Bohan, son of Reuben, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of territorial boundaries for the tribes of Israel. His name appears in the Book of Joshua, which details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel following their exodus from Egypt and subsequent conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua.

Biblical References:

1. Joshua 15:6 : "Then the boundary went up to Beth-hoglah and continued north of Beth-arabah to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben."

2. Joshua 18:17 : "It curved northward and went to En-shemesh, continued to Geliloth opposite the Pass of Adummim, and descended to the Stone of Bohan son of Reuben."

In these passages, Bohan is not described in terms of personal achievements or narratives but is rather associated with a geographical landmark known as the "Stone of Bohan." This stone served as a boundary marker between the territories allotted to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The specific location of the Stone of Bohan is not detailed beyond its mention in these boundary descriptions, but it is understood to have been a significant landmark during the time of the Israelite settlement in Canaan.

Tribal Context:

Bohan is identified as a descendant of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe of Reuben, as one of the twelve tribes of Israel, was allocated land on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in the region known as Gilead. However, the Stone of Bohan is located on the western side of the Jordan, indicating that Bohan's name was used to mark a boundary in a region not directly associated with the tribal inheritance of Reuben. This suggests that Bohan's name had significance beyond his immediate tribal affiliation, possibly due to historical or familial reasons not explicitly detailed in the biblical text.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

The use of personal names for geographical landmarks was a common practice in ancient times, serving both practical and memorial purposes. Such markers were essential for delineating tribal territories, which were crucial for maintaining order and identity among the Israelites. The mention of Bohan in this context underscores the importance of land division and the establishment of clear boundaries as the Israelites settled in the Promised Land.

While Bohan himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his association with a boundary stone highlights the interconnectedness of personal legacy and communal heritage in the biblical tradition. The Stone of Bohan serves as a testament to the enduring significance of land and lineage in the history of Israel as recorded in the Scriptures.