Joshua 18 17

Joshua 18:17 kjv

And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

Joshua 18:17 nkjv

And it went around from the north, went out to En Shemesh, and extended toward Geliloth, which is before the Ascent of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.

Joshua 18:17 niv

It then curved north, went to En Shemesh, continued to Geliloth, which faces the Pass of Adummim, and ran down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben.

Joshua 18:17 esv

Then it bends in a northerly direction going on to En-shemesh, and from there goes to Geliloth, which is opposite the ascent of Adummim. Then it goes down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

Joshua 18:17 nlt

From En-rogel the boundary proceeded in a northerly direction and came to En-shemesh and on to Geliloth (which is across from the slopes of Adummim). Then it went down to the Stone of Bohan. (Bohan was Reuben's son.)

Joshua 18 verses

Joshua 18 17 Meaning

Joshua 18:17 meticulously describes a segment of the southern boundary of the land allocated to the tribe of Benjamin. This boundary extends from En Shemesh, then eastward towards Geliloth, positioned opposite the ascent of Adummim, and subsequently descends to the identifiable landmark of the Stone of Bohan, which is noted as belonging to Bohan the son of Reuben. The verse is part of the extensive divine and human effort to establish clear inheritances for the tribes of Israel within the Promised Land.

Joshua 18 17 Context

Joshua chapter 18 records the significant phase of land apportionment among the remaining seven tribes of Israel: Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. After seven tribes, including Judah and Ephraim, had already received their portions, Joshua noticed the delay and inertia among the other tribes in fully taking possession of their inheritance. He challenged them to go forth and survey the yet undivided land, dividing it into seven parts, and returning to him at Shiloh where the tabernacle was centrally located. The precise boundary lines outlined in verses 11-28 for Benjamin, including the detail found in verse 17, are a direct result of this survey and the subsequent casting of lots before the Lord. This method underscores the divine ordering of Israel's tribal inheritances, highlighting God's faithfulness in bringing His people into the promised rest and land that had been pledged for centuries to their patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Joshua 18 17 Word analysis

• and went down (וְיָרַד - və·yā·raḏ): This Hebrew verb indicates a literal movement in descent, suggesting a topographical feature where the border follows a downward slope or approaches a lower elevation, like a valley. This precision highlights the practical details of ancient land demarcation.
• to the border (אֶל־גְּבוּל - ʾel-gə·ḇūl): Refers to the edge or limit of a territory. It signifies the formal line separating one tribal land from another. Such clear boundaries were essential for tribal identity and to prevent conflicts over land.
• En Shemesh (עֵין שֶׁמֶשׁ - 'En Shemesh): Literally "Spring of the Sun." This was a prominent and well-known landmark, likely a perennial spring, named perhaps for its easterly location where the sun would first hit or possibly associated with ancient solar worship, though its mention here is purely geographical. Its designation as a border point, also for Judah (Josh 15:7), underscores its significance as a shared and immutable reference.
• and went out (וְיָצָא - və·yā·ṣāʾ): This verb describes a continuation or an extension of the boundary line from the previous point. It marks the trajectory of the border.
• to Geliloth (אֶל־גְּלִילוֹת - ʾel-gə·lî·lōwṯ): This name means "circles," "districts," or "regions." It likely refers to a geographical area characterized by rolling hills, rounded elevations, or perhaps circular cultivation plots. It's another point also on Judah's northern boundary (Josh 15:7), indicating the shared frontier between Benjamin and Judah.
• which is over against (אֲשֶׁר עַל־פְּנֵי - ʾă·šer ‘al-pə·nê): Translates to "which is upon the face of" or "opposite to." This phrase specifies the precise location or orientation of Geliloth in relation to the following landmark, indicating it lies directly opposite or across from it.
• the ascent (מַעֲלֵה - maʿăleh): Signifies an upward slope or path, clearly indicating a hill or mountainous approach. This details the changing topography the border traverses.
• of Adummim (אֲדֻמִּים - 'Ăḏummîm): Meaning "red places" or "reds," likely named for the reddish hue of its rocks or soil. This area, notoriously difficult terrain, was located on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho and is often associated with the dangerous "Way of the Adummim," later mentioned in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). Its precise identification as a boundary marker attests to its recognition.
• and went down (וְיָרַד - və·yā·raḏ): A repeated verb, indicating another descent in the boundary's course, emphasizing the intricate winding and varied elevation of the territory.
• to the stone (אֶל־אֶבֶן - ʾel-ʾe·ḇen): Refers to a prominent, specific stone. It could be a natural large rock or a man-made monument/pillar, serving as a distinct and permanent boundary marker.
• of Bohan (בֹּהַן - Bohan): This name means "thumb" or "big toe," possibly referring to the shape of the stone itself or to an anatomical feature, a physical characteristic, or an ancient totem/symbol related to the person.
• the son of Reuben (בֶן־רְאוּבֵן - ḇen-Rəʾū·ḇēn): This phrase explicitly links the stone marker to Bohan, an individual from the tribe of Reuben. This detail anchors the geographical point to ancient tribal lineage and historical figures, signifying the long-standing memory and traditions surrounding specific places in the land. The presence of a marker linked to Reuben, a Transjordanian tribe, in Judah's and Benjamin's territory, suggests either a very early, pre-settlement event or a commemorative marker that acknowledged early inter-tribal connections or journeys.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• and went down to the border of En Shemesh: This initial phrase sets the directional flow of the boundary, marking a starting point at a universally recognized geographical feature—a "spring of the sun"—signifying its prominence and easy identification as a border marker for both Judah (from Josh 15:7) and Benjamin.
• and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim: This part continues to define the boundary's path by using a second notable place, "Geliloth," whose exact location is further pinpointed by its position "over against" a significant natural obstacle, "the ascent of Adummim." The highly specific geological markers highlight the diligent survey undertaken by the Israelites and God's detailed guidance in their inheritance.
• and went down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben: This final segment within the verse outlines another topographical change (descent) leading to a physical monument—a "stone." The explicit mention of "Bohan the son of Reuben" connects this fixed landmark not just to geography but to the deep historical and genealogical roots of the tribes, imbuing the border with ancient legacy and significance. It establishes a lasting claim to the land.

Joshua 18 17 Bonus section

The detailed boundary descriptions found in Joshua, including Joshua 18:17, highlight more than just land allocation. They serve to demonstrate the incredible faithfulness and precision of God in delivering on His promises made centuries earlier to the patriarchs (e.g., Gen 15:18). These verses show that God's gifts are tangible and concrete, not merely abstract ideas. The careful demarcation of borders was crucial for establishing clear identity and security for each tribe, preventing future inter-tribal conflicts over land ownership, thereby promoting order and peace. Furthermore, the mentioning of ancient landmarks like "the Stone of Bohan the son of Reuben" provides a deep historical anchor for the Israelites' presence in the land, rooting their current possession in their ancestral narratives. These detailed geographical accounts also provide invaluable information for historical geography and archaeology, often corroborating the biblical record by aligning with later archaeological findings and aiding in the identification of ancient sites.

Joshua 18 17 Commentary

Joshua 18:17 serves as a powerful testament to the precision and divine order of God's fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel. This verse, though seemingly a dry list of ancient place names, is a record of concrete historical and geographical realities. It reveals the careful and systematic allocation of land through lots, emphasizing that God's plan was not vague but meticulous. Each landmark mentioned—a spring, an undulating terrain, a red-hued ascent, and an enduring stone associated with an ancestor—reinforces the tangible nature of the inheritance given to Benjamin. The details solidify the claim and identity of the tribes within their allotted portion, avoiding ambiguity and disputes. This act of divine land distribution under Joshua prefigures the secure spiritual inheritance that believers receive in Christ, which is just as real, though imperishable and eternal. It reminds us that God is faithful in every detail of His promises, providing clearly defined boundaries for His people's well-being and blessing.