God honors His promises and invites His people to dwell in the land faithfully.
Joshua 18:21 describes the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin in central Israel during the time of the Israelite settlement under Joshua’s leadership, around 1400-1370 BC. The verse says, “Now the cities of the tribe of the sons of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho and Beth-hoglah and Emek-keziz” (v.21). Jericho is historically significant as the first city the Israelites conquered in the land of Canaan (Joshua 6). Located near the Jordan River in the southern Jordan Valley, it has often been referred to as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Jericho’s defeat through divine intervention in Joshua’s day demonstrated God’s power and His plan to establish His people in the Promised Land. Beth-hoglah, also near the Jordan, served as a border point, showcasing the orderly layout of territory among the tribes.
In this portion of Scripture, we also learn of Emek-keziz, another location that fell under Benjamin’s portion. While little is recorded about Emek-keziz elsewhere in the Bible, its inclusion reminds us that every space in the land of promise was significant in God’s eyes. Benjamin’s tribe, being one of the sons of Jacob (Genesis 35:24), would later emerge as a key lineage, especially when Saul, Israel’s first king, was chosen from Benjamin (1 Samuel 9). Through these cities and allocations, the Lord fulfills His covenant promises to Israel, distributing the land according to tribal inheritance.
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Joshua 18:21 meaning
Joshua 18:21 describes the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin in central Israel during the time of the Israelite settlement under Joshua’s leadership, around 1400-1370 BC. The verse says, “Now the cities of the tribe of the sons of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho and Beth-hoglah and Emek-keziz” (v.21). Jericho is historically significant as the first city the Israelites conquered in the land of Canaan (Joshua 6). Located near the Jordan River in the southern Jordan Valley, it has often been referred to as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Jericho’s defeat through divine intervention in Joshua’s day demonstrated God’s power and His plan to establish His people in the Promised Land. Beth-hoglah, also near the Jordan, served as a border point, showcasing the orderly layout of territory among the tribes.
In this portion of Scripture, we also learn of Emek-keziz, another location that fell under Benjamin’s portion. While little is recorded about Emek-keziz elsewhere in the Bible, its inclusion reminds us that every space in the land of promise was significant in God’s eyes. Benjamin’s tribe, being one of the sons of Jacob (Genesis 35:24), would later emerge as a key lineage, especially when Saul, Israel’s first king, was chosen from Benjamin (1 Samuel 9). Through these cities and allocations, the Lord fulfills His covenant promises to Israel, distributing the land according to tribal inheritance.