Joshua 18:20

On the east side the border was the Jordan. These were the borders around the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin.

Study Bible

On the east side the border was the Jordan.
The Jordan River served as a significant geographical boundary for the tribes of Israel. It was not only a physical divider but also a spiritual symbol, representing the transition from the wilderness wanderings into the Promised Land. The Jordan is frequently mentioned in the Bible, notably in the crossing led by Joshua (Joshua 3:14-17), which echoes the earlier crossing of the Red Sea. This river also holds typological significance, as it is where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17), marking the beginning of His public ministry. The Jordan's role as a boundary for Benjamin highlights the tribe's strategic location, serving as a buffer between the eastern tribes and those west of the river.

These were the borders around the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin.
The tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's youngest son. The allocation of land to Benjamin is detailed in Joshua 18, where the tribe's territory is described as being between the larger tribes of Judah and Ephraim. This central location was significant in Israel's history, as it included Jerusalem, which later became the political and spiritual center of the nation. The tribe of Benjamin produced several notable biblical figures, including King Saul (1 Samuel 9:1-2) and the Apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5). The inheritance of Benjamin, though small, was strategically important and fulfilled Jacob's blessing over Benjamin, describing him as a "ravenous wolf" (Genesis 49:27), indicating a fierce and strategic nature.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of Israel who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is responsible for dividing the land among the tribes.

2. Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. This tribe's inheritance is being described in this passage.

3. The Jordan River
A significant geographical landmark in Israel, serving as the eastern border for the tribe of Benjamin's inheritance.

4. Inheritance
The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel as promised by God. This was a fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

5. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham. The division of this land among the tribes is a key event in the book of Joshua.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness
The division of the land among the tribes is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives.

Importance of Boundaries
The specific mention of borders underscores the importance of boundaries in our lives, both physically and spiritually. Setting healthy boundaries is crucial for maintaining order and peace.

Inheritance in Christ
Just as the tribes received a physical inheritance, believers have a spiritual inheritance in Christ. Reflect on what it means to be co-heirs with Christ.

Community and Identity
The allocation of land to the tribe of Benjamin highlights the importance of community and identity within the body of Christ. Each member has a unique role and place.

Obedience and Stewardship
Receiving the land was not just a gift but a responsibility. Believers are called to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to them.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the allocation of land to the tribe of Benjamin demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can setting boundaries in our personal lives reflect the order and structure seen in the division of the Promised Land?

3. How does understanding our spiritual inheritance in Christ impact the way we live our daily lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the tribe of Benjamin about community and identity within the church?

5. How can we apply the principles of obedience and stewardship seen in the Israelites' inheritance to our own lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 15
God's covenant with Abraham, promising the land to his descendants, is foundational to understanding the significance of the land inheritance in Joshua.

Numbers 34
Provides details on the boundaries of the Promised Land, which helps contextualize the specific borders mentioned in Joshua.

Deuteronomy 34
Describes Moses viewing the Promised Land, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises through Joshua's leadership.

Judges 1
Chronicles the challenges the tribes faced in fully possessing their allotted territories, including the tribe of Benjamin.