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Joshua 18:12

Joshua 18:12 in Multiple Translations

On the north side their border began at the Jordan, went up past the northern slope of Jericho, headed west through the hill country, and came out at the wilderness of Beth-aven.

And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Beth-aven.

And their border on the north quarter was from the Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north, and went up through the hill-country westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Beth-aven.

And their limit on the north was from the Jordan, and the line goes up to the side of Jericho on the north and through the hill-country to the west, ending at the waste land of Beth-aven.

Their boundary began at the Jordan, and went north of the slope of Jericho, west through the hill country, coming out at the wilderness of Beth-aven.

And their coast on the Northside was from Iorden, and the border went vp to the side of Iericho on the Northpart, and went vp through the mountaines Westward, and the endes thereof are in the wildernesse of Beth-auen:

And the border is to them at the north side from the Jordan, and the border hath gone up unto the side of Jericho on the north, and gone up through the hill-country westward, and its outgoings have been at the wilderness of Beth-Aven;

Their border on the north quarter was from the Jordan. The border went up to the side of Jericho on the north, and went up through the hill country westward. It ended at the wilderness of Beth Aven.

And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the limits of it were at the wilderness of Beth-aven.

And their border northward was from the Jordan: going along by the side of Jericho on the north side, and thence going up westward to the mountains, and reaching to the wilderness of Bethaven,

The northern border started at the Jordan River and extended west along the northern side of Jericho, into the hilly area. From there the border extended west to the desert near Beth-Aven town.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 18:12

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 18:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִ֨י לָ/הֶ֧ם הַ/גְּב֛וּל לִ/פְאַ֥ת צָפ֖וֹנָ/ה מִן הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֑ן וְ/עָלָ֣ה הַ/גְּבוּל֩ אֶל כֶּ֨תֶף יְרִיח֜וֹ מִ/צָּפ֗וֹן וְ/עָלָ֤ה בָ/הָר֙ יָ֔מָּ/ה ו/היה וְ/הָיוּ֙ תֹּֽצְאֹתָ֔י/ו מִדְבַּ֖רָ/ה בֵּ֥ית אָֽוֶן
וַ/יְהִ֨י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֧ם Prep | Suff
הַ/גְּב֛וּל gᵉbûwl H1366 border Art | N-ms
לִ/פְאַ֥ת pêʼâh H6285 side Prep | N-fs
צָפ֖וֹנָ/ה tsâphôwn H6828 Zaphon N-fs | Suff
מִן min H4480 from Prep
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֑ן Yardên H3383 Jordan Art | N-proper
וְ/עָלָ֣ה ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Qal-3ms
הַ/גְּבוּל֩ gᵉbûwl H1366 border Art | N-ms
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
כֶּ֨תֶף kâthêph H3802 shoulder N-fs
יְרִיח֜וֹ Yᵉrîychôw H3405 Jericho N-proper
מִ/צָּפ֗וֹן tsâphôwn H6828 Zaphon Prep | N-fs
וְ/עָלָ֤ה ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בָ/הָר֙ har H2022 mountain Prep | N-ms
יָ֔מָּ/ה yâm H3220 West N-ms | Suff
ו/היה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms
וְ/הָיוּ֙ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3cp
תֹּֽצְאֹתָ֔י/ו tôwtsâʼâh H8444 outgoing N-fp | Suff
מִדְבַּ֖רָ/ה midbâr H4057 mouth N-ms | Suff
בֵּ֥ית Bêyth ʼÂven H1007 Beth-aven N-proper
אָֽוֶן Bêyth ʼÂven H1007 Beth-aven N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 18:12

וַ/יְהִ֨י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/הֶ֧ם "" Prep | Suff
הַ/גְּב֛וּל gᵉbûwl H1366 "border" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
לִ/פְאַ֥ת pêʼâh H6285 "side" Prep | N-fs
This word refers to the side or corner of something, like the edge of a room or a region. It is used in the Bible to describe geography or location. In the KJV, it is translated as 'corner' or 'side'.
Definition: 1) corner, edge, side, quarter, extremity 1a) corner 1b) side
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: corner, end, quarter, side. See also: Exodus 25:26; Jeremiah 25:23; Jeremiah 9:25.
צָפ֖וֹנָ/ה tsâphôwn H6828 "Zaphon" N-fs | Suff
This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.
Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.
מִן min H4480 "from" Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/יַּרְדֵּ֑ן Yardên H3383 "Jordan" Art | N-proper
The Jordan River, which runs from Lebanon to the Dead Sea, is a key location in the Bible, including in the stories of Jesus and the Israelites.
Definition: Jordan = "descender" the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 km) Also named: Iordanēs (Ἰορδάνης "Jordan" G2446)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Jordan. See also: Genesis 13:10; Joshua 12:1; Psalms 42:7.
וְ/עָלָ֣ה ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
הַ/גְּבוּל֩ gᵉbûwl H1366 "border" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.
Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כֶּ֨תֶף kâthêph H3802 "shoulder" N-fs
The Hebrew word for shoulder describes the upper end of the arm, where garments hang, and is used in Exodus 28:7 to describe the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
Definition: 1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man) 1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals) 1c) side, slope (of mountain) 1d) supports (of laver)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter. See also: Exodus 27:14; 2 Kings 11:11; Isaiah 11:14.
יְרִיח֜וֹ Yᵉrîychôw H3405 "Jericho" N-proper
Jericho was a city in Palestine, the first conquered by the Israelites in Canaan. Its name means 'its moon' and it was located near the Jordan River and the Dead Sea.
Definition: Jericho = "its moon" a city 5 miles (8 km) west of the Jordan and 7 miles (11.5 km) north of the Dead Sea and the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering the promised land of Canaan Also named: Hierichō (Ἱεριχώ "Jericho" G2410)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Jericho. See also: Numbers 22:1; Joshua 9:3; Jeremiah 39:5.
מִ/צָּפ֗וֹן tsâphôwn H6828 "Zaphon" Prep | N-fs
This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.
Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.
וְ/עָלָ֤ה ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
בָ/הָר֙ har H2022 "mountain" Prep | N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
יָ֔מָּ/ה yâm H3220 "West" N-ms | Suff
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
ו/היה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
וְ/הָיוּ֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
תֹּֽצְאֹתָ֔י/ו tôwtsâʼâh H8444 "outgoing" N-fp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a boundary or border, like the edge of a country. It can also mean a source or a way to escape, as in escaping death. In the Bible, it is often used to describe geographical borders.
Definition: 1) outgoing, border, a going out, extremity, end, source, escape 1a) outgoing, extremity (of border) 1b) source (of life) 1c) escape (from death)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: border(-s), going(-s) forth (out), issues, outgoings. See also: Numbers 34:4; Joshua 17:18; Psalms 68:21.
מִדְבַּ֖רָ/ה midbâr H4057 "mouth" N-ms | Suff
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
בֵּ֥ית Bêyth ʼÂven H1007 "Beth-aven" N-proper
Beth-aven, meaning house of vanity, is a city east of Bethel in Palestine. It is mentioned in the Bible as a place of idolatry and sin, where the Israelites worshipped false gods. The name Beth-aven reflects the city's reputation for vanity and wickedness.
Definition: § Beth-aven = "house of vanity" a city east of Bethel
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Beth-aven. See also: Joshua 7:2; 1 Samuel 14:23; Hosea 10:5.
אָֽוֶן Bêyth ʼÂven H1007 "Beth-aven" N-proper
Beth-aven, meaning house of vanity, is a city east of Bethel in Palestine. It is mentioned in the Bible as a place of idolatry and sin, where the Israelites worshipped false gods. The name Beth-aven reflects the city's reputation for vanity and wickedness.
Definition: § Beth-aven = "house of vanity" a city east of Bethel
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Beth-aven. See also: Joshua 7:2; 1 Samuel 14:23; Hosea 10:5.

Study Notes — Joshua 18:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joshua 16:1 The allotment for the descendants of Joseph extended from the Jordan at Jericho to the waters of Jericho on the east, through the wilderness that goes up from Jericho into the hill country of Bethel.
2 Joshua 7:2 Meanwhile, Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven to the east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai.
3 Joshua 2:1 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.
4 Hosea 4:15 Though you prostitute yourself, O Israel, may Judah avoid such guilt! Do not journey to Gilgal, do not go up to Beth-aven, and do not swear on oath, ‘As surely as the LORD lives!’
5 Joshua 3:16 the flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the area of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.
6 Joshua 6:1 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.
7 Hosea 5:8 Blow the ram’s horn in Gibeah, the trumpet in Ramah; raise the battle cry in Beth-aven: Lead on, O Benjamin!
8 Hosea 10:5 The people of Samaria will fear for the calf of Beth-aven. Indeed, its people will mourn with its idolatrous priests— those who rejoiced in its glory— for it has been taken from them into exile.

Joshua 18:12 Summary

In Joshua 18:12, we see how God allocated the land of Israel to the tribe of Benjamin, setting clear boundaries for their territory. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order and precision, who cares about the details of our lives (as seen in Matthew 10:30 and Psalm 139:1-6). Just as the Israelites trusted God to give them their inheritance, we can trust Him to guide us in our own journey, even when we don't know what lies ahead (Proverbs 3:5-6). By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have confidence that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Jordan River in Joshua 18:12?

The Jordan River served as a natural border for the tribe of Benjamin, as seen in Joshua 18:12, and its importance is also highlighted in other biblical accounts, such as Genesis 13:10-12 and Numbers 34:12.

Why did the border of Benjamin go up past the northern slope of Jericho?

The border going up past the northern slope of Jericho, as mentioned in Joshua 18:12, indicates the tribe's allocated territory and may have been influenced by the city's strategic location, as seen in Joshua 6:1-27 and 2 Kings 2:4-5.

What is the wilderness of Beth-aven, and why is it mentioned in Joshua 18:12?

The wilderness of Beth-aven, mentioned in Joshua 18:12, is likely a reference to a desolate area near the city of Beth-aven, also known as Bethel, which held spiritual significance in Israel's history, as seen in Genesis 28:10-22 and Hosea 4:15.

How does the description of Benjamin's border in Joshua 18:12 relate to the overall division of the land?

The description of Benjamin's border in Joshua 18:12 is part of the larger allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, as initiated by Joshua in Joshua 18:1-10, and reflects God's sovereign plan for His people, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:8-9 and Acts 17:26.

Reflection Questions

  1. As you consider the borders of Benjamin's territory, reflect on how God has set boundaries in your own life, and how you can trust in His sovereign plan.
  2. What can you learn from the way the Israelites trusted God to allocate their land, and how can you apply that trust to your own life?
  3. How does the mention of specific geographical locations, such as Jericho and the wilderness of Beth-aven, in Joshua 18:12 help you understand the historical and cultural context of the verse?
  4. In what ways can you, like the tribe of Benjamin, seek to follow God's guidance and direction in your life, even when the path ahead seems uncertain?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 18:12

And their border on the north side was from Jordan,.... Which was the eastern boundary of the tribe, and hence proceeded from east to west, and formed its northern border, which is described in like

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 18:12

And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 18:12

A place distinct from, but near unto Beth-el, as may be gathered from .

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 18:12

Joshua 18:12 And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven. Joshua 18:13 And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which [is] Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that [lieth] on the south side of the nether Bethhoron. Joshua 18:14 And the border was drawn [thence], and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that [lieth] before Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah: this [was] the west quarter. Ver. 12-14. See the notes above on chap. 15,16.

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 18:12

THE OF .(11-28) The lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin.—It can have been by no accident that their lot came forth “between Judah and Joseph.” No wiser method could have been devised to secure an united Israel than thus to make Benjamin the link between the two most powerful and naturally rival tribes. In the story of Joseph, the brethren are reconciled through the mutual affection of Judah and Joseph for Benjamin as their father’s youngest and best-loved son. The position thus given to Benjamin under Joshua was still further developed by circumstances. The tribe was almost exterminated in the time of the judges; the survivors were united in marriage with women of Ephraim and Manasseh (?). On the other hand, the city of Jerusalem, although assigned by Joshua to Benjamin, was first a joint possession of Judah and Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:28; 1 Chronicles 8:32; Judges 1:8; Judges 1:21), then the royal city of the kings of the house of Judah. The selection of the first king of Israel from Benjamin, and the ultimate planting of the religious and political centre of all the tribes on the confines of Judah and Benjamin in Jerusalem, would have been two masterstrokes of policy if they had been schemes of man’s devising. They were really links in the long chain of God’s providential dealing with the chosen people. (12) And their border.—This is first described on the north side, where it coincided with the southern border of Ephraim. Conder draws it from El ‘Aujeh (sheet 15), five miles north of Jericho, towards Beth-el (Beitin), perhaps going along the Wβdy’ Aujeh, Beth-el lying within the territory of Benjamin (Joshua 18:22), and so on to Archi (Joshua 16:2), now Ain ‘Arik (near the top of sheet 17), and thence to Ataroth-addar (Ed-Dβrieh), near Beth-horon the nether (Beit- ϋr-et-Tahta). This line is from east to west. (14) And the border was drawn thence . . .—At this point it turns southward, and runs from the neighbourhood of Beth-horon to Kirjath-jearim (Khurbet ‘Erma, in sheet 17: very small, and not easily found). Corner of the sea.—Ph’ath Yβm, “the west side.” (15) And the south quarter.—Here the borderline again turns to the east, and runs to Ain Atβn (the waters of Nephtoah), near Bethlehem. Thence it turns to the north-east, and follows the line described above (Joshua 15:6-8) as the northern boundary of Judah. (17) The stone of Bohan the son of Reuben must have been near the Jordan. Is it possible that Bohan, the son of Reuben, did on his own account what was done for all Israel by the command of Joshua? (Joshua 4:8). (21) The cities of the tribe of . . . Benjamin.—The following are identified: viz., in Joshua 18:21, ‘Ain-es-Sultan,’ Ain Hajlah (sheet 18); Joshua 18:22, Khurbet es-Sϊmnrah, Beitin (sheet 18); Joshua 18:23, Fβtah (sheet 18), Taiyibeh (sheet 14); Joshua 18:24, Jeb ‘a (sheet 17). (22) Beth-el seems to have passed into the hands of Ephraim without question when the tribe of Benjamin was all but exterminated.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 18:12

Verse 12. The wilderness of Beth-aven.] This was the same as Beth-el; but this name was not given to it till Jeroboam had fixed one of his golden calves there. Its first name signifies the house of God; its second, the house of iniquity.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 18:12

12. And their border on the north side] The northern boundary of Benjamin mainly coincided with the southern boundary of Ephraim. from Jordan] Commencing from the Jordan on the east, their boundary ascended to the mountains west and north-west of Jericho as far as “the wilderness of Beth-aven,” i.e. the bare and rocky heights to the east and north of Michmash. The situation of Beth-aven has been already described, above, ch. Joshua 7:2.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 18:12

12. Their border on the north side was identical with the south border of Ephraim, (Joshua 16:1-10,) as far as Lower Beth-boron.

Sermons on Joshua 18:12

SermonDescription
George Miley Why Does God Allow Crises by George Miley In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of crises and how God uses them to deal with sin and get our attention. He uses the example of the Israelites in the book of Josh
Leonard Ravenhill The Power of Faith - Alone With God by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher expresses a desire for manifestations of God that cannot be logically explained, particularly in prison cells in Russia and other countries. He critici
Alden Gannett Studies in Joshua 02 - Entering the Land by Alden Gannett In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going back to the book of God to be reminded of what He has done. He highlights the faith and trust in God that the priests
Peter Masters Mind Over Materialism by Peter Masters This sermon delves into the story of Rahab in the Old Testament, highlighting her transition from a polytheistic, materialistic society to a believer in the one true God. It emphas
Richard Sipley Whosoever Will (Joshua Part 3) by Richard Sipley Richard Sipley emphasizes the story of Rahab in Joshua 2, illustrating how even those deemed sinful can find salvation through faith in God. He discusses the importance of recogniz
John Sung A Harlot Found Salvation by John Sung John Sung preaches about the salvation of Rahab, a harlot who recognized her need for salvation amidst the impending destruction of Jericho. He emphasizes that while the world is d
Clement of Rome The Rewards of Hospitality by Clement of Rome Clement of Rome highlights the story of Rahab the harlot, emphasizing her faith, hospitality, and role in the salvation of the spies sent by Joshua to Jericho. Rahab's courageous a

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