This verse indicates how the boundary line for Benjamin moved from Bethel to Ataroth-addar near Lower Beth-horon.
When Scripture describes “From there the border continued to Luz (to the side of Luz (that is, Bethel) southward); and the border went down to Ataroth-addar, near the hill which lies on the south of lower Beth-horon” (v.13), it is detailing how the land was being allotted under Joshua’s leadership, around 1400 BC. Joshua, who had succeeded Moses, oversaw the division of territory among the tribes of Israel. In this verse, the boundary line transitions from Luz (Bethel) southward, descending toward Ataroth-addar and situated near the southern slope of Lower Beth-horon. This geographical designation points to the central region of the land that would form part of the inheritance for the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:11). Bethel itself carried significant spiritual history, as it was a place where Jacob once encountered God (Genesis 28:10-19), demonstrating the continuity of God’s covenant promises.
The mention of “Luz (that is, Bethel)” (v.13) highlights the dual names of this location, reinforcing Bethel’s prominence as both a strategic landmark and a sacred site. Bethel is located about 10 miles north of Jerusalem, and played a key role throughout Israel’s history in later books as well (1 Kings 12:29). From there, the border extended to Ataroth-addar, a site sometimes identified with a fortress or settlement, reminding the people of how each boundary and city was a provision of the LORD. Lower Beth-horon, in turn, lay on an important route linking the hill country to the west. Through these border details, the biblical text shows God’s careful allotment of the land promised to the offspring of Abraham.
By the time of the New Testament, although these exact boundaries are rarely mentioned, they point forward to God’s faithfulness revealed in Jesus (Galatians 3:29). Just as God gave each tribe a place to call home, He also provides spiritual rest and inheritance to those who belong to Him. The verse underscores the thoroughness and precision of God’s gifting, rooted in covenant promises and shaping the identity of His people.
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Joshua 18:13 meaning
When Scripture describes “From there the border continued to Luz (to the side of Luz (that is, Bethel) southward); and the border went down to Ataroth-addar, near the hill which lies on the south of lower Beth-horon” (v.13), it is detailing how the land was being allotted under Joshua’s leadership, around 1400 BC. Joshua, who had succeeded Moses, oversaw the division of territory among the tribes of Israel. In this verse, the boundary line transitions from Luz (Bethel) southward, descending toward Ataroth-addar and situated near the southern slope of Lower Beth-horon. This geographical designation points to the central region of the land that would form part of the inheritance for the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:11). Bethel itself carried significant spiritual history, as it was a place where Jacob once encountered God (Genesis 28:10-19), demonstrating the continuity of God’s covenant promises.
The mention of “Luz (that is, Bethel)” (v.13) highlights the dual names of this location, reinforcing Bethel’s prominence as both a strategic landmark and a sacred site. Bethel is located about 10 miles north of Jerusalem, and played a key role throughout Israel’s history in later books as well (1 Kings 12:29). From there, the border extended to Ataroth-addar, a site sometimes identified with a fortress or settlement, reminding the people of how each boundary and city was a provision of the LORD. Lower Beth-horon, in turn, lay on an important route linking the hill country to the west. Through these border details, the biblical text shows God’s careful allotment of the land promised to the offspring of Abraham.
By the time of the New Testament, although these exact boundaries are rarely mentioned, they point forward to God’s faithfulness revealed in Jesus (Galatians 3:29). Just as God gave each tribe a place to call home, He also provides spiritual rest and inheritance to those who belong to Him. The verse underscores the thoroughness and precision of God’s gifting, rooted in covenant promises and shaping the identity of His people.