Joshua 15:8 - The border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom to the side of the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem) southward; and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the farthest part of the valley of Rephaim northward.
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What does "Joshua 15:8" mean?
Joshua 15:8 is describing a portion of the border of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah in the land of Canaan after the Israelites conquered it. Let's break it down:
"The border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom..." This establishes the starting point of this section of the border. The Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) was a deep, narrow valley just outside of Jerusalem, known historically for pagan rituals.
"...to the side of the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem) southward..." This indicates that the border ran along the south side of Jerusalem, which was then occupied by the Jebusites. Jerusalem, at this time, was primarily the fortified city on the Temple Mount area. The southern slope of the city bordered the Valley of Hinnom.
"...and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the valley of Hinnom westward..." The border then climbed westward, from the Valley of Hinnom, to the summit of a mountain situated west of that valley. This would likely be a prominent ridge or hill overlooking the Valley of Hinnom.
"...which is at the farthest part of the valley of Rephaim northward." This further clarifies the location of the mountain. It states that this mountain (and thus the border) was situated at the northern edge of the Valley of Rephaim (also known as the Refaim Valley). The Valley of Rephaim was a fertile plain southwest of Jerusalem.
In essence, the verse is describing a boundary line that:
1. Follows the Valley of Hinnom along the southern edge of Jerusalem.
2. Ascends westward up a mountain overlooking the Valley of Hinnom.
3. This mountain marks the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim.
Why is this important?
Geographical Definition: The primary purpose is to delineate the territory given to the tribe of Judah. These kinds of detailed geographical descriptions were important for resolving land disputes and establishing ownership.
Historical Context: The verse provides insights into the political landscape of the time. It acknowledges that Jerusalem was still in Jebusite hands, even as the surrounding territory was being allocated to the Israelites.
Biblical Significance: Understanding these geographical boundaries helps to ground the biblical narratives in a real historical and geographical context. The events described in the Bible unfolded in specific places, and knowing where those places are enhances our understanding of the stories.
In short, this verse is a piece of a detailed property description, marking the edge of Judah's allotted territory by referencing prominent geographical features.
Joshua 15:8 - The border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom to the side of the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem) southward; and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the farthest part of the valley of Rephaim northward.
What does "Joshua 15:8" mean?
Joshua 15:8 is describing a portion of the border of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah in the land of Canaan after the Israelites conquered it. Let's break it down:
"The border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom..." This establishes the starting point of this section of the border. The Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) was a deep, narrow valley just outside of Jerusalem, known historically for pagan rituals.
"...to the side of the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem) southward..." This indicates that the border ran along the south side of Jerusalem, which was then occupied by the Jebusites. Jerusalem, at this time, was primarily the fortified city on the Temple Mount area. The southern slope of the city bordered the Valley of Hinnom.
"...and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the valley of Hinnom westward..." The border then climbed westward, from the Valley of Hinnom, to the summit of a mountain situated west of that valley. This would likely be a prominent ridge or hill overlooking the Valley of Hinnom.
"...which is at the farthest part of the valley of Rephaim northward." This further clarifies the location of the mountain. It states that this mountain (and thus the border) was situated at the northern edge of the Valley of Rephaim (also known as the Refaim Valley). The Valley of Rephaim was a fertile plain southwest of Jerusalem.
In essence, the verse is describing a boundary line that:
1. Follows the Valley of Hinnom along the southern edge of Jerusalem.
2. Ascends westward up a mountain overlooking the Valley of Hinnom.
3. This mountain marks the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim.
Why is this important?
Geographical Definition: The primary purpose is to delineate the territory given to the tribe of Judah. These kinds of detailed geographical descriptions were important for resolving land disputes and establishing ownership.
Historical Context: The verse provides insights into the political landscape of the time. It acknowledges that Jerusalem was still in Jebusite hands, even as the surrounding territory was being allocated to the Israelites.
Biblical Significance: Understanding these geographical boundaries helps to ground the biblical narratives in a real historical and geographical context. The events described in the Bible unfolded in specific places, and knowing where those places are enhances our understanding of the stories.
In short, this verse is a piece of a detailed property description, marking the edge of Judah's allotted territory by referencing prominent geographical features.