Joshua 18:14
On the west side the border curved southward from the hill facing Beth-horon on the south and came out at Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), a city of the sons of Judah. This was the western side.
On the west side
This phrase indicates the geographical orientation of the boundary being described. In the context of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, the western side of the territory is being delineated. The west side often held strategic importance due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, which was crucial for trade and defense.

the border curved southward
The description of the border curving southward suggests a natural or man-made feature that influenced the boundary line. In ancient times, borders were often determined by natural landmarks such as hills, rivers, or valleys. This curvature indicates a deviation from a straight line, possibly due to the topography of the land.

from the hill facing Beth-horon on the south
Beth-horon was a significant location in biblical history, known for its strategic military importance. It consisted of two towns, Upper and Lower Beth-horon, situated on a ridge. This area was the site of several key battles, including Joshua's victory over the Amorites (Joshua 10:10-11). The mention of a hill facing Beth-horon highlights the elevated terrain, which was advantageous for defense and observation.

and came out at Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim)
Kiriath-baal, also known as Kiriath-jearim, was a city with historical and religious significance. It was associated with the Gibeonites, who made a treaty with Israel (Joshua 9). The city later became a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant before it was moved to Jerusalem (1 Samuel 7:1-2). The dual name reflects the transition from Canaanite to Israelite control, with "Baal" being a Canaanite deity and "Jearim" meaning "forests," indicating a change in religious and cultural identity.

a city of the sons of Judah
This phrase identifies Kiriath-jearim as belonging to the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Judah was a prominent tribe, known for its leadership and the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. The allocation of this city to Judah underscores the tribe's significant role in Israel's history and God's covenant promises.

This was the western side.
The repetition of the boundary's orientation emphasizes the completion of the description of this particular section of the territory. It serves as a summary statement, confirming the delineation of the western border of the land allotted to the tribe being described. This careful documentation reflects the importance of land inheritance and tribal identity in Israel's covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Beth-horon
A strategic location consisting of two towns, Upper and Lower Beth-horon, situated on a ridge. It was significant in Israel's military history and served as a key passageway.

2. Kiriath-baal (Kiriath-jearim)
A city belonging to the tribe of Judah. It was an important landmark in the delineation of tribal boundaries and later became significant in the history of the Ark of the Covenant.

3. Tribe of Judah
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership and prominence among the tribes. The city of Kiriath-jearim was part of its territory.

4. Tribal Boundaries
The delineation of land among the tribes of Israel as they settled in the Promised Land. This was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land.

5. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, responsible for leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and overseeing the division of the land among the tribes.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment
The division of the land among the tribes is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives.

Importance of Boundaries
Just as physical boundaries were important for the tribes, spiritual and moral boundaries are essential for believers today to maintain a life that honors God.

Strategic Locations in God's Plan
Places like Beth-horon and Kiriath-jearim were strategically used by God. Believers should seek to understand and embrace their God-given roles and locations in life.

Leadership and Responsibility
Joshua's role in dividing the land highlights the importance of godly leadership and responsibility. Believers are called to lead and serve faithfully in their spheres of influence.

Heritage and Identity
The allocation of land helped define the identity and heritage of each tribe. Believers should find their identity in Christ and understand their spiritual heritage.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the division of land among the tribes of Israel demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of boundaries in our spiritual and personal lives today?

3. What strategic roles or locations has God placed you in, and how can you use them for His glory?

4. How does the leadership of Joshua inspire you to take on responsibilities in your community or church?

5. How can understanding our spiritual heritage in Christ influence our daily walk and decisions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 10
The battle at Beth-horon where God intervened with hailstones and extended the day for Israel's victory, highlighting the strategic importance of this location.

1 Samuel 7
The Ark of the Covenant was kept at Kiriath-jearim for a time, indicating the city's religious significance.

Genesis 15
God's covenant with Abraham, promising the land to his descendants, which is being fulfilled through the division of the land in Joshua.
Joshua's RemonstranceR. P. Buddicom, M. A.Joshua 18:1-28
Religion in the New LandW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 18:1-28
Slack to PossessW. Seaton.Joshua 18:1-28
People
Addar, Ben, Benjamin, Bohan, Ephron, Gad, Gibeon, Hoglah, Israelites, Joseph, Joshua, Levites, Manasseh, Ophrah, Rekem, Reuben
Places
Adummim, Arabah, Ataroth-addar, Avvim, Beeroth, Beth-arabah, Beth-aven, Bethel, Beth-hoglah, Beth-horon, Emek-keziz, En-rogel, En-shemesh, Ephron, Geba, Geliloth, Gibeah, Gibeon, Haeleph, Irpeel, Jebus, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kiriath-baal, Kiriath-jearim, Luz, Mizpeh, Mozah, Nephtoah, Ophni, Ophrah, Parah, Ramah, Rekem, Salt Sea, Shiloh, Taralah, Valley of Hinnom, Valley of Rephaim, Zela, Zemaraim
Topics
Along, Baal, Belonging, Beth, Bethhoron, Beth-horon, Beth-hor'on, Border, Boundary, Compassed, Corner, Direction, Drawn, Ended, Ending, Ends, Extended, Facing, Forms, Front, Goes, Goings, Hill, Horon, Jearim, Judah, Kiriath, Kiriath-baal, Kir'iath-ba'al, Kiriath-jearim, Kir'iath-je'arim, Kirjathbaal, Kirjath-baal, Kirjathjearim, Kirjath-jearim, Lies, Lieth, Limit, Limits, Marked, Mountain, Opposite, Outgoings, Quarter, Reached, Round, Sons, South, Southward, Thence, Thereof, Town, Tribe, Turning, West, Western
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 18:11-28

     5235   boundary

Library
The Northern Coast of Judea. Beth-Horon.
This coast is marked out Joshua 18:12; where, at verse 14, are very many versions to be corrected, which render the sea; such are, the Syriac, the Seventy, the Vulgar, the Italian, ours, &c.: whence ariseth a sense of insuperable difficulty to a chorographical eye: when it should, indeed, be rendered of the west, as the Chaldee, Arabic, R. Solomon, &c. rightly do. We read of a double Beth-horon in the Old Testament, but one only under the second Temple... At that place that great Canaanitish army
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah.
There was a certain Ramah, in the tribe of Benjamin, Joshua 18:25, and that within sight of Jerusalem, as it seems, Judges 19:13; where it is named with Gibeah:--and elsewhere, Hosea 5:8; which towns were not much distant. See 1 Samuel 22:6; "Saul sat in Gibeah, under a grove in Ramah." Here the Gemarists trifle: "Whence is it (say they) that Ramah is placed near Gibea? To hint to you, that the speech of Samuel of Ramah was the cause, why Saul remained two years and a half in Gibeah." They blindly
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Retiring Before the Sanhedrin's Decree.
(Jerusalem and Ephraim in Judæa.) ^D John XI. 47-54. ^d 47 The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council [called a meeting of the Sanhedrin], and said, What do we? [Thus they reproach one another for having done nothing in a present and urgent crisis. As two of their number (Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathæa) were afterwards in communications with Christians, it was easy for the disciples to find out what occurred on this notable occasion.] for this man doeth many signs.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children.
(Bethlehem and Road Thence to Egypt, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 13-18. ^a 13 Now when they were departed [The text favors the idea that the arrival and departure of the magi and the departure of Joseph for Egypt, all occurred in one night. If so, the people of Bethlehem knew nothing of these matters], behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise [this command calls for immediate departure] and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt [This land was ever the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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