Berean Study Bible The Remainder DividedWith the major campaigns completed, Israel gathered at Shiloh in Ephraim, a central location within the land. The nation now moved from warfare and wandering toward the ordered settlement of its inheritance. Jos 22:12 And when they heard this, the whole congregation of Israel… and set up the Tent of Meeting there. The Tabernacle was established as Israel’s central place of worship, marking Shiloh as the religious center of the nation for generations. God’s presence among His people remained at the heart of their life in the land. Psa 78:60 He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent… And though the land was subdued before them, Israel had broken the power of the Canaanite kingdoms through victories God had given them. Yet much of the land still required settlement, and remaining inhabitants would continue to test Israel’s obedience. Jos 21:44 And the LORD gave them rest on every side,… there were still seven tribes of Israel Judah, Ephraim, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had received their portions, while Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan still awaited theirs. The land had been subdued sufficiently for distribution, though Canaanite resistance remained in places. Jos 13:1-7 Now Joshua was old and well along in years,… who had not yet received their inheritance. Their inheritance was the portion of Canaan assigned by the Lord to each tribe. Joshua called the people to complete the survey and division of the remaining land at Shiloh, where the allotments would be determined by lot before the Lord. Num 34:13-15 So Moses commanded the Israelites, “Apportion this land”… So Joshua said to the Israelites, As Moses’ successor, Joshua led Israel in both military and covenant obedience as they settled the Promised Land. He called the tribes to act on God’s command and complete the distribution and occupation of the land. Jos 24:2 And Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD… “How long will you put off entering and possessing the land Seven tribes had not yet received their territorial inheritance. Although God had given Israel victory over the major Canaanite powers, each tribe was responsible to settle and secure its allotted territory. Deu 1:21 See, the LORD your God has placed the land before you.… that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you? The land was the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Israel’s inheritance rested on the Lord’s faithfulness, not on their own merit, and their delay showed an unwillingness to take possession of what He had provided. Deu 1:8 See, I have placed the land before you. Enter and possess… Appoint three men from each tribe, Joshua called for equal representation as Israel prepared to divide the land. Men from every tribe would help ensure that the inheritance was apportioned with fairness and full knowledge of the territory. Num 13:2 Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan… and I will send them out to survey the land These representatives were to travel through the remaining land, observe its boundaries, towns, and features, and gather the information needed for an orderly division. Num 13:17-21 When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan… and map it out, according to the inheritance of each. The survey would provide a record for assigning each tribe its allotted territory. The land was Israel’s covenant inheritance, and its distribution was to be carried out under God’s direction rather than by tribal preference or force. Num 26:52-56 Then the LORD said to Moses,… Then they will return to me After completing the survey, the men were to report to Joshua, who would oversee the final allotment before the LORD at Shiloh. Num 13:25-27 After forty days the men returned from spying out the land,… and divide the land into seven portions. Seven tribes still awaited their allotted inheritance. Men were sent to survey the remaining land and describe it by regions, so that the distribution could be made fairly by lot before the LORD at Shiloh. Jos 13:7 Now therefore divide this land as an inheritance… Judah shall remain in their territory in the south, Judah had already received its inheritance in the southern part of Canaan. Its established territory preserved the boundaries previously assigned and gave the tribe a central role in Israel’s future history. Jos 15:1-12 Now the allotment for the clans of the tribe of Judah… and the house of Joseph shall remain in their territory in the north. Ephraim and the western half-tribe of Manasseh, together called the house of Joseph, retained their inheritance north of Judah. Their lands included fertile highlands and important centers such as Shechem and Shiloh, where the tabernacle was set up. Jos 16:1-10 The allotment for the descendants of Joseph extended… When you have mapped out the seven portions of land The seven tribes that had not yet received their inheritance were to survey the remaining territory and divide it into seven suitable portions. This careful preparation ensured an orderly and equitable distribution of the land God had given Israel. Jos 13:6 All the inhabitants of the hill country… and brought it to me, The surveyors were to report their work to Joshua at the central place of worship. As Israel’s appointed leader, Joshua supervised the process and ensured that the division followed the Lord’s command. Deu 1:22 Then all of you approached me and said, “Let us send men… I will cast lots for you Joshua would assign the portions by lot, leaving the final placement of each tribe in the Lord’s hands. The lot prevented favoritism and confirmed that each inheritance was received according to God’s decision. Act 1:26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias.… here in the presence of the LORD our God. The land was divided before the LORD because it belonged to Him and had been given to Israel by covenant promise. His presence made the allocation a sacred act of obedience rather than a merely political arrangement. Jos 19:51 These are the inheritances that Eleazar the priest… The Levites, however, have no portion among you, The Levites received no tribal territory in Canaan because they were assigned to the service of the LORD at the Tabernacle. Their cities and pasturelands were scattered among the other tribes. Deu 10:9 That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance… because their inheritance is the priesthood of the LORD. Their provision came from the LORD through the tithes and offerings of Israel. The priestly line descended from Aaron, while the broader tribe of Levi assisted in the worship and care of the sanctuary. Their calling set them apart for the spiritual service of the nation and foreshadowed Christ’s perfect priesthood. Num 18:7 But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood… And Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh have already received the inheritance These tribes had requested the fertile pasturelands east of the Jordan because of their large herds and flocks. They received that land only after agreeing to help the remaining tribes secure their inheritance in Canaan. Num 32:33 So Moses gave to the Gadites, to the Reubenites… that Moses the servant of the LORD gave them Moses distributed this territory before Israel crossed the Jordan, acting in obedience to God’s command. His work completed the first part of Israel’s settlement in the promised land. Jos 22:4 And now that the LORD your God has given your brothers rest… beyond the Jordan to the east.” The eastern territory included Gilead and Bashan, regions suited for livestock and strategically important for Israel’s security. Their possession of the land showed that God’s promise extended to all the territory appointed for His people. Jos 12:1 Now these are the kings of the land whom the Israelites… As the men got up to go out, The representatives of the seven tribes still awaiting their inheritance prepared to carry out Joshua’s instruction. Their departure began the final survey needed to distribute the remaining land. Num 13:17-20 When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan… Joshua commanded them to map out the land, Joshua instructed them to survey the land carefully, record its boundaries and cities, and provide the information needed to divide it orderly among the tribes. Num 34:13-18 So Moses commanded the Israelites, “Apportion this land”… saying, “Go and survey the land, map it out, and return to me. Joshua required a complete report before the allotments could be made. Their return to him preserved a unified process under the leadership God had established for Israel. Num 13:21-25 So they went up and spied out the land… Then I will cast lots for you here in Shiloh After the survey was completed, Shiloh served as the location of the tabernacle and Israel’s central place of worship. By casting lots there, Joshua acknowledged that the final assignment of each inheritance rested under God’s direction. Jos 19:51 These are the inheritances that Eleazar the priest… in the presence of the LORD.” The distribution of the land was carried out before the God who had promised it to Israel. What might appear to be an administrative task was part of the fulfillment of His covenant and the settlement of the tribes in their appointed inheritance. Pro 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision… So the men departed and went throughout the land, Obeying Joshua’s instructions, the surveyors traveled through the remaining territory west of the Jordan to assess the land not yet assigned to the seven tribes. Their work prepared for an orderly distribution of the inheritance God had given Israel. Num 13:17-20 When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan… mapping it city by city into seven portions. They recorded the cities and boundaries so that each portion could be assigned fairly by lot. The seven portions were for Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan, whose inheritances had not yet been settled. Num 26:53-56 The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance… Then they returned with the document to Joshua The written survey provided the basis for Joshua’s leadership in casting lots before the LORD. It ensured that the divisions were made according to the surveyed land rather than tribal preference. Num 13:25-27 After forty days the men returned from spying out the land,… at the camp in Shiloh. Shiloh was Israel’s central gathering place because the tabernacle had been set up there. From this place of worship and national assembly, Joshua completed the distribution of the land. 1Sa 1:3 Year after year Elkanah would go up from his city… And Joshua cast lots for them Joshua assigned the remaining tribal inheritances by lot, seeking the Lord’s direction and preventing favoritism in the distribution. Num 26:55-56 Indeed, the land must be divided by lot;… in the presence of the LORD The allotment was carried out before the Tabernacle, recognizing God as the true giver and ruler of the land. 1Sa 14:41 So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel,… at Shiloh, Shiloh served as Israel’s central place of worship during the early settlement, where the Tabernacle remained after the conquest. 1Sa 1:3 Year after year Elkanah would go up from his city… where he distributed the land to the Israelites The division completed the settlement of the tribes in the land God had promised to their fathers. Jos 14:1-2 Now these are the portions that the Israelites inherited… according to their divisions. Each tribe received its appointed territory, establishing the ordered inheritance of Israel in Canaan. Jos 11:23 So Joshua took the entire land, as the LORD had spoken…
Benjamin’s InheritanceThe land was assigned by lot under the Lord’s direction, fulfilling His promise to give Canaan to Israel. Benjamin, Jacob’s youngest son, was born in the land near Bethlehem. Though one of the smaller tribes, Benjamin became known for skilled and fierce warriors. Num 26:55-56 Indeed, the land must be divided by lot;… Their allotted territory lay between the tribes of Judah and Joseph: Benjamin occupied a central region between Judah in the south and Ephraim, representing Joseph, in the north. Its position included important routes through the hill country and gave the tribe strategic influence in Israel’s later history. The territory included the area of Jerusalem, the city of peace, which David would eventually establish as Israel’s capital and the site of the temple. Jos 15:1 Now the allotment for the clans of the tribe of Judah… On the north side their border began at the Jordan, The Jordan marked Benjamin’s eastern boundary and recalled Israel’s entrance into the land under Joshua’s leadership. Num 34:12 Then the border will go down along the Jordan… went up past the northern slope of Jericho, The line passed north of Jericho, the first fortified city Israel captured after crossing the river. Jos 16:1 The allotment for the descendants of Joseph extended… headed west through the hill country, It continued through the rugged central highlands, a region of defensible terrain and productive settlements. Jos 15:8 From there the border went up the Valley of Ben-hinnom… and came out at the wilderness of Beth-aven. The boundary reached the sparsely settled wilderness of Beth-aven, meaning “house of wickedness,” near Bethel, later associated with Israel’s idolatry. 1Sa 13:5 Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel… From there the border crossed over to the southern slope of Luz (that is, Bethel) Luz, known as Bethel, meaning “House of God,” after Jacob’s encounter with God there, lay about ten miles north of Jerusalem. Its inclusion in the boundary description reflects its importance as a well-known landmark in the central hill country. Jdg 1:22-26 The house of Joseph also attacked Bethel.… and went down to Ataroth-addar The boundary then descended toward Ataroth-addar, meaning “Crowns of Glory,” a site marking the division between Benjamin and Ephraim. Though its exact location is uncertain, it stood within the carefully defined inheritance assigned to Benjamin. Jos 16:5-6 This was the territory of the descendants of Ephraim… on the hill south of Lower Beth-horon. Lower Beth-horon lay on the important route connecting the coastal plain with the highlands of Israel. The hill south of the town provided a recognizable boundary point near a strategic pass later associated with major military movements and battles. Jos 16:3 Then it descended westward to the border of the Japhletites… On the west side The boundary of Benjamin’s inheritance turned along its western edge, near the territory assigned to Judah. Num 2:18 On the west side, the divisions of Ephraim are to camp… the border curved southward Its course followed the terrain rather than a straight line, marking a clear division between the tribal lands. Num 34:4-5 cross south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continue to Zin,… from the hill facing Beth-horon on the south The ridge near Beth-horon provided a recognizable landmark above an important route through the hill country. Jos 16:3-4 Then it descended westward to the border of the Japhletites… and came out at Kiriath-baal (that is, Kiriath-jearim), The boundary reached Kiriath-jearim (“forests”), also called Kiriath-baal after the Canaanite deity Baal, a fortified town west of Jerusalem that later housed the ark for many years. Jos 15:9 From the hilltop the border curved to the spring… a city of the sons of Judah. Although it marked Benjamin’s border, Kiriath-jearim belonged to Judah, showing the close connection between the adjoining territories. 1Ch 13:6 David and all Israel went up to Baalah of Judah… This was the western side. The western boundary of Benjamin’s allotted land was thereby established. Num 34:6 Your western border will be the coastline of the Great Sea;… On the south side the border began at the outskirts of Kiriath-jearim Kiriath-jearim, meaning “City of Forests,” stood on the boundary between Judah and Benjamin and later became the place where the ark remained in the house of Abinadab until David brought it to Jerusalem. Its position marked the beginning of Benjamin’s southern border. 1Sa 7:1-2 Then the men of Kiriath-jearim came for the ark of the LORD… and extended westward to the spring at the Waters of Nephtoah. From Kiriath-jearim, the boundary ran west to the Waters of Nephtoah, a reliable spring near Jerusalem. Natural water sources provided clear and enduring landmarks for defining the tribal territories. Jos 15:9 From the hilltop the border curved to the spring… Then it went down to the foot of the hill The boundary descended from higher ground, following the natural contours that separated the tribal territories. Jos 15:8 From there the border went up the Valley of Ben-hinnom… that faces the Valley of Ben-hinnom This valley lay south of Jerusalem and later became notorious for idolatrous rites and child sacrifice. Jer 19:2 and go out to the Valley of Ben-hinnom… at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim The boundary passed near a broad, fertile valley southwest of Jerusalem, an area important for travel and military movement. 2Sa 5:18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out… and ran down the Valley of Hinnom The line continued along the valley that formed part of Jerusalem’s southern boundary. 2Ki 21:6 He sacrificed his own son in the fire… toward the southern slope of the Jebusites The Jebusites still occupied Jerusalem, then called Jebus, showing that the boundary ran close to the city before its later conquest by David. Jos 15:63 But the descendants of Judah could not drive out… and downward to En-rogel. En-rogel was a dependable water source near Jerusalem, making it a clear and significant landmark for the boundary. 1Ki 1:9 And Adonijah sacrificed sheep, oxen, and fattened calves… From there it curved northward The boundary turned north as it traced Benjamin’s allotted territory, carefully distinguishing it from the neighboring inheritance of Judah. Num 34:7-9 Your northern border will run from the Great Sea… and proceeded to En-shemesh It then passed En-shemesh, meaning “spring of the sun,” a spring east of Jerusalem that provided a recognizable and enduring boundary point. Jos 15:10 The border curled westward from Baalah to Mount Seir… and on to Geliloth facing the Ascent of Adummim, From there the line continued near the Ascent of Adummim, meaning “ascent of the red places,” leading westward from the Jordan Valley toward Jerusalem, marking the division between the tribal lands. Jos 15:7 Then the border went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor,… and continued down to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben. The boundary descended to a stone associated with Bohan of Reuben, a fixed landmark preserving the memory of Israel’s tribal history. Jos 15:6 went up to Beth-hoglah, proceeded north…… Then it went on to the northern slope of Beth-arabah Beth-arabah, meaning “house of the desert” or “house of the plain,” lay near the Dead Sea in the wilderness region east of Jerusalem. Its northern slope marked part of Benjamin’s southern boundary, distinguishing its inheritance from Judah’s territory. The detailed boundary preserved the tribal allotments God had directed Israel to establish in the land. Jos 15:6 went up to Beth-hoglah, proceeded north…… and went down into the valley. From Beth-arabah the boundary descended toward the Jordan Valley, the broad lowland running north from the Dead Sea. This natural feature formed a clear and recognizable boundary within Benjamin’s assigned territory. Jos 15:7 Then the border went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor,… The border continued to the northern slope of Beth-hoglah Beth-hoglah, meaning “house of the partridge,” lay in the Jordan Valley near the northern end of the Dead Sea, marking part of Benjamin’s boundary with Judah. Its location near the river and desert routes made it a recognizable landmark in the division of the land. Jos 15:6 went up to Beth-hoglah, proceeded north…… and came out at the northern bay of the Salt Sea, The boundary reached the northern end of the Dead Sea, called the Salt Sea because of its mineral-rich waters. This point formed a clear natural boundary for Benjamin’s southern territory. Jos 3:16 The flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream.… at the mouth of the Jordan. The border extended to where the Jordan River emptied into the Dead Sea. This area stood near the place where Israel entered Canaan under Joshua, linking Benjamin’s inheritance to the eastern edge of the land. Jos 15:5 The eastern border was the Salt Sea as far as… This was the southern border. The detailed boundaries established Benjamin’s allotted inheritance and confirmed the orderly distribution of the land promised to Israel. Jos 15:1-4 Now the allotment for the clans of the tribe of Judah… On the east side the border was the Jordan. The Jordan marked Benjamin’s eastern boundary and formed a natural division between the land west of the river and the tribes settled east of it. Israel crossed the Jordan under Joshua’s leadership to enter the land God had given them, and the river remained an important boundary throughout Israel’s history. Ezk 47:18 On the east side the border will run between Hauran… These were the borders around the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. Benjamin received a small but central territory between Judah and Ephraim. Its location gave the tribe importance in the life of the nation and included areas near Jerusalem, Jericho, and Bethel. Though Benjamin was the youngest of Jacob’s sons, the tribe produced leaders such as Israel’s first king, Saul, and later the apostle Paul. Ezk 48:23-29 As for the rest of the tribes: Benjamin will have one portion… These were the cities of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin: Benjamin received its inheritance between Judah and Ephraim, placing the tribe near major routes and centers of power in the land. Descended from Jacob’s youngest son, Benjamin later produced leaders such as Saul, Israel’s first king, and Paul the apostle. Jos 21:17-18 And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba,… Jericho, Jericho stood near the Jordan River and marked Israel’s entrance into Canaan under Joshua. Its defeat, when the city walls fell after Israel obeyed God’s command, established the Lord’s power over the land and made Jericho an important Benjaminite city. Jos 6:20 So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted.… Beth-hoglah, Beth-hoglah, meaning “house of the partridge,” lay in the Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea and helped define the boundary between Benjamin and Judah. Its inclusion shows the care taken to establish each tribe’s assigned territory. Jos 15:6 went up to Beth-hoglah, proceeded north…… Emek-keziz, Emek-keziz, meaning “valley of the cut-off,” was among the smaller settlements belonging to Benjamin. Though its exact location is uncertain today, it formed part of the inheritance given to the tribe and its clans. Jos 15:7-8 Then the border went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor,… Beth-arabah, Beth-arabah, meaning “house of the desert” or “house of the plain,” lay in the Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea and marked part of Benjamin’s eastern inheritance. Its inclusion reflects the varied land given to Benjamin, extending from the rugged wilderness near the Jordan to the hill country farther west. Jos 15:6 went up to Beth-hoglah, proceeded north…… Zemaraim, Zemaraim was one of Benjamin’s towns, likely located in the central highlands. Its position within Benjamin’s territory placed it near the frontier between Judah and the northern tribes during the later division of the kingdom. 2Ch 13:4 Then Abijah stood on Mount Zemaraim in the hill country… Bethel, Bethel was an important site in Israel’s early history, where Jacob received God’s covenant promise. Though allotted to Benjamin, it stood near Ephraim and became a major center of worship. In later years Jeroboam established a calf shrine there, turning a place associated with God’s revelation into a center of idolatry. Jos 16:1-2 The allotment for the descendants of Joseph extended… Avvim, Avvim was a town assigned to Benjamin in the central hill country of Canaan as part of the tribe’s inheritance after the conquest. Deu 2:23 And the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza,… Parah, Parah was another Benjaminite town, likely located east of Jerusalem near the Wadi Farah region. Its inclusion records the defined territory allotted to Benjamin. 1Sa 14:1-5 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man… Ophrah, Ophrah was a town in Benjamin’s allotment (Josh. 18:23), distinct from Gideon’s Ophrah in Manasseh. Its listing reflects the careful distribution of the land among Israel’s tribes. 1Sa 13:17 And raiders went out of the Philistine camp… Chephar-ammoni, Chephar-ammoni lay within Benjamin’s inheritance, in territory bordering peoples and regions that had long shaped Israel’s history. Its allotment confirmed Benjamin’s place in the land promised to Israel. Deu 2:19 But when you get close to the Ammonites, … Ophni, Ophni was one of the towns supporting Benjamin’s settled life in the central hill country. Though its location is no longer certain, it belonged to the organized distribution of land among Benjamin’s clans. Jdg 6:11 Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down… and Geba— Geba became an important Benjaminite stronghold because of its position near key routes leading north from Jerusalem. Its later military significance reflects the strategic value of Benjamin’s territory. 1Sa 13:3 Then Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba,… twelve cities, along with their villages. The listed towns and their surrounding villages formed a complete portion of Benjamin’s inheritance, providing places for settlement, agriculture, defense, and local administration. Jos 19:15 It also included Kattath, Nahalal, and Shimron.… Gibeon, A major Benjaminite city northwest of Jerusalem, Gibeon was inhabited by Hivites who secured a treaty with Israel through deception. Israel later honored that covenant, and Gibeon remained an important center with a notable water system and strategic position. 1Ki 3:4-5 Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there… Ramah, Situated on a height in Benjamin, Ramah, meaning “height” or “high place,” lay near the main route north of Jerusalem. It was associated with Samuel’s home and ministry and later became a place of grief during Judah’s exile. 1Sa 7:17 Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there… Beeroth, One of the Gibeonite cities, Beeroth, meaning “wells,” was assigned to Benjamin. Its inhabitants later fled during a period of conflict and settled at Gittaim. 2Sa 4:2-3 Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding parties.… Mizpeh, Mizpeh, meaning “watchtower” or “lookout,” was a Benjaminite town that became an important national gathering place. Israel assembled there during the crisis following the outrage at Gibeah, and Samuel later called the nation there to confess sin and seek the Lord’s help. Its elevated setting made it suitable for public assembly and defense. 1Sa 7:5-6 Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah”… Chephirah, Chephirah was one of the Hivite cities joined with Gibeon, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. Its inhabitants secured a treaty with Israel through deception, yet Israel honored the oath made in the Lord’s name. The city later stood within Benjamin’s allotted territory. Jos 9:17 So the Israelites set out and on the third day… Mozah, Mozah was a town in Benjamin’s inheritance, though little else is recorded concerning it. Its inclusion reflects the careful division of the land among Israel’s tribes and the fulfillment of God’s promise to give them the land of Canaan. 1Ch 8:36 Ahaz was the father of Jehoaddah, Jehoaddah… Rekem, Rekem was one of the towns assigned to Benjamin in the central hill country of Canaan. Its limited appearance elsewhere in Scripture suggests that it was a small settlement, yet its inclusion shows the careful completeness of Benjamin’s inheritance. Num 31:8 Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba… Irpeel, Irpeel belonged to the same territorial list and helped define the boundaries and settled communities of Benjamin. Even lesser-known towns formed part of the land God gave Israel through the division conducted under Joshua. Jdg 19:10-16 But the man was unwilling to spend the night.… Taralah, Taralah completed this portion of the list of Benjaminite towns. The detailed record of these places preserves the historical reality of Israel’s settlement in the land promised to the patriarchs. Jos 15:8-11 From there the border went up the Valley of Ben-hinnom… Zelah, Zelah lay within Benjamin’s territory and became known as the burial place of Saul, Jonathan, and Saul’s family. Its association with Israel’s first king reflects Benjamin’s prominent place in Israel’s early monarchy. 2Sa 21:14 And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan… Haeleph, Haeleph was one of the smaller towns assigned to Benjamin. Though little else is known of it, its inclusion records the full extent of the tribe’s inheritance. Num 26:38-41 These were the descendants of Benjamin by their clans:… Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), Jebus was a Jebusite stronghold within Benjamin’s allotted region. David later captured the city and made Jerusalem the center of his kingdom, where the temple would eventually be built. Jdg 1:21 The Benjamites, however, failed to drive out the Jebusites.… Gibeah, Gibeah was Saul’s hometown and a significant Benjamite city. It was also remembered for the grievous events that led to the civil war described in Judges, revealing both the tribe’s troubled past and its later royal influence. Jdg 19:12-30 But his master replied, “We will not turn aside… and Kiriath-jearim— Kiriath-jearim stood near the borderlands of Benjamin and Judah. The ark remained there for many years after its return from the Philistines, making it an important location in Israel’s worship and national life. 1Sa 7:1-2 Then the men of Kiriath-jearim came for the ark of the LORD… fourteen cities, along with their villages. The numbered list records a settled inheritance of towns and surrounding villages, showing that Benjamin received a defined and sufficient portion of the land. Jos 15:21-32 These were the southernmost cities of Judah in the Negev… This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. Benjamin’s territory lay between Judah and the northern tribes, giving it strategic importance throughout Israel’s history. The allotment fulfilled the land God had promised to Israel and established the home region of Saul and other leading Benjamites. Ezk 48:23-28 As for the rest of the tribes: Benjamin will have one portion… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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