Avvim, Parah, Ophrah, Avvim,Avvim formed part of Benjamin’s allotted inheritance, bearing witness to the concrete fulfillment of God’s promise to give Israel the land of Canaan. Its name resembles that of the Avvites, though the town cannot be certainly identified with that people. Deu 2:23 And the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza,… Parah, Parah belonged to the same Benjaminite district, probably near the region of Wadi Farah. Even where modern identification is uncertain, its preservation in the allotment record confirms that Israel’s inheritance was defined and entrusted by God. 1Sa 14:1-5 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man… Ophrah, Ophrah was a Benjaminite town and should not be confused with Gideon’s Ophrah in Manasseh. Its inclusion among Benjamin’s cities shows that God’s covenant gift extended to particular places, homes, and communities within the land He promised to Abraham’s descendants. 1Sa 13:17 And raiders went out of the Philistine camp… Persons / Places / Events 1. AvvimA town within the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. The name may be related to the Avvites, a people mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament. 2. Parah Another town in the land given to Benjamin. Its exact location is uncertain, but it is part of the inheritance that was distributed among the tribes of Israel. 3. Ophrah A town also within Benjamin's territory. It is distinct from the Ophrah associated with Gideon in the book of Judges. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of PromisesThe allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, including Benjamin, demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham and his descendants. The Importance of Inheritance The detailed listing of towns and territories underscores the importance of inheritance and the tangible blessings God provides to His people. Community and Belonging The specific mention of towns within Benjamin's territory highlights the sense of community and belonging that comes with being part of God's people. Historical and Spiritual Significance Understanding the historical context of these locations enriches our appreciation of the spiritual journey of the Israelites and God's overarching plan. Stewardship of God's Gifts The division of the land serves as a reminder of the responsibility to steward well the gifts and resources God entrusts to us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the allocation of land to the tribe of Benjamin reflect God's faithfulness to His promises?2. In what ways can understanding the historical context of biblical locations enhance our spiritual journey today? 3. How does the concept of inheritance in Joshua 18 relate to our spiritual inheritance as believers in Christ? 4. What lessons can we learn about community and belonging from the detailed listing of towns in the tribal allotments? 5. How can we apply the principle of stewardship, as seen in the division of the land, to our own lives and resources today? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 18:11-28This passage provides the broader context of the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, specifically focusing on the allotment for the tribe of Benjamin. It highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan. Genesis 15:18-21 This passage records God's covenant with Abraham, promising the land to his descendants. The division of the land in Joshua is a direct fulfillment of this promise. Judges 6:11 Although referring to a different Ophrah, this passage connects to the theme of God raising leaders from specific locations to fulfill His purposes.
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 Avim, Avvim, Ophrah, Parah, PharahDictionary 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 18:23 NIVJoshua 18:23 NLT Joshua 18:23 ESV Joshua 18:23 NASB Joshua 18:23 KJV Joshua 18:23 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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