From there the boundary passes along southward in the direction of Luz, to the shoulder of Luz (that is, Bethel), then the boundary goes down to Ataroth-addar, on the mountain that lies south of Lower Beth-horon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights how a place known by one name, Luz, is also identified by its later, more significant name, Bethel. It shows that as history unfolded and God's presence became more deeply associated with a location—even after its original name was established—Scripture sometimes offers these dual identifications, revealing layers of meaning and memory embedded in the land.
From there the boundary passes along southward in the direction of Luz, to the shoulder of Luz (that is, Bethel), then the boundary goes down to Ataroth-addar, on the mountain that lies south of Lower Beth-horon.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage describes the detailed boundaries of Benjamin's inheritance, following the casting of lots for land division among the tribes. After establishing the general location of Benjamin's territory between Judah and Joseph, the text begins to meticulously trace its borders, starting from the north and moving west and south. This verse specifically defines a section of Benjamin's southern edge, connecting it to key landmarks like Luz (also known as Bethel) and Beth-horon.
Why does this verse mention a city by two names? It’s a clue to its history and spiritual significance.
This verse names a location as "Luz" and then immediately clarifies, "which is Bethel." This isn't just a geographical detail; it's a narrative echo.
Luz: The Ancient Name
Luz was the original Canaanite name for the city. It likely meant something like 'nut tree' or 'almond tree.' It represents the land before its divine re-dedication.
Bethel: The God-Encounter Name
Later, Jacob famously encountered God there and renamed it Bethel, meaning 'House of God.' This transformation highlights a shift from paganism to a place of divine revelation.
The Significance
By mentioning both names, the text reminds us that even in the assigned inheritance, the past (Luz) was being overlaid by God's presence and purpose (Bethel). It’s a landscape rich with spiritual history.
The description of borders isn't just lines on a map; it's about understanding the landscape God gave.
The precise geographical markers in this verse – descending to Ataroth-addar, near a hill south of Lower Beth-horon – paint a picture of the inheritance.
A Land of Contrasts
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The terms used, like "descended," indicate significant elevation changes. Bethel, for example, was known to be very high. This means the borders traversed mountainous regions and valleys.
Strategic Locations
Places like Beth-horon were important strategic points, historically known for their passes. The borders are not randomly drawn but follow natural features and significant landmarks that would have been recognized by the people.
Divine Order
This detailed mapping shows God’s faithfulness in giving the people a defined inheritance. Despite the challenges of the terrain, the boundaries were set by divine decree, ensuring each tribe received its portion.
This verse is part of the description of Benjamin's inheritance. Where does this tribe fit in?
Joshua 18:13 is situated within the description of the tribe of Benjamin's inheritance. This tribe holds a special place geographically and theologically.
Sandwiched Between Giants
Benjamin's territory lay directly between the powerful tribes of Judah to the south and Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) to the north and west. This central location was significant.
A Small Tribe, a Big Role
Despite being one of the smaller tribes, Benjamin received a significant inheritance that even included areas near Jerusalem. This illustrates God's sovereign choice and how He can use anyone, regardless of size or status.
A Foundation for the Future
This positioning placed Benjamin at a crucial crossroads, both geographically and historically, foreshadowing its later role in the united monarchy and beyond.
Understand the original words
Beth-el · Hebrew Noun
Literally 'House of God'; a significant site of patriarchal history where God appeared to Jacob, representing a place of divine revelation and covenant renewal.
The specific geographical markers in Joshua's description of Benjamin's border reveal the careful, divinely-ordained process of land allocation. Understanding these ancient place names like Luz (Bethel) and Beth-horon helps us appreciate the concrete reality of God's promises to His people.
c. 1400 BC
Joshua Leads Conquest of Canaan
Following their exodus from Egypt, Joshua leads the Israelites in conquering the Promised Land, marking a pivotal moment in their history.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Divine Allotment of Land by Lot
After the conquest, the land is divided among the twelve tribes of Israel through a sacred casting of lots, a divinely guided process.
c. 1400 BC
Benjamin's Inheritance Defined
The tribe of Benjamin receives its allotted territory, situated strategically between the territories of Judah and Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh).
c. 1000 BC
Jerusalem (Jebusi) Becomes Prominent
Jerusalem, originally a Jebusite city, is incorporated into Benjamin's territory, later becoming a significant royal city.
c. 931 BC
Idolatry at Bethel
The city of Bethel, once a place of divine encounter, becomes a center for idolatrous worship, notably with the golden calves set up by Jeroboam.
This passage explains how the city Luz was renamed Bethel, connecting directly to the verse's identification of Luz as Bethel.
1 Kings 12:29This verse describes Jeroboam setting up an idol in Bethel, showing how a place once known as Luz and then Bethel became associated with idolatry, a significant historical overlay on the geographical description.
Judges 1:22-26This account details how the tribe of Joseph conquered Bethel, which had previously been known as Luz, providing context for the changing names and control of this significant geographical marker.
Nehemiah 11:31-32This passage lists inhabitants who settled in various towns after the exile, including some located near Bethel and Beth-horon, showing the enduring significance of these geographical locations.
1 Samuel 13:16-18This describes Benjaminite settlements and movements, including areas like the valley of Zeboim and Beth-horon, which helps to understand the tribal territories being demarcated in Joshua.
gillJoshua 18:13: "And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron."
And the border went over from thence towards Luz,.... From Bethaven, where the northern border ended, the western began, and went on to Luz: to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; that is, passed along, leaving that city to the south, which formerly was called Luz, bu…
calvinJoshua 18:11-28: "And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph."
And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.
Fuitque eis terminus ad latus Aquilonis a Jordane: et ascendi…
This verse highlights how a place known by one name, Luz, is also identified by its later, more significant name, Bethel. It shows that as history unfolded and God's presence became more deeply associated with a location—even after its original name was established—Scripture sometimes offers these dual identifications, revealing layers of meaning and memory embedded in the land.
This passage describes the detailed boundaries of Benjamin's inheritance, following the casting of lots for land division among the tribes. After establishing the general location of Benjamin's territory between Judah and Joseph, the text begins to meticulously trace its borders, starting from the north and moving west and south. This verse specifically defines a section of Benjamin's southern edge, connecting it to key landmarks like Luz (also known as Bethel) and Beth-horon.
This passage describes the detailed boundaries of Benjamin's inheritance, following the casting of lots for land division among the tribes. After establishing the general location of Benjamin's territory between Judah and Joseph, the text begins to meticulously trace its borders, starting from the north and moving west and south. This verse specifically defines a section of Benjamin's southern edge, connecting it to key landmarks like Luz (also known as Bethel) and Beth-horon.
"From there the boundary passes along southward in the direction of Luz, to the shoulder of Luz (that is, Bethel), then the boundary goes down to Ataroth-addar, on the mountain that lies south of Lower Beth-horon." — This verse highlights how a place known by one name, Luz, is also identified by its later, more significant name, Bethel. It shows that as history unfolded and God's presence became more deeply assoc…
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Last reviewed October 2026