What is the meaning of Joshua 18:21? Jericho “Jericho” is the first name in the list: • Joshua 18:21 begins: “These were the cities of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin: Jericho…”. • By placing Jericho here, Scripture confirms that the defeated and cursed city (Joshua 6:24–26; 1 Kings 16:34) really did lie inside Benjamin’s allotted borders. The record is factual, geographical, and covenantal. • God’s power over Jericho’s walls (Joshua 6:20) shows how He clears the way for His people to occupy what He has promised. • Though once in ruins, Jericho would later host the ministry of Elisha (2 Kings 2:15–22) and the compassion of Jesus (Luke 19:1–10; Mark 10:46–52). Benjamin’s inheritance therefore carries a testimony of both judgment and mercy, reminding us that the Lord can transform even the most broken places. Beth-hoglah Next: “…Beth-hoglah…” (Joshua 18:21). • Beth-hoglah was a village on the lower Jordan plain, also marking the border between Judah and Benjamin (Joshua 15:6; 18:19). • It served as a landmark when the Jordan was first crossed (Joshua 4:19). • The inclusion of a seemingly modest settlement shows God’s care for every clan and household. Nothing is incidental in His record. • Small though it was, Beth-hoglah stood where God’s promises literally touched down in the land. Its mention reminds us that ordinary places become holy ground when tied to covenant fulfillment (Genesis 28:16–17). Emek-keziz The verse continues: “…Emek-keziz,” (Joshua 18:21). • This “valley of Keziz” is otherwise unknown to us, yet its name was etched by the Spirit to certify that the territory was fully cataloged. • Lists like this echo Numbers 33:2 and Joshua 13:1-7, where God insists on detailing what He has given. Precision underscores reliability. • Even when archaeology has not yet pinpointed a location, believers can rest in the inerrant record: every valley and hill allotted to Benjamin was literally there, held in real space and time. • Emek-keziz represents the hidden portions of inheritance—areas we may overlook yet God fully sees (Psalm 139:15-16). summary Joshua 18:21 opens Benjamin’s city list with three names. Jericho proclaims God’s victory and grace; Beth-hoglah highlights His faithfulness in the everyday; Emek-keziz assures us that every promise is exact, even when unseen. Together they invite us to trust the Lord who keeps careful track of both the famous and the forgotten places He gives to His people. |
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