Joshua 18:16 - The border went down to the farthest part of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim northward. It went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En Rogel.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Joshua 18:16" mean?
This verse from Joshua 18:16 describes a portion of the southern boundary of the tribal allotment of Benjamin. Let's break it down:
"The border went down to the farthest part of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom...": This indicates the border descended from a mountain (likely a ridge or high point) that overlooked the Valley of the Son of Hinnom (also known as Gehenna). The location of this mountain or specific point is difficult to pinpoint with modern accuracy, but it served as a landmark at the time.
"...which is in the valley of Rephaim northward.": This phrase tells us that the Valley of Hinnom was located to the south of the Valley of Rephaim. The Valley of Rephaim was a fertile valley, known for its size and potentially for the people called Rephaim who may have once inhabited it.
"It went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite southward...": The boundary continued its descent to the Valley of Hinnom itself. The reference to the Jebusites being "southward" of the valley indicates that the border passed close to Jebus (Jerusalem), which was inhabited by the Jebusites at this time (before David conquered it). The Jebusites lived on the south side of the valley.
"...and went down to En Rogel.": Finally, the border extended down to En Rogel, a well or spring that served as an important water source located at the junction of the Kidron Valley and the Valley of Hinnom.
In Summary:
The verse is a topographical description of a boundary line using geographic features such as valleys, mountains, and a spring (En Rogel). It is meant to define the southern extent of the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, relative to the Valley of Hinnom, the Valley of Rephaim, the Jebusite city (Jerusalem), and the spring of En Rogel.
Why is this important?
Land Division: This verse is part of a larger section describing the allocation of land to the different tribes of Israel after their conquest of Canaan. Precise boundaries were crucial for defining property rights and responsibilities.
Historical Context: It provides insights into the geography of the region and the presence of various groups (like the Jebusites) living in and around Jerusalem at the time of Joshua.
Geographical Challenges: The passage highlights the challenges in accurately mapping ancient boundaries based on potentially ambiguous or lost landmarks.
While we can't definitively pinpoint every exact location mentioned today, the verse provides valuable information about the geography and historical context of the region in the time of Joshua.
Joshua 18:16 - The border went down to the farthest part of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim northward. It went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En Rogel.
What does "Joshua 18:16" mean?
This verse from Joshua 18:16 describes a portion of the southern boundary of the tribal allotment of Benjamin. Let's break it down:
"The border went down to the farthest part of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom...": This indicates the border descended from a mountain (likely a ridge or high point) that overlooked the Valley of the Son of Hinnom (also known as Gehenna). The location of this mountain or specific point is difficult to pinpoint with modern accuracy, but it served as a landmark at the time.
"...which is in the valley of Rephaim northward.": This phrase tells us that the Valley of Hinnom was located to the south of the Valley of Rephaim. The Valley of Rephaim was a fertile valley, known for its size and potentially for the people called Rephaim who may have once inhabited it.
"It went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite southward...": The boundary continued its descent to the Valley of Hinnom itself. The reference to the Jebusites being "southward" of the valley indicates that the border passed close to Jebus (Jerusalem), which was inhabited by the Jebusites at this time (before David conquered it). The Jebusites lived on the south side of the valley.
"...and went down to En Rogel.": Finally, the border extended down to En Rogel, a well or spring that served as an important water source located at the junction of the Kidron Valley and the Valley of Hinnom.
In Summary:
The verse is a topographical description of a boundary line using geographic features such as valleys, mountains, and a spring (En Rogel). It is meant to define the southern extent of the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, relative to the Valley of Hinnom, the Valley of Rephaim, the Jebusite city (Jerusalem), and the spring of En Rogel.
Why is this important?
Land Division: This verse is part of a larger section describing the allocation of land to the different tribes of Israel after their conquest of Canaan. Precise boundaries were crucial for defining property rights and responsibilities.
Historical Context: It provides insights into the geography of the region and the presence of various groups (like the Jebusites) living in and around Jerusalem at the time of Joshua.
Geographical Challenges: The passage highlights the challenges in accurately mapping ancient boundaries based on potentially ambiguous or lost landmarks.
While we can't definitively pinpoint every exact location mentioned today, the verse provides valuable information about the geography and historical context of the region in the time of Joshua.