Joshua 18:24
Chephar-ammoni, Ophni, and Geba--twelve cities, along with their villages.
Chephar-ammoni
Chephar-ammoni is one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. The name suggests a connection to the Ammonites, a neighboring people often in conflict with Israel. This city’s mention highlights the diverse cultural and political landscape of the region during the time of Joshua. The allocation of such cities to the tribes of Israel signifies the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham regarding the land (Genesis 15:18-21).

Ophni
Ophni is another city within the territory of Benjamin. Its exact location is uncertain today, but it is part of the strategic allocation of land to ensure the tribe's security and prosperity. The inclusion of Ophni in the list of cities underscores the detailed nature of the land distribution, reflecting God’s order and provision for His people. This city, like others, would have been a center for local governance and community life.

and Geba
Geba is a more prominent city, often mentioned in the context of military and strategic importance (1 Samuel 13:3). It served as a northern boundary for the tribe of Benjamin. The city’s fortifications and its role in various biblical narratives highlight its significance. Geba’s mention in the allotment underscores the importance of strongholds in maintaining the security and integrity of the tribal territories.

twelve cities, along with their villages
The reference to "twelve cities" indicates a complete and organized distribution of land, reflecting the orderliness of God’s plan for Israel. The number twelve often symbolizes completeness in the Bible, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. The inclusion of "villages" suggests a broader community structure, with cities serving as administrative centers and villages supporting agricultural and pastoral activities. This distribution ensured that the tribe of Benjamin had the necessary resources and infrastructure to thrive in the Promised Land.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Kephar-ammoni
A town allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. The name suggests a connection to the Ammonites, a neighboring people often in conflict with Israel.

2. Ophni
Another town within the territory of Benjamin. Its exact historical significance is less clear, but it is part of the inheritance given to Benjamin.

3. Geba
A significant town in the territory of Benjamin, often mentioned in the context of military and strategic importance. It is located near the border with the tribe of Ephraim.

4. Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob. The tribe is known for its warriors and later for being the tribe of King Saul.

5. Allotment of Land
The division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, as commanded by God, signifying the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
The allotment of land to the tribe of Benjamin is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs. Reflect on how God has been faithful in your life.

Strategic Importance of Our Spiritual Inheritance
Just as Geba held strategic importance, consider the spiritual gifts and roles God has given you. How can you use them strategically for His kingdom?

Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ
The diverse cities within Benjamin's territory remind us of the diversity within the body of Christ. Each member has a unique role and purpose.

Historical Context and Its Lessons
Understanding the historical and geographical context of biblical events can enrich our comprehension of Scripture. Study the background of biblical passages to gain deeper insights.

The Importance of Obedience and Trust
The Israelites' obedience in dividing the land as God commanded is a lesson in trust and obedience. Consider areas in your life where you need to trust and obey God's direction.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the allotment of land to the tribe of Benjamin demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can the strategic importance of Geba inspire us to use our spiritual gifts effectively?

3. How does the diversity of cities within Benjamin's territory reflect the diversity within the church today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the historical context of the cities mentioned in Joshua 18:24?

5. How can we apply the principles of obedience and trust seen in the Israelites' actions to our own lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:27
This verse describes Benjamin as a ravenous wolf, which can be connected to the strategic and sometimes tumultuous nature of the tribe's territory, including cities like Geba.

1 Samuel 13:3
This passage mentions Geba in the context of Saul's military campaigns, highlighting its strategic importance.

Judges 20:14-16
The tribe of Benjamin's reputation for skilled warriors is evident in this passage, which can be related to the cities within its territory.
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
Ammoni, Chephar, Chephar-ammonah, Chephar-ammoni, Che'phar-am'moni, Chepharhaammonai, Chephar-haammonai, Chephar-haamonai, Cities, Gaba, Geba, Hamlets, Ophni, Places, Towns, Twelve, Unwalled, Villages
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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