Joshua 18 18

Joshua 18:18 kjv

And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah:

Joshua 18:18 nkjv

Then it passed along toward the north side of Arabah, and went down to Arabah.

Joshua 18:18 niv

It continued to the northern slope of Beth Arabah and on down into the Arabah.

Joshua 18:18 esv

and passing on to the north of the shoulder of Beth-arabah it goes down to the Arabah.

Joshua 18:18 nlt

From there it passed along the north side of the slope overlooking the Jordan Valley. The border then went down into the valley,

Joshua 18 verses

Joshua 18 18 Meaning

Joshua 18:18 describes a segment of the southern boundary line of the tribe of Benjamin. This line begins its descent northward from a previous point, passes Beth-arabah, and continues its descent until it reaches the geographical region known as the Arabah, which is the great rift valley. It is a precise geographical detail underscoring the exactness of the land division by divine command.

Joshua 18 18 Context

Joshua chapter 18 details the division of the remaining land among the seven Israelite tribes who had not yet received their inheritance: Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan. After the first allocations to Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh (chapters 14-17), Joshua sends out three men from each of these seven tribes to survey and map the land. Upon their return, the land is divided by lot at Shiloh, before the tabernacle, emphasizing God's oversight in the distribution. Joshua 18:18 is part of the meticulous description of the boundary given to the tribe of Benjamin, specifically delineating its southern border. This level of detail highlights the importance of established and undisputed tribal boundaries, vital for a stable society and fulfilling God's covenant promise of specific territory to each family within Israel.

Joshua 18 18 Word analysis

• Then (וַיָּרַד, wa-yārad): This conjunction with the verb "went down" indicates sequential action, linking this part of the boundary description to the previous points. It signifies a continuation of the demarcation process described from Josh 18:11 onwards.
• it went down (וַיָּרַד, wa-yārad): The Hebrew verb יָרַד (yarad) literally means "to go down," "to descend," or "to drop." Here, it vividly describes the topographic reality of the boundary line as it follows the contours of the land. This suggests that natural geographical features, such as valleys or depressions, were used as clear, identifiable markers for the borders, making them discernible to future generations.
• toward the north (מִצָּפוֹן, miṣṣāphôn): "From the north" or "to the north." This prepositional phrase indicates direction, specifically that the boundary line's descent was in a northerly direction from its previous point. In ancient land descriptions, precise directional markers were crucial for unambiguous identification of borders.
• in front of (מּוּל, mûl): This Hebrew preposition signifies "in front of," "opposite," or "alongside." It indicates the location of the boundary relative to Beth-arabah. It means the line passed by, or aligned itself with, this settlement. The careful positioning "in front of" or "opposite" specific landmarks served as visual aids for the ancient people.
• Beth-arabah (בֵּית הָעֲרָבָה, Bêṯ hā-ʿǍrāvâ): This is a specific settlement name, meaning "House of the Arabah" or "House of the Desert/Wilderness Plain." It implies a settlement located within or very close to the Arabah region. Mentioning a town confirms the exactness of the survey and served as an easily recognizable point on the map. This town is also mentioned as being in Judah's lot (Josh 15:6, 15:61) and also assigned to Benjamin, implying it might have been a shared border town or that its boundaries shifted slightly. Such overlapping mentions or complex border points often required detailed textual specification.
• and went down (וְיָרַד, wə-yārad): Reiterates the topographical descent, confirming the direction and continuing slope. This repetition emphasizes the consistent downward gradient the border follows.
• to the Arabah (אֶל-הָעֲרָבָה, ʾel hā-ʿǍrāvâ): This is a major geographical feature: the large rift valley that stretches from the Sea of Galilee, through the Jordan River Valley, past the Dead Sea, and southward to the Gulf of Aqaba (Elat). The name itself means "desert plain" or "wilderness." For the border to "go down to the Arabah" means it reached this prominent, unmistakable low-lying geographical feature, establishing a natural and clear boundary. This region served as a natural demarcation line, known and understood by all.

Joshua 18 18 Bonus section

The term Arabah refers to a significant geographical and ecological zone, known for its arid, desolate, yet distinct topography. Its prominence as a border feature underscores its unmistakable nature as a natural boundary. In some traditions, specific places like Beth-arabah might have held strategic importance or were associated with local tribal memories. The act of documenting such detailed boundaries, including those descending into difficult terrain like the Arabah, reinforces the idea that Israel's possession of the land was not by military might alone but by divine ordinance, with every detail overseen by God. The "drawing of the lines" and the precise mapping, as seen in Joshua, echoes later wisdom teachings on not moving ancient landmarks (Deut 19:14, Prov 22:28), demonstrating a continuity in the value placed on God-given inheritance and order throughout Israel's history.

Joshua 18 18 Commentary

Joshua 18:18 provides a very technical, geographical detail within the meticulously documented allocation of the land of Canaan. Far from being a mere dry list, this verse underscores the divine precision and faithfulness in fulfilling God's ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding a land for their descendants (Gen 12:7, 15:18). The meticulous description of boundaries, down to the exact contours and specific landmarks like "Beth-arabah" and the prominent "Arabah," served multiple purposes. Firstly, it legitimized Israel's claim to the land as a direct, God-given inheritance, setting their territory apart from arbitrarily claimed lands of surrounding nations. Secondly, it prevented tribal disputes over property lines, providing a clear legal framework for land ownership, which was fundamental to Israelite societal structure. This also highlighted God's meticulous care for His people, ensuring each family received its designated portion, underscoring that His plans are detailed and accurate. Spiritually, it mirrors how God establishes clear "boundaries" for His people, both in terms of spiritual inheritance (Eph 1:11-14, 1 Pet 1:4) and the path of righteousness, which brings blessings when followed.