Joshua 18 25

Joshua 18:25 kjv

Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,

Joshua 18:25 nkjv

Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth,

Joshua 18:25 niv

Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth,

Joshua 18:25 esv

Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth,

Joshua 18:25 nlt

Also Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth,

Joshua 18 verses

Joshua 18 25 Meaning

Joshua 18:25 lists three cities, Gibeon, Ramah, and Beeroth, as part of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. This verse specifically enumerates towns within the boundaries defined for Benjamin in the promised land, confirming the precise fulfillment of God's promises regarding the land distribution among the Israelite tribes. These cities were strategically significant points within Benjamin's territory, representing both established population centers and geographical markers for the tribal inheritance.

Joshua 18 25 Context

Joshua 18, beginning after the initial division of land for Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 13-17), focuses on the second phase of tribal inheritance. With the tent of meeting now established in Shiloh, Joshua orchestrates the detailed survey and division of the remaining seven tribes' allotments. This meticulous process, involving three men from each of these seven tribes who went to describe the land by cities, aims to ensure each tribe received a designated portion by lot.

Specifically, verses 21-28 of chapter 18 list the cities allocated to the tribe of Benjamin, a relatively small but historically significant tribe whose territory bordered Judah and Ephraim. These detailed lists, including our verse 25, underscore the thoroughness and divine guidance in the land's distribution, solidifying the new covenant community's physical establishment in the Promised Land. The enumeration is not merely a geographic catalog but a record of God's faithfulness in delivering on His promises and establishing order among His people.

Joshua 18 25 Word analysis

• Gibeon (גִּבְעוֹן - Gib'on): Derived from the root meaning "hill" or "elevated place." This city holds significant historical weight. It was the leading city of the Gibeonite confederacy that tricked Joshua into a covenant (Josh 9), sparing them from destruction but consigning them to perpetual service. Later, it was where the sun and moon stood still at Joshua's command during a pivotal battle (Josh 10). Gibeon was also designated as a Levitical city and served as a major high place where Solomon sought wisdom from God (1 Ki 3). Its mention confirms Benjamin's northern border extending to a historically recognized landmark.
• Ramah (רָמָה - Ramah): Meaning "height" or "elevated place." This name is common for towns built on high ground, suggesting a strategic defensive position. This particular Ramah within Benjamin's territory is famously associated with the prophet Samuel, as his home and the center of his judicial circuit (1 Sam 7:17). It was a strategic point disputed between Israel and Judah during the Divided Monarchy (1 Ki 15:17-22), emphasizing its geographical importance. Its inclusion delineates another key boundary marker for Benjamin.
• Beeroth (בְּאֵרוֹת - Be'erot): Meaning "wells" or "fountains." This city was also part of the Gibeonite confederacy that deceived Israel (Josh 9:17). Its name implies the presence of vital water sources, making it a valuable settlement in the arid region. The inclusion of Beeroth further confirms the historical footprint of the Gibeonite alliance within the Benjamite inheritance and serves as another identifiable marker on their allocated territory.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth: This enumeration showcases the precision with which the land was divided. Each city named serves as a concrete geographical point, contributing to the definition of Benjamin's precise territorial boundaries. These cities, particularly Gibeon and Beeroth due to the Gibeonite treaty, were already established settlements. Their inclusion within Benjamin's lot highlights that Israel's inheritance encompassed not just empty land but existing inhabited places, over which God was giving them sovereign control. The consistent repetition of "and" ("וְ" - we) serves to meticulously list each point, emphasizing the thoroughness of the division process.

Joshua 18 25 Bonus section

The consistent listing of cities within tribal allotments throughout Joshua (e.g., chapters 15-19) reveals an important administrative and theological truth: the establishment of the Israelite nation was not just about abstract promises, but about tangible, concrete realities on the ground. This meticulous detail contrasts with ancient Near Eastern conquests, which often focused only on tribute and power without detailed land division among distinct groups. Here, God's ownership of the land is demonstrated by His distribution of it, defining boundaries that would remain significant for centuries, shaping the socio-political and spiritual identity of each tribe. The Gibeonite cities like Gibeon and Beeroth, being part of this inherited territory despite the peculiar treaty, also serve as a constant reminder of the binding nature of oaths made before God, even when deceitfully acquired.

Joshua 18 25 Commentary

Joshua 18:25, though seemingly a simple listing of names, profoundly reinforces the precision and divine order in the distribution of the Promised Land. These cities – Gibeon, Ramah, and Beeroth – are not merely anonymous dots on a map; they are historically resonant locations within Benjamin's territory. Their explicit mention underscores the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, detailing the very places that would become the tribal strongholds and everyday residences of the Benjamites. This specific list points to God's faithfulness in providing a complete and designated inheritance. The thoroughness of the land survey and allocation also ensured that each tribe had its defined boundaries, mitigating future disputes and reinforcing national unity under God's appointed order. It is a testament to the fact that God’s promises are detailed and perfectly executed, down to specific locations.