This verse specifically marks the southern boundary of Benjamin’s territory around Jerusalem, illustrating the careful fulfillment of God’s promise to grant the tribes their allotted portions in the Promised Land.
“Then the border went down to the edge of the hill which is in the valley of Ben-hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim northward; and it went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the slope of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En-rogel.” (v.16)
This portion of Scripture describes how the tribal allotment for Benjamin extends around the southern outskirts of Jerusalem, highlighting key topographical markers. The reference to the valley of Ben-hinnom identifies a deep ravine just below the city, known today as the Hinnom Valley, a location bordering Jerusalem on one side while the Kidron Valley borders it on the other. Historically, this valley became notorious for idolatrous practices, but here in Joshua, it simply marks a boundary line. The text also mentions the valley of Rephaim, named after an ancient race of giants who inhabited the land before Israel. This dual mention of two valleys underscores the precision with which God allotted territories to each tribe, including Benjamin, through Joshua’s leadership.
The verse further notes the slope of the Jebusite, pointing to the territory of those who controlled Jerusalem before King David’s conquest. The Jebusites were native to that fortified city, which sat strategically on high terrain. By referencing this slope, the biblical author indicates how the tribal boundary of Benjamin ran along the edge of Jebusite land—a reminder that Israel’s possession of the land came by the LORD’s promise, but still required faith and obedience to occupy. The mention of En-rogel, a spring south of the city, provides another tangible landmark, again reminding readers that God’s redemptive plan involved real people and actual places, not abstract theological ideas.
In firmly situating Benjamin’s inheritance at the doorstep of Jerusalem, this verse also foreshadows how that tribe would be intertwined with future events in Israel’s history. God’s covenant promises were anchored to specific lands, rivers, and hills, ensuring Israel understood the blessings and responsibilities of keeping His commands. By detailing boundaries like these, the book of Joshua testifies to God’s orderly provision and His faithfulness to establish His people where He had set apart for them (see 9†HOP 2.docx).
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Joshua 18:16 meaning
“Then the border went down to the edge of the hill which is in the valley of Ben-hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim northward; and it went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the slope of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En-rogel.” (v.16)
This portion of Scripture describes how the tribal allotment for Benjamin extends around the southern outskirts of Jerusalem, highlighting key topographical markers. The reference to the valley of Ben-hinnom identifies a deep ravine just below the city, known today as the Hinnom Valley, a location bordering Jerusalem on one side while the Kidron Valley borders it on the other. Historically, this valley became notorious for idolatrous practices, but here in Joshua, it simply marks a boundary line. The text also mentions the valley of Rephaim, named after an ancient race of giants who inhabited the land before Israel. This dual mention of two valleys underscores the precision with which God allotted territories to each tribe, including Benjamin, through Joshua’s leadership.
The verse further notes the slope of the Jebusite, pointing to the territory of those who controlled Jerusalem before King David’s conquest. The Jebusites were native to that fortified city, which sat strategically on high terrain. By referencing this slope, the biblical author indicates how the tribal boundary of Benjamin ran along the edge of Jebusite land—a reminder that Israel’s possession of the land came by the LORD’s promise, but still required faith and obedience to occupy. The mention of En-rogel, a spring south of the city, provides another tangible landmark, again reminding readers that God’s redemptive plan involved real people and actual places, not abstract theological ideas.
In firmly situating Benjamin’s inheritance at the doorstep of Jerusalem, this verse also foreshadows how that tribe would be intertwined with future events in Israel’s history. God’s covenant promises were anchored to specific lands, rivers, and hills, ensuring Israel understood the blessings and responsibilities of keeping His commands. By detailing boundaries like these, the book of Joshua testifies to God’s orderly provision and His faithfulness to establish His people where He had set apart for them (see 9†HOP 2.docx).