Joshua 18:28 - Zelah, Eleph, the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.
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 18:28" mean?
This verse, Joshua 18:28, is part of a larger passage in the Book of Joshua detailing the allocation of land to the tribe of Benjamin after the Israelites conquered Canaan. Let's break it down:
Zelah, Eleph, the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kiriath: These are names of specific cities or towns assigned to the tribe of Benjamin. Note that Jerusalem is identified as being inhabited by the Jebusites at this time, meaning it had not yet been conquered by the Israelites (specifically, not fully conquered until David's time). Gibeath is significant as it later became the hometown of King Saul.
fourteen cities with their villages: This indicates that the total number of cities given to Benjamin was fourteen. The term "villages" refers to the smaller settlements and surrounding areas that were associated with and under the control of these main cities. These villages provided agricultural land and resources to support the population of the cities.
This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families: This is the key takeaway. It confirms that the list of cities (including their associated villages) represents the territory allocated as the inheritance for the tribe of Benjamin. The phrase "according to their families" suggests that within the tribe of Benjamin, the land was further divided among the different family clans or lineages.
In essence, the verse is a geographical marker and a statement of ownership. It's declaring that these specific cities and their surrounding villages were now the designated territory belonging to the tribe of Benjamin.
Significance and Historical Context:
Land Allocation: The Book of Joshua is concerned with the distribution of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse is a small piece of that larger process.
Tribal Identity: Land ownership was deeply intertwined with tribal identity and survival. Having a defined territory provided a basis for the tribe's economy, defense, and social structure.
Incomplete Conquest: The mention of the Jebusites still residing in Jerusalem highlights that the Israelite conquest was not complete. Some areas remained under the control of the original inhabitants. This sets the stage for future conflicts and conquests, particularly during the reign of King David, who ultimately captured Jerusalem.
Historical Accuracy: The historical accuracy of these lists is debated among scholars. While they provide valuable insight into the geographical understanding and socio-political structure of ancient Israel, they may also reflect idealized or later views of the tribal boundaries.
In conclusion, Joshua 18:28 is a seemingly simple verse that reveals a great deal about the territorial division, tribal identity, and the ongoing process of conquest and settlement in ancient Canaan.
Joshua 18:28 - Zelah, Eleph, the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.
What does "Joshua 18:28" mean?
This verse, Joshua 18:28, is part of a larger passage in the Book of Joshua detailing the allocation of land to the tribe of Benjamin after the Israelites conquered Canaan. Let's break it down:
Zelah, Eleph, the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kiriath: These are names of specific cities or towns assigned to the tribe of Benjamin. Note that Jerusalem is identified as being inhabited by the Jebusites at this time, meaning it had not yet been conquered by the Israelites (specifically, not fully conquered until David's time). Gibeath is significant as it later became the hometown of King Saul.
fourteen cities with their villages: This indicates that the total number of cities given to Benjamin was fourteen. The term "villages" refers to the smaller settlements and surrounding areas that were associated with and under the control of these main cities. These villages provided agricultural land and resources to support the population of the cities.
This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families: This is the key takeaway. It confirms that the list of cities (including their associated villages) represents the territory allocated as the inheritance for the tribe of Benjamin. The phrase "according to their families" suggests that within the tribe of Benjamin, the land was further divided among the different family clans or lineages.
In essence, the verse is a geographical marker and a statement of ownership. It's declaring that these specific cities and their surrounding villages were now the designated territory belonging to the tribe of Benjamin.
Significance and Historical Context:
Land Allocation: The Book of Joshua is concerned with the distribution of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse is a small piece of that larger process.
Tribal Identity: Land ownership was deeply intertwined with tribal identity and survival. Having a defined territory provided a basis for the tribe's economy, defense, and social structure.
Incomplete Conquest: The mention of the Jebusites still residing in Jerusalem highlights that the Israelite conquest was not complete. Some areas remained under the control of the original inhabitants. This sets the stage for future conflicts and conquests, particularly during the reign of King David, who ultimately captured Jerusalem.
Historical Accuracy: The historical accuracy of these lists is debated among scholars. While they provide valuable insight into the geographical understanding and socio-political structure of ancient Israel, they may also reflect idealized or later views of the tribal boundaries.
In conclusion, Joshua 18:28 is a seemingly simple verse that reveals a great deal about the territorial division, tribal identity, and the ongoing process of conquest and settlement in ancient Canaan.