And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,

JOSHUA 18:17KJV
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Joshua 18:17 (KJV)

What does Joshua 18:17 mean?

Joshua 18:17 describes part of the boundary line for the tribe of Benjamin, listing specific places and landmarks the border passed through as it was drawn from the north, including Enshemesh, Geliloth, the ascent of Adummim, and the stone of Bohan, son of Reuben. This verse is part of a detailed record of how the land was divided among the tribes of Israel after they entered Canaan.

In this passage, Joshua is overseeing the allocation of land to the Israelite tribes, and the verse gives a precise description of the northern boundary of Benjamin’s territory. The landmarks mentioned were well-known at the time, helping the original audience understand exactly where the borders lay. The verse reflects the careful and organized way the land was distributed, emphasizing the importance of each tribe’s inheritance.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 18:17

  • "drawn" (תָּאַר, ta'ar): This word means to mark out or draw a boundary, highlighting that the border was carefully traced or measured rather than guessed.
  • "Enshemsh" (עֵין שֶׁמֶשׁ, en shemesh): Meaning "spring of the sun," this was likely a well-known water source or landmark, showing the use of natural features to define borders.
  • "Geliloth" (גְּלִילוֹת, geliloth): The name means "circles" or "regions," possibly referring to a region with distinctive features or boundaries.
  • "Adummim" (אֲדֻמִּים, adummim): This name means "red places," likely referring to the reddish rocks or soil in the area, making it a recognizable landmark for the boundary.

Why Joshua 18:17 matters

  • This verse shows how the Israelites used specific, recognizable landmarks to define tribal boundaries, which helped avoid disputes and confusion about land ownership.
  • The careful listing of places and features underscores the value placed on each tribe’s inheritance and the fairness of the process.
  • Understanding these boundaries helps modern readers see the historical and geographical realities of ancient Israel, connecting the biblical text to real locations.

Where else these words appear

“Enshemesh” Hebrew H5885 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 15:7 And the border went up toward Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is before the going up to Adummim, which is on the south side of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel:

“Adummim” Hebrew H131 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 15:7 And the border went up toward Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is before the going up to Adummim, which is on the south side of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel:

“Bohan” Hebrew H932 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 15:6 And the border went up to Bethhogla, and passed along by the north of Betharabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben:

“drawn” Hebrew H8388 · used in 5 verses

  • Joshua 15:9 And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjathjearim:
  • Joshua 15:11 And the border went out unto the side of Ekron northward: and the border was drawn to Shicron, and passed along to mount Baalah, and went out unto Jabneel; and the goings out of the border were at the sea.
  • Joshua 18:14 And the border was drawn thence, and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before Bethhoron southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, a city of the children of Judah: this was the west quarter.