What does Joshua 18:11 mean?
"¶ And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph." - Joshua 18:11
Joshua 18:11 (KJV) - And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.
This verse is part of the Old Testament book of Joshua, which describes the division of the promised land among the twelve tribes of Israel. In this specific verse, we see the land being allocated to the tribe of Benjamin. The tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel and was the smallest of the tribes. They were the descendants of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob, and their territory was located between the tribes of Judah and Joseph.
The division of the land among the tribes of Israel holds great significance in the biblical narrative. It fulfills the promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan. It also emphasizes the importance of each tribe and their unique identity within the community of Israel. The careful delineation of boundaries ensured that each tribe had its own portion of land, providing for their needs and contributing to the overall stability and unity of the nation.
Furthermore, the allocation of land according to their families speaks to the importance of familial and tribal ties in ancient Israel. The concept of family and lineage was highly valued, and the land was distributed in a way that preserved and honored these connections. It reinforced the idea of communal responsibility and solidarity, with each family and tribe working together for the common good.
The land allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, situated between the tribes of Judah and Joseph, has symbolic significance as well. Judah was a significant tribe, as it was from the tribe of Judah that the royal line of David and ultimately Jesus Christ would come. Joseph, on the other hand, was a powerful and influential tribe. Their proximity to these two important tribes highlights the strategic position of the tribe of Benjamin, as well as their potential for influence and impact within the nation of Israel.
From a broader theological perspective, this verse demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises. The division of the land according to the tribes of Israel was part of God's covenant with His people, and it was a tangible manifestation of His faithfulness. The careful and deliberate allocation of the land shows that God is a God of order and purpose, and He is committed to providing for His people and fulfilling His plans for them.
In conclusion, Joshua 18:11 is not only a historical account of the distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel but also a reflection of the values, traditions, and faithfulness of God. It emphasizes the importance of community, lineage, and God's sovereignty in carrying out His promises. This verse serves as a reminder for believers to trust in God's faithfulness and provision, and to recognize the significance of our individual and collective roles within the larger community of faith.
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Joshua 18:11 - "¶ And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph."
"¶ And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph." - Joshua 18:11
Joshua 11:18 - "Joshua made war a long time with all those kings."
"Joshua made war a long time with all those kings." - Joshua 11:18
Joshua 18:10 - "¶ And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions."
Joshua 10:18 - "And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them:"
Joshua 18:25 - "Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,"
Joshua 18:23 - "And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah,"
Joshua 18:27 - "And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,"
Joshua 13:18 - "And Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,"
Joshua 18:26 - "And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,"
Joshua 18:18 - "And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah:"
Joshua 18:9 - "And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book, and came again to Joshua to the host at Shiloh."
Joshua 18:22 - "And Beth-arabah, and Zemaraim, and Beth-el,"
Joshua 11:9 - "And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire."
Joshua 19:18 - "And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,"
Joshua 11:15 - "¶ As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses."
Joshua 8:18 - "And the LORD said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city."
Joshua 11:13 - "But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn."
Joshua 12:18 - "The king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one;"
Joshua 11:23 - "So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war."
Joshua 11:7 - "So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them."
Joshua 18:24 - "And Chephar-haammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:"
Joshua 11:10 - "¶ And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms."
Joshua 18:3 - "And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?"
"And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah," - Joshua 18:23
"And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah," - Joshua 18:27
"Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth," - Joshua 18:25
"And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah," - Joshua 18:26
"And Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath," - Joshua 13:18