Joshua 16:2

It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz) and proceeded to the border of the Archites in Ataroth.

Study Bible

It proceeded to Bethel
The phrase "It proceeded to Bethel" indicates the movement of the boundary line of the land allotted to the tribe of Joseph, specifically Ephraim. "Bethel," meaning "House of God" in Hebrew, holds significant historical and spiritual importance. It was a place where Abraham and Jacob had profound encounters with God (Genesis 12:8, 28:19). The mention of Bethel here underscores the continuity of God's promises and the sacredness of the land being inherited. This phrase reminds us of the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to His people, as Bethel was a place of divine revelation and covenant.

went on to Luz
"Luz" is the ancient name of the city that was later called Bethel. The transition from Luz to Bethel signifies transformation and divine purpose. Luz was a Canaanite city, and its renaming to Bethel by Jacob (Genesis 28:19) marks a shift from a pagan past to a future under God's covenant. This transformation is symbolic of the spiritual journey from old to new, from worldly to divine, and from human plans to God's purposes. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's presence in our lives.

and crossed to the border of the Archites at Ataroth
The phrase "and crossed to the border of the Archites at Ataroth" describes the geographical demarcation of the land. The "Archites" were a clan or family group, and "Ataroth" means "crowns" or "wreaths" in Hebrew, suggesting a place of significance or prominence. This crossing over to the border signifies the establishment of boundaries and the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites a land of their own. It highlights the importance of order, structure, and divine allocation in the inheritance of the Promised Land. The mention of specific locations and people groups emphasizes the historical reality of the biblical narrative and God's sovereign orchestration of history.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Bethel (Luz)
Originally called Luz, Bethel is a significant location in biblical history. It is where Jacob had his dream of the ladder reaching to heaven and where he made a covenant with God. Bethel means "House of God."

2. Arkites
A group of people living in the region of Ataroth. The Arkites are mentioned in the context of the land allotments for the tribes of Israel.

3. Ataroth
A location within the territory allotted to the tribe of Ephraim. It is part of the boundary description in the division of the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Significance of Place in Spiritual Journey
Bethel serves as a reminder of the importance of places where we encounter God. These locations can become spiritual landmarks in our faith journey.

Faithfulness to God's Promises
The mention of Bethel in the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Guarding Against Idolatry
The later history of Bethel as a site of idolatry warns us to remain vigilant in our worship and devotion, ensuring that we do not allow sacred places or practices to become corrupted.

Understanding Our Spiritual Heritage
Recognizing the historical and spiritual significance of places like Bethel can deepen our appreciation for our spiritual heritage and encourage us to live faithfully in our own contexts.

Bible Study Questions

1. What is the significance of Bethel in the broader account of the Bible, and how does it relate to God's promises to the patriarchs?

2. How can we identify and create "Bethel moments" in our own lives where we encounter God in a meaningful way?

3. In what ways can the history of Bethel as a place of both divine encounter and idolatry serve as a warning for our personal and communal worship practices?

4. How does the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel, including places like Ataroth, demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that our spiritual heritage remains a source of strength and guidance in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 28
This chapter describes Jacob's dream at Bethel, establishing its significance as a place of divine encounter and promise.

Judges 1
This chapter recounts the conquest of Bethel by the tribe of Joseph, highlighting the ongoing importance of this location in Israel's history.

1 Kings 12
Bethel becomes a center of idolatrous worship under King Jeroboam, contrasting its earlier significance as a place of worship to the true God.