Joshua 18:21

These were the cities of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin: Jericho, Beth-hoglah, Emek-keziz,

Study Bible

These were the cities of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin:
The tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The allocation of land to the tribes was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan. Benjamin's territory was strategically located between the powerful tribes of Judah and Ephraim, which often placed it at the center of Israel's political and military activities. The tribe of Benjamin played a significant role in Israel's history, producing notable figures such as King Saul and the Apostle Paul.

Jericho:
Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and is famously known for its conquest by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership, as recorded in Joshua 6. The fall of Jericho was a miraculous event where the walls of the city collapsed after the Israelites marched around them for seven days. This event demonstrated God's power and faithfulness in delivering the land to His people. Jericho's location near the Jordan River made it a key city for trade and military strategy.

Beth-hoglah:
Beth-hoglah was located in the Jordan Valley, near the Dead Sea. Its name means "house of the partridge," which may indicate the presence of wildlife in the area. The city was part of the border between the tribes of Benjamin and Judah. The mention of Beth-hoglah in the tribal allotment underscores the detailed and specific nature of the land distribution among the tribes, reflecting God's order and provision for His people.

Emek-keziz:
Emek-keziz, meaning "valley of the cut-off," is less well-known and not frequently mentioned in other biblical texts. Its inclusion in the list of cities highlights the comprehensive nature of the land division. The precise location of Emek-keziz is uncertain, but it serves as a reminder of the thoroughness with which the Israelites recorded their inheritance, ensuring that each clan received its rightful portion. This meticulous record-keeping reflects the importance of land as a divine gift and a source of identity and sustenance for the tribes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jericho
An ancient city known for its fortified walls, which fell after the Israelites marched around them for seven days as instructed by God. It was the first city conquered by the Israelites in the Promised Land.

2. Beth-hoglah
A location near the Jordan River, associated with the boundary of the tribe of Benjamin. Its name means "house of the partridge" in Hebrew.

3. Emek-keziz
A lesser-known location within the territory of Benjamin. The name means "valley of the cut-off" in Hebrew, indicating a geographical feature or historical event.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
The allocation of land to the tribe of Benjamin is a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs. Believers can trust in God's promises in their own lives.

The Importance of Obedience
The account of Jericho highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions, even when they seem unconventional. Christians are called to trust and obey God's Word.

Community and Inheritance
The division of land among the tribes emphasizes the importance of community and shared inheritance. Believers are part of a spiritual community with a shared inheritance in Christ.

Historical and Spiritual Legacy
The cities and locations mentioned serve as a reminder of the historical and spiritual legacy of God's people. Christians are encouraged to remember and learn from the past.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the allocation of land to the tribe of Benjamin demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can the account of Jericho inspire us to trust and obey God's instructions in our lives today?

3. What can we learn from the concept of shared inheritance among the tribes of Israel, and how does it relate to our spiritual inheritance in Christ?

4. How does the historical significance of places like Jericho and Beth-hoglah enhance our understanding of the biblical account?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God's plan, even when it seemed unconventional. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jericho
The fall of Jericho is detailed in Joshua 6, where the Israelites' obedience to God's unusual battle plan led to their victory. This event is a testament to faith and obedience.

Tribe of Benjamin
The tribe of Benjamin is mentioned throughout the Old Testament, including in Genesis 49, where Jacob blesses his sons, and in Judges 20, where the tribe plays a significant role in the conflict with the other tribes of Israel.

Inheritance of the Land
The division of the land among the tribes of Israel is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, as seen in Genesis 12 and 15, where God promises to give the land to Abraham's descendants.