Joshua 18 23

Joshua 18:23 kjv

And Avim, and Pharah, and Ophrah,

Joshua 18:23 nkjv

Avim, Parah, Ophrah,

Joshua 18:23 niv

Avvim, Parah, Ophrah,

Joshua 18:23 esv

Avvim, Parah, Ophrah,

Joshua 18:23 nlt

Avvim, Parah, Ophrah,

Joshua 18 verses

Joshua 18 23 Meaning

Joshua 18:23 details three specific cities—Avim, Parah, and Ophrah—that were designated as part of the inheritance allocated to the tribe of Benjamin. This verse serves as a continuation of the meticulously recorded list of towns and their associated territories within Benjamin's tribal allotment, affirming the fulfillment of God's promise regarding the land.

Joshua 18 23 Context

Joshua chapter 18 is central to the land distribution among the Israelite tribes after the initial conquests. It describes a critical phase where Joshua, under divine direction, establishes a methodical process for allocating the remaining tribal inheritances. After Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh had received their portions, the tabernacle was set up in Shiloh, making it a central sanctuary. Joshua then commanded the remaining seven tribes to send out surveyors to map the land. Upon their return, he cast lots before the Lord in Shiloh to assign the territories. Verses 11-28 specifically detail the lot that fell to the tribe of Benjamin, meticulously listing its boundaries and then, from verse 21 onwards, enumerating the cities contained within its inheritance. Joshua 18:23 simply continues this exhaustive list of Benjaminite towns, showing the divine fulfillment of ancient promises and the meticulous nature of God's providence in establishing Israel in the Promised Land. This meticulous naming underscores the concrete, historical reality of God’s covenant promises.

Joshua 18 23 Word analysis

• And (וְ): (ve-, u-) This simple Hebrew conjunctive particle functions to link words, phrases, or clauses, signifying continuation. Here, it simply connects the cities in an exhaustive list, indicating each name as another element in Benjamin's allocated territory.
• Avim (הָעַוִּים): (hā-‘Awwîm) The name appears to be derived from a plural form. The `ha-` prefix is the definite article "the." `Avvim` means "ruins" or possibly "crookedness/perverseness." There was a people group, the Avvites (mentioned in Deut 2:23), who previously inhabited a region of the coastal plain. While the exact historical connection of this specific city to that people group is not explicit, the name might suggest an area marked by previous destruction or a location inhabited by a specific ancient group now dispossessed, showing the transformation under Israelite rule.
• Parah (וּפָרָה): (ū-Phārāh) This name literally means "heifer" or "cow." This could suggest the area was known for its pasturage, fertility, or for livestock. Located historically northeast of Jerusalem, it likely indicated an agricultural settlement or grazing land within Benjamin’s allotment.
• Ophrah (וְעָפְרָה): (ve-‘Ōphrāh) The Hebrew word can mean "fawn," "dust," or "ash." This place name appears several times in the Bible. It is crucial to distinguish this Ophrah, located in Benjamin's territory, from the Ophrah in Manasseh where Gideon lived (Judg 6:11, 8:27), illustrating that common place names were reused across different regions in ancient Israel. The name might hint at the local environment (e.g., dusty ground, prevalence of deer) or historical events, or perhaps even a place associated with humility or judgment (dust/ash).
• Words-Group analysis: "And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah": This repetitive structure, connecting each place name with "and," emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the land allocation. It is a precise, detailed inventory, not merely a generalization. This meticulous naming attests to the factual fulfillment of the covenant and the meticulousness of God’s providential ordering. It highlights the divine establishment of geographical and political identity for the tribe of Benjamin within the larger tribal landscape, underscoring the legal and religious significance of these boundary lines and specific cities.

Joshua 18 23 Bonus section

• Archaeological Significance: While specific archaeological evidence for Avim is scarce, the existence of many named Benjaminite cities in subsequent historical periods, often near proposed sites for Parah (modern Fara) and Ophrah (perhaps et-Taiyibeh), validates the historical accuracy of these lists. Such detailed geographical accounts provided critical reference points for future generations in legal disputes and tribal identity.
• Literary Device: The exhaustive lists of cities throughout Joshua (chapters 13-21) serve not merely as factual records but also as a powerful literary device demonstrating the completeness of the divine grant of land, even if the practical conquest was ongoing. It visually and textually affirmed that the land had been legally given to Israel by God, securing their claim despite continued opposition.
• Preparation for Kingdom: These meticulous divisions of the land, providing each tribe a defined sphere of influence, laid the foundational administrative framework necessary for the development of a unified Israelite nation and, eventually, the establishment of the monarchy. The order and structure ensured communal stability and adherence to covenant law within specific territorial boundaries.

Joshua 18 23 Commentary

Joshua 18:23, while appearing to be a simple list of cities, profoundly underscores the theme of divine faithfulness and the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to Israel. The meticulous detailing of each city, down to these seemingly unremarkable names like Avim, Parah, and Ophrah, attests to the literal and precise allocation of the Promised Land. This record provided clear legal boundaries for the tribe of Benjamin, preventing future disputes and establishing their identity and inheritance as ordained by God. It served as a vital historical and legal document, grounding the tribe’s presence in a tangible, God-given territory. These names, though specific to ancient geography, reflect the larger truth that God’s promises are concrete, measurable, and brought to pass, establishing Israel’s national identity and unique relationship with Him on the land He swore to give them.