Zelah, Haeleph, Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah, and Kiriath-jearim--fourteen cities, along with their villages. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. ZelahZelah is a town in the territory of Benjamin. It is mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:14 as the burial place of Saul and Jonathan, indicating its significance in Israel's history. The exact location is uncertain, but it is believed to be near modern-day Jerusalem. This town's inclusion in Benjamin's inheritance highlights the tribe's connection to Israel's first king, Saul. Haeleph
Haeleph is a lesser-known location, with limited biblical references. Its mention here underscores the comprehensive nature of the land allotment to Benjamin. The precise location remains unidentified, but it is part of the detailed territorial boundaries that emphasize the fulfillment of God's promise to the tribes of Israel. Jebus (that is, Jerusalem)
Jebus, later known as Jerusalem, was originally a Jebusite city. It became a central city in Israel's history, eventually serving as the capital under King David. The mention of Jebus in Benjamin's territory reflects the city's importance and foreshadows its future significance as the spiritual and political center of Israel. Jerusalem is also a type of Christ, representing the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people. Gibeah
Gibeah is notable as the hometown of King Saul (1 Samuel 10:26). It played a significant role in the narrative of the Benjamite civil war in Judges 19-21. The city's inclusion in Benjamin's inheritance highlights the tribe's complex history, marked by both leadership and internal conflict. Kiriath-jearim
Kiriath-jearim is known for housing the Ark of the Covenant for a time (1 Samuel 7:1-2). Its location on the border of Benjamin and Judah signifies its strategic importance. The city's role in the Ark's journey underscores the theme of God's presence and guidance among His people. fourteen cities, along with their villages
The enumeration of cities and villages illustrates the detailed and organized distribution of land among the tribes. This reflects God's faithfulness in providing for His people and the importance of each tribe's unique inheritance. The specific number of cities emphasizes the completeness of the allotment. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin
The inheritance of Benjamin is a testament to God's covenant with Israel, fulfilling His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Benjamin's territory, strategically located between Judah and the northern tribes, played a crucial role in Israel's history. The tribe's inheritance also points to the unity and diversity within the nation, as each tribe received its portion according to God's plan. Persons / Places / Events 1. ZelahA city within the territory of Benjamin, mentioned in the context of the tribe's inheritance. 2. HaelephAnother city in Benjamin's territory, though not much is known about it. 3. Jebus (Jerusalem)Originally a Jebusite city, it later became the capital of Israel under King David. 4. GibeahKnown for its association with King Saul, Israel's first king, and the infamous incident in Judges 19-21. 5. KiriathA city included in the inheritance of Benjamin, though specific details are sparse. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in InheritanceThe allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, including Benjamin, demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Significance of JerusalemAs the city of peace and God's chosen dwelling place, Jerusalem holds a central role in biblical prophecy and eschatology. Believers are called to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and recognize its spiritual significance. Lessons from GibeahThe account of Gibeah serves as a warning against moral decay and the consequences of turning away from God's laws. It underscores the need for godly leadership and personal integrity. Unity and Diversity in the Body of ChristJust as the tribe of Benjamin had a unique role within the nation of Israel, each believer has a unique role within the body of Christ. We are called to work together in unity, respecting the diversity of gifts and callings. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the allocation of land to the tribe of Benjamin reflect God's faithfulness to His promises? 2. In what ways does the city of Jerusalem play a significant role in both the Old and New Testaments? 3. What lessons can we learn from the account of Gibeah about the importance of moral integrity and leadership? 4. How can we apply the concept of unity and diversity within the tribe of Benjamin to our local church community? 5. How does understanding the historical and spiritual significance of these cities enhance our reading of the Bible and our walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Jerusalem's Significance Jerusalem, or Jebus, is central throughout the Bible, becoming the political and spiritual center of Israel. It is frequently mentioned in the Psalms and prophetic books as the city of God. Gibeah's Dark History The events in Judges 19-21 highlight the moral decline of Israel and serve as a backdrop for the need for righteous leadership, which is later fulfilled in the monarchy. Tribe of Benjamin The tribe's role in Israel's history is significant, with notable figures like King Saul and the Apostle Paul ( Philippians 3:5). People Addar, Ben, Benjamin, Bohan, Ephron, Gad, Gibeon, Hoglah, Israelites, Joseph, Joshua, Levites, Manasseh, Ophrah, Rekem, ReubenPlaces 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, ZemaraimTopics Benjamin, Cities, Clans, Eleph, Families, Fourteen, Gibeah, Gib'e-ah, Gibeath, Haeleph, Ha-eleph, Hamlets, Heritage, Inheritance, Jebus, Jebusi, Jebusite, Jerusalem, Kiriath, Kir'iath-je'arim, Kirjath, Places, Sons, Towns, Tribe, Unwalled, Villages, Zela, ZelahDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 18:28 7240 Jerusalem, history 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 HebraicaRamah. 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 Links Joshua 18:28 NIVJoshua 18:28 NLTJoshua 18:28 ESVJoshua 18:28 NASBJoshua 18:28 KJV
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