Joshua 18 14

Joshua 18:14 kjv

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.

Joshua 18:14 nkjv

Then the border extended around the west side to the south, from the hill that lies before Beth Horon southward; and it ended at Kirjath Baal (which is Kirjath Jearim), a city of the children of Judah. This was the west side.

Joshua 18:14 niv

From the hill facing Beth Horon on the south the boundary turned south along the western side and came out at Kiriath Baal (that is, Kiriath Jearim), a town of the people of Judah. This was the western side.

Joshua 18:14 esv

Then the boundary goes in another direction, turning on the western side southward from the mountain that lies to the south, opposite Beth-horon, and it ends at Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), a city belonging to the people of Judah. This forms the western side.

Joshua 18:14 nlt

The boundary then made a turn and swung south along the western edge of the hill facing Beth-horon, ending at the village of Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), a town belonging to the tribe of Judah. This was the western boundary.

Joshua 18 verses

Joshua 18 14 Meaning

This verse describes a specific segment of the southern border for the tribe of Benjamin, which simultaneously defined part of the northern border of the tribe of Judah. It details how the boundary line extended from a previous point, moving generally southwestward, to a notable mountain near Beth-horon, before terminating at Kiriath-baal, which was also known as Kiriath-jearim. This precise geographical description highlights the methodical and orderly distribution of the Promised Land to the tribes of Israel, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises and providing clear legal and administrative boundaries for their inheritance.

Joshua 18 14 Context

Joshua chapter 18 details the division of the remaining unconquered land west of the Jordan among the seven tribes who had not yet received their full inheritance. Judah and the tribes of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) had already received their portions in the preceding chapters. Joshua 18 opens with the assembly at Shiloh, where the Tabernacle had been set up, signifying a spiritual center for the distributed land. Joshua charges three men from each of the seven remaining tribes to survey the land, describe it in seven sections, and bring their findings to him (v. 4-6). This surveying process indicates human participation under divine guidance, ensuring an organized and equitable distribution by lot.

Joshua 18:14 specifically outlines a segment of Benjamin's southern boundary (which serves as Judah's northern boundary), after outlining Benjamin's northern border in verses 11-13. The meticulous detailing of these geographical markers, often including prominent natural features like mountains or named cities, underscores the importance of tribal land identity and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel. This was critical for the peace and governance of the tribes, preventing disputes over inheritance and ensuring that each tribe had its defined place in the land God had given them.

Joshua 18 14 Word analysis

• Then: Connects this verse to the preceding description of Benjamin's northern boundary or an implied starting point. It indicates the progression of the boundary demarcation.
• the border (Heb. ha-gevul, הַגְּבוּל): Refers to a definite and demarcated boundary line. In the Bible, boundaries (גבול) represent a sacred and legally defined space, central to the concept of inheritance (nachalah), signifying the divinely allotted portion and securing a tribe's identity and livelihood. Moving or disregarding them was considered a serious offense (Prov 22:28, Deut 19:14).
• went out (Heb. yatsa, יָצָא): Implies the continuation or extension of the boundary line from a previous point. It suggests the active, surveyed process of laying out the land.
• from there (Heb. mi-sham, מִשָּׁם): Points to a specific location previously referenced or implicitly understood as the origin of this particular segment. In this context, it connects to the western terminus or a significant point along the Beth-horon valley mentioned in the delineation of Benjamin's northern border (v. 13) or Judah's earlier northern border (Josh 15).
• southwest: This is an interpretative translation summing up a general direction. The original Hebrew descriptions of direction typically use more specific terms like "westward" (yamah) or "south" (darom). The combination implies the general bearing of this segment, starting in the western region (likely near the western portion of Judah's previously defined northern border or near Beth-horon) and proceeding in a southerly direction to Kiriath-jearim, resulting in a perceived southwestern movement. It effectively charts a course along Judah's northern and Benjamin's southern boundary.
• to the mountain that lies south of Beth-horon: A geographical landmark. "Beth-horon" refers to a strategic pass and two cities (Upper and Lower Beth-horon), critical for communication and military control between the coastal plain and the central highlands. Its repeated mention in the context of borders (also in Josh 10:10-11, 16:3) underscores its importance. "Mountain" indicates a specific elevation or range providing a clear, enduring natural marker.
• and it ended at (Heb. v'haya totz'otav el, וְהָיָה תּוֹצְאֹתָיו אֶל): Literally, "and its outcome was toward" or "its exits were toward." This phrase signifies the terminus or endpoint of this border segment.
• Kiriath-baal (which is Kiriath-jearim): A city that marks the final point of this border segment.
  • Kiriath-baal: Meaning "City of Baal." This original name indicates a prior Canaanite city dedicated to the pagan god Baal. The explicit mention of the old name suggests its Canaanite heritage.
  • Kiriath-jearim (Heb. Kiryat Ye'arim, קִרְיַת יְעָרִים): Meaning "City of Forests" or "City of Woods." The inclusion of this Israelite name after the former, pagan name highlights the displacement of Canaanite influence and the Israelite occupation and renaming of the land. This renaming process was a subtle but clear polemic against contemporary Baal worship, demonstrating Yahweh's supremacy and Israel's purification of the land as commanded (Num 33:52, Deut 12:2-3). This city later gained significant biblical prominence as the place where the Ark of the Covenant resided for 20 years after being returned by the Philistines (1 Sam 7:1-2), before David moved it to Jerusalem.

Words-group analysis

• "Then the border went out from there, southwest": This phrase emphasizes the methodical, surveyed process of defining territory, following on from previous boundary descriptions. It underlines the careful delineation undertaken by Joshua's surveyors to ensure that each tribe received its designated portion as part of God's fulfilled promise.
• "to the mountain that lies south of Beth-horon, and it ended at Kiriath-baal (which is Kiriath-jearim)": This combination specifies natural and man-made (or natural, but settled and renamed) landmarks as crucial boundary markers. The detailed listing of specific geographical points showcases the specificity of God's provision and the meticulousness of the ancient Israelite process, reducing ambiguity and potential conflict over land. The dual naming of Kiriath-Baal/Kiriath-Jearim serves both as an aid to identification (referencing a familiar location by both its pagan and its later Israelite names) and a theological statement about the transformation of the land under Israelite rule, symbolically erasing the worship of false gods.

Joshua 18 14 Bonus section

• God's Ordered Provision: The detailed nature of this verse, like others describing boundaries, emphasizes God's character as a God of order and precision (1 Cor 14:33). He does not provide ambiguously or chaotically, but with clear definition for His people's blessing and peace. This reflects a divine providence that governs all boundaries, whether physical territories or the course of human history (Acts 17:26).
• Archaeological and Historical Significance: The mention of places like Beth-horon highlights locations of enduring strategic importance in the land, sites often corroborated by archaeology for their role in trade, defense, and communication throughout different historical periods.
• Symbolic of Spiritual Inheritance: Just as ancient Israel received a physical inheritance with clearly defined boundaries, believers today receive a spiritual inheritance in Christ. While not a literal plot of land, this inheritance is just as certain, secured, and defined by God's promises and purposes, providing a framework for our identity and purpose in Him (Eph 1:11-14; Col 1:12).

Joshua 18 14 Commentary

Joshua 18:14, though seemingly a dry geographical detail, is a profoundly theological statement embedded in the narrative of God's covenant faithfulness. It meticulously delineates a section of Benjamin's southern border, an area also critical as Judah's northern boundary. The precision of the description — noting direction, significant natural features like "the mountain south of Beth-horon," and well-known cities like "Kiriath-baal/Kiriath-jearim" — underscores God's commitment to fulfilling His promise to Abraham concerning the land (Gen 15:18).

This careful demarcation ensured that each tribe had its distinct inheritance, preventing inter-tribal disputes and establishing a basis for orderly societal life (Prov 22:28). The process, which involved human surveying and the casting of lots, reveals a partnership where human responsibility worked within the framework of divine will and supervision (Josh 18:4-10). The inclusion of "Kiriath-baal (which is Kiriath-jearim)" also subtly illustrates Israel's progressive claim over the land and its theological purification. Renaming "City of Baal" to "City of Forests" signifies the removal of idolatrous influences and the establishment of a Yahweh-worshipping society, echoing commands to eliminate pagan names and practices (Num 33:52). This very city, Kiriath-jearim, later played a significant role as a sanctuary for the Ark of the Covenant, further cementing its significance in Israel's history beyond merely a border marker.