Joshua 18 13

Joshua 18:13 kjv

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 18:13 nkjv

The border went over from there toward Luz, to the side of Luz (which is Bethel) southward; and the border descended to Ataroth Addar, near the hill that lies on the south side of Lower Beth Horon.

Joshua 18:13 niv

From there it crossed to the south slope of Luz (that is, Bethel) and went down to Ataroth Addar on the hill south of Lower Beth Horon.

Joshua 18:13 esv

From there the boundary passes along southward in the direction of Luz, to the shoulder of Luz (that is, Bethel), then the boundary goes down to Ataroth-addar, on the mountain that lies south of Lower Beth-horon.

Joshua 18:13 nlt

From there the boundary went south to Luz (that is, Bethel) and proceeded down to Ataroth-addar on the hill that lies south of Lower Beth-horon.

Joshua 18 verses

Joshua 18 13 Meaning

Joshua 18:13 meticulously describes a segment of the northern boundary line for the tribal territory of Benjamin. This particular section starts from a previously defined point, moving westward towards the significant site of Luz, also known as Bethel, which marked its southern edge in that direction. The border then continued by descending to Ataroth-addar, located near a specific hill to the south of nether Beth-horon. This precise geographical description signifies the fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land's distribution and established the definite limits of Benjamin's inheritance.

Joshua 18 13 Context

Joshua 18:13 is part of a larger section (Joshua 18-19) detailing the division of the land of Canaan among the remaining seven tribes after Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh had already received their portions. Following the initial conquest, the main camp was moved to Shiloh, and Joshua directed that the land be surveyed to ensure a fair and equitable distribution by lot. The book of Joshua consistently emphasizes the meticulous adherence to God's instructions for the land's allotment, underscoring divine faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel. This specific verse contributes to the highly detailed and legalistic description of the tribal boundaries for Benjamin, who would reside in a strategically vital area between the powerful tribes of Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north. Its precision highlights the seriousness and permanency of this divine distribution.

Joshua 18 13 Word analysis

• And the border (וְגָבַל, v'gāval)

  • וְ (vav): "and," a conjunction, linking this border segment to previous descriptions.
  • גָבַל (gāval): From the noun גְּבוּל (gevul), meaning "boundary" or "territory." The verb here means "to border," "to mark a boundary." This emphasizes the active demarcation process and God's sovereignty over these precise lines. The concept of God setting boundaries is significant throughout Scripture, reflecting order and divine intention for creation and for nations.

• went over (וְעָבַר, v'āvar)

  • עָבַר (avar): "to pass over," "to cross." Denotes movement, indicating the border continued its course from a preceding point, geographically traversing the landscape. This word choice conveys the dynamic nature of surveying the land.

• from thence (מִשָּׁם, mishsham)

  • מִ (min): "from."
  • שָׁם (sham): "there." Refers to a previously described point, maintaining continuity in the geographical description.

• toward Luz (אֶל־ל֔וּז, 'el Luz)

  • אֶל ('el): "to," "toward."
  • לוּז (Luz): An ancient pre-Israelite name for a significant city, known later as Bethel. The dual naming indicates historical progression and reinforces identification.

• to the side of Luz (לְכֶ֥תֶף לוּז֙, l'chetheph Luz)

  • לְכֶתֶף (l'chetheph): "to the shoulder" or "to the side." This describes the orientation of the border relative to Luz, specifically implying its slope or geographical feature associated with the city. It's a vivid descriptor for geographical orientation.

• which is Bethel (הִ֣יא בֵּֽית־אֵ֗ל, hi Beit-'El)

  • הִיא (hi): "it is" or "she is" (feminine pronoun agreeing with Luz).
  • בֵּית־אֵל (Beit-'El): "House of God." The new name for Luz, given by Jacob after his dream (Gen 28:19). This highlights the theological significance of the location as a place of divine encounter and covenant establishment. Its inclusion firmly places this boundary within the sacred history of Israel.

• southward (נֶֽגְבָּה֙, negbah)

  • נֶגְבָּה (negbah): "to the Negeb," meaning "southward" or "towards the south." Indicates the cardinal direction of the border at that point.

• and the border descended (וְיָרַ֤ד הַגְּבוּל֙, v'yarad haggĕvûl)

  • יָרַד (yarad): "to go down," "to descend." Implying a geographical downward slope or valley that the border follows. This shows the practical topography affecting the border line.

• to Ataroth-addar (לְעַטְר֨וֹת אַדָּר֙, l'Atarōt Addār)

  • עַטְר֤וֹת אַדָּר֙ (Atarot Addar): "Crowns of Addar." A specific place, also mentioned in the boundary of Ephraim (Josh 16:5), underscoring that this border was shared or contiguous with another tribe, often indicative of key junctions in the territorial division.

• near the hill (עַל־הָהָ֔ר, 'al hahār)

  • עַל ('al): "on," "near," "at."
  • הָהָר (hahar): "the mountain" or "the hill." Refers to a prominent but unnamed geographical feature near Ataroth-addar. The definite article "the" suggests it was a well-known landmark.

• that lieth on the south side (אֲשֶׁר֙ מִנֶּ֣גֶב, 'ăšer minnegev)

  • אֲשֶׁר ('asher): "which," "that."
  • מִנֶּ֣גֶב (minnegev): "from the south side." Further specifies the location of the hill relative to other landmarks.

• of the nether Beth-horon (לְבֵ֥ית חֹר֣וֹן תַּחְתּוֹן֙, l'Vêt Ḥorōn Taḥtôn)

  • בֵּית חֹר֣וֹן תַּחְתּוֹן (Beit Horon Tachton): "House of Horon, the lower." A strategically important town, frequently associated with military movements (e.g., Joshua's battle). The term "nether" distinguishes it from an "upper Beth-horon" (Josh 16:5), forming a pair of towns controlling a critical pass.

Words-group Analysis:

• "And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Bethel southward;": This segment precisely delineates the western reach of Benjamin's northern border. The immediate context of "from thence" points to the continuation of a meticulously charted line. The double naming "Luz, which is Bethel" emphasizes not only the geographical marker but also its profound theological and historical significance, dating back to Jacob's covenant encounter. The "southward" qualifier specifies the exact trajectory. This part of the verse ensures no ambiguity about this crucial boundary, confirming its relation to a known spiritual landmark and major route.

• "and the border descended to Ataroth-addar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Beth-horon.": This phrase continues the western boundary, moving downhill, indicating a change in elevation and topography. Ataroth-addar served as another specific marker, importantly appearing in the description of Ephraim's border as well (Josh 16:5), showcasing how tribal boundaries were often interconnected and shared landmarks, requiring great accuracy in their definition. The location "near the hill... south side of nether Beth-horon" pinpoints the final geographical point of this specific border segment, involving another significant strategic locale (Beth-horon) known for its passes and military importance. This detail provided an undeniable point of reference, essential for establishing ownership and avoiding future conflicts.

Joshua 18 13 Bonus section

The highly specific geographical descriptions throughout Joshua are considered evidence of the text's authenticity and careful composition, possibly reflecting ancient land registries or survey documents. This level of detail was essential not only for land management in the immediate period of settlement but also as a legal basis for tribal land claims for generations to come. The emphasis on these physical boundaries also spiritually points to the concept of God having a defined space and purpose for His people. Just as God established precise boundaries for the physical inheritance, He also sets spiritual boundaries and orders for His people's lives and their interactions, ensuring order and peace (1 Cor 14:33). The repetition of these geographic markers, such as Ataroth-addar appearing in both Benjamin's and Ephraim's territory, provides internal consistency and strengthens the overall credibility of the account of land division.

Joshua 18 13 Commentary

Joshua 18:13 is a meticulously detailed geographical description, crucial for understanding the land distribution. Its seemingly technical nature belies deeper theological and practical significance. The precision with which these boundaries are drawn reflects God's ordered allocation of the land, demonstrating His faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). Each landmark, from the sacred site of Bethel (Luz) – a place of divine encounter and covenant renewal – to the strategic Beth-horon pass, served not merely as a boundary marker but as a tangible sign of God's providence and care for His people.

The specific mention of "Luz, which is Bethel," highlights continuity with Israel's spiritual heritage while establishing a present reality of settled possession. The border's movements, "going over" and "descending," suggest a thorough survey of the land, respecting its natural topography. Ataroth-addar’s appearance in both Benjamin’s and Ephraim’s border definitions underscores the intricate and often shared nature of these tribal lines, emphasizing the need for clarity and careful administration by Joshua and Eleazar.

This verse, therefore, is more than a geographical footnote; it's a testament to divine sovereignty in determining the "bounds of their habitation" (Acts 17:26), providing legal clarity, preventing disputes, and fulfilling prophecy, establishing Israel as a settled nation under God's appointed leadership. It paints a picture of stability, order, and God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and their inheritance.