the period of the Israelite monarchy. Their mention in Joshua 18:25 highlights the distribution of land among the tribes and the fulfillment of God’s promise to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites.
As you continue your study, it is beneficial to read the surrounding verses and explore the historical context to gain a deeper understanding of the events and significance of these cities in the broader narrative of the Bible.
