Joshua 18:21 - Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, Beth Hoglah, Emek Keziz,

Generated Verse: Joshua 18:21

What does "Joshua 18:21" mean?


This verse is part of a larger listing in the Book of Joshua that describes the division of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel after their conquest. Specifically, Joshua 18 details the allocation of land to the tribe of Benjamin.

Let's break down the meaning of Joshua 18:21:

"Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin...": This indicates that the verse is introducing a list of cities that were assigned to the tribe of Benjamin as part of their inheritance in the land.
"...according to their families...": This phrase isn't always included for every tribe's listing, and it might indicate that Benjamin's inheritance was divided among its sub-clans or families within the tribe. It suggests that different families of Benjamin may have had specific regions or cities within their overall tribal territory. Another interpretation is that the cities were chosen to be divided amongst the families of the tribe, as opposed to other methods of organization.
"...were Jericho, Beth Hoglah, Emek Keziz": This begins the list of specific cities assigned to the tribe of Benjamin. Jericho was a strategically important city near the Jordan River, Beth Hoglah and Emek Keziz were likely smaller towns or villages within Benjamin's territory.

In essence, the verse serves as an introduction to a list of settlements that were part of the territory allocated to the tribe of Benjamin. It highlights that this allocation was done in a way that may have taken into account the various families or clans within the tribe of Benjamin.

Why is this information important?

Historical Context: It provides insight into the historical settlement patterns of ancient Israel and the administrative division of the land.
Geographical Significance: It helps identify the locations of these cities and their relationship to one another, giving us a better understanding of the geography of the region.
Tribal Identity: It reinforces the identity and inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin, marking their place within the broader context of the nation of Israel.
Biblical Narrative: It contributes to the overall narrative of the conquest and settlement of Canaan, demonstrating how God fulfilled his promise to give the land to the Israelites.

What categories does "Joshua 18:21" have?