This verse reveals the careful, divinely orchestrated boundary lines for the tribe of Benjamin and shows that God’s promises deeply impacted Israel’s history and destiny.
Joshua 18:17 describes part of the boundary lines for the tribe of Benjamin as they received their inheritance alongside the other tribes of Israel. The passage itself says, “then it extended northward and went out to En-shemesh and went out to Geliloth which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben” (v.17). In this verse, we see a careful delineation of territory, demonstrating God’s promise of land to each of the tribes. These sorts of detailed directions convey that God is personally involved in designating specific areas for His people (Genesis 12:7).
The verse mentions several geographical locations of note. “…En-shemesh and … Geliloth which is opposite the ascent of Adummim…” (v.17) helps establish the eastern border near Jerusalem—En-shemesh may have been a spring located east of what would later become the city of David, and Geliloth might refer to a region in close proximity. The ascent of Adummim was a well-known pass between Jericho and Jerusalem, significant for travelers in ancient times (Luke 10:30). These place names highlight the strategic positioning of the territory around major routes where economic, military, and cultural exchanges would happen.
Finally, the boundary “…went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben” (v.17), capturing an important family reference in Israel’s oldest tribe, Reuben. Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob, who likely lived around the nineteenth century BC in Mesopotamia before settling in Canaan. This stone served as a landmark, reminding future generations of their tribal heritage that originated many centuries before. Throughout these details, we see that God cares about every foot of land and the families that dwell within it, paving the way for the eventual arrival of Jesus by preserving the inheritance of His people (Matthew 1:1-17).
Set to dark mode
Joshua 18:17 meaning
Joshua 18:17 describes part of the boundary lines for the tribe of Benjamin as they received their inheritance alongside the other tribes of Israel. The passage itself says, “then it extended northward and went out to En-shemesh and went out to Geliloth which is opposite the ascent of Adummim, and it went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben” (v.17). In this verse, we see a careful delineation of territory, demonstrating God’s promise of land to each of the tribes. These sorts of detailed directions convey that God is personally involved in designating specific areas for His people (Genesis 12:7).
The verse mentions several geographical locations of note. “…En-shemesh and … Geliloth which is opposite the ascent of Adummim…” (v.17) helps establish the eastern border near Jerusalem—En-shemesh may have been a spring located east of what would later become the city of David, and Geliloth might refer to a region in close proximity. The ascent of Adummim was a well-known pass between Jericho and Jerusalem, significant for travelers in ancient times (Luke 10:30). These place names highlight the strategic positioning of the territory around major routes where economic, military, and cultural exchanges would happen.
Finally, the boundary “…went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben” (v.17), capturing an important family reference in Israel’s oldest tribe, Reuben. Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob, who likely lived around the nineteenth century BC in Mesopotamia before settling in Canaan. This stone served as a landmark, reminding future generations of their tribal heritage that originated many centuries before. Throughout these details, we see that God cares about every foot of land and the families that dwell within it, paving the way for the eventual arrival of Jesus by preserving the inheritance of His people (Matthew 1:1-17).