From there the border crossed over to the southern slope of Luz (that is, Bethel) and went down to Ataroth-addar on the hill south of Lower Beth-horon. From there the border continued to LuzThe phrase "From there the border continued to Luz" indicates a transition in the delineation of the tribal territories. "Luz" is the ancient name for Bethel, a significant location in biblical history. The Hebrew root for Luz can mean "almond tree" or "separation," symbolizing a place of divine encounters and covenantal promises, as seen in Jacob's dream (Genesis 28:19). This transition signifies the continuation of God's promises and the unfolding of His divine plan for the Israelites. to the southern slope of Luz (that is, Bethel) and went down to Ataroth-addar on the hill south of Lower Beth-horon Persons / Places / Events 1. Luz/BethelOriginally called Luz, this city was renamed Bethel, meaning "House of God." It holds significant historical and spiritual importance as a place where God appeared to Jacob. 2. Ataroth-addar A location mentioned as part of the boundary descriptions for the tribes of Israel. It is situated near the hill south of Lower Beth-horon. 3. Lower Beth-horon A town on the border of the tribal lands, known for its strategic military importance due to its location on a pass between the coastal plain and the hill country. Teaching Points The Importance of BoundariesJust as the Israelites were given specific boundaries for their inheritance, Christians are called to recognize and respect the spiritual and moral boundaries set by God. Significance of Sacred Places Bethel's history as a place of divine encounter reminds believers of the importance of setting aside sacred spaces and times for meeting with God. Historical and Spiritual Legacy The cities and locations mentioned in Joshua 18:13 serve as reminders of the rich spiritual heritage and the need to uphold and pass on faith traditions. God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment The detailed description of land boundaries underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the tribes of Israel, encouraging believers to trust in His promises today. Strategic Spiritual Warfare The mention of Lower Beth-horon, a strategic military location, can be a metaphor for the spiritual battles Christians face and the need for vigilance and preparedness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the historical significance of Bethel as a place of divine encounter influence your personal spiritual practices today?2. In what ways can understanding the boundaries set by God in Scripture help you establish healthy spiritual and moral boundaries in your life? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in fulfilling a promise. How does this encourage you in your current circumstances? 4. How can the concept of sacred spaces be applied in your daily life to enhance your relationship with God? 5. Considering the strategic importance of Lower Beth-horon, what steps can you take to be better prepared for spiritual battles in your life? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 28Jacob's dream at Bethel, where he saw a ladder reaching to heaven, establishes Bethel as a place of divine encounter and covenant. 1 Samuel 7 Samuel's leadership and the spiritual renewal of Israel at Mizpah, near Bethel, highlight the ongoing significance of this region in Israel's history. 1 Kings 12 Jeroboam's establishment of a rival worship center in Bethel, illustrating the city's continued religious significance and the dangers of idolatry.
People Addar, Ben, Benjamin, Bohan, Ephron, Gad, Gibeon, Hoglah, Israelites, Joseph, Joshua, Levites, Manasseh, Ophrah, Rekem, ReubenPlaces Adummim, Arabah, Ataroth-addar, Avvim, Beeroth, Beth-arabah, Beth-aven, Bethel, Beth-hoglah, Beth-horon, Emek-keziz, En-rogel, En-shemesh, Ephron, Geba, Geliloth, Gibeah, Gibeon, Haeleph, Irpeel, Jebus, Jericho, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kiriath-baal, Kiriath-jearim, Luz, Mizpeh, Mozah, Nephtoah, Ophni, Ophrah, Parah, Ramah, Rekem, Salt Sea, Shiloh, Taralah, Valley of Hinnom, Valley of Rephaim, Zela, ZemaraimTopics Addar, Along, Ataroth, Atarothadar, Ataroth-adar, Ataroth-addar, At'aroth-ad'dar, Atroth-addar, Beth, Bethel, Beth-el, Bethhoron, Beth-horon, Beth-hor'on, Border, Boundary, Continued, Descended, Direction, Goes, Hill, Horon, Lies, Lieth, Line, Lower, Luz, Mountain, Nether, Passed, Passes, Shoulder, Slope, South, Southward, Thence, TowardsDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 18:11-28Library The Northern Coast of Judea. Beth-Horon. This coast is marked out Joshua 18:12; where, at verse 14, are very many versions to be corrected, which render the sea; such are, the Syriac, the Seventy, the Vulgar, the Italian, ours, &c.: whence ariseth a sense of insuperable difficulty to a chorographical eye: when it should, indeed, be rendered of the west, as the Chaldee, Arabic, R. Solomon, &c. rightly do. We read of a double Beth-horon in the Old Testament, but one only under the second Temple... At that place that great Canaanitish army … John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah. Beth-El. Beth-Aven. Retiring Before the Sanhedrin's Decree. Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children. Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements. Joshua Links Joshua 18:13 NIVJoshua 18:13 NLT Joshua 18:13 ESV Joshua 18:13 NASB Joshua 18:13 KJV Joshua 18:13 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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