Beth-arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This short list of cities highlights the geographical complexity of Benjamin's inheritance. The inclusion of "Beth-arabah" (House in the desert) and "Bethel" (House of God) right next to each other, suggests a place with both sacred significance and stark wilderness nearby, a reminder that God's presence can be found even in desolate places.
Beth-arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The tribes of Israel are receiving their allotted portions of the Promised Land, and this passage specifically details cities within Benjamin's inheritance. This follows the overall division of the land after the conquest, and here the specific towns belonging to Benjamin are being listed, some of which are noted as being located between the territories of Judah and Joseph.
Ever feel like your identity is tied to who you're next to? The cities of Benjamin are listed, but their significance comes alive when we see who they bordered.
The placement of Benjamin's inheritance is key. It sat right between the powerful tribes of Judah to the south and Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) to the north and west.
The name 'Bethel' appears, a place etched in biblical history. What does this significant location tell us about God's enduring presence, even amidst change?
Bethel, meaning 'House of God,' is a name loaded with theological weight.
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Beyond the famous names, there are cities like Beth-arabah. What does its location in the 'plain' or 'wilderness' suggest about the nature of this inheritance?
Beth-arabah's name points to its geographical setting and its significance.
c. 1400 BC
Joshua leads Israel into Canaan
After wandering for 40 years, Joshua brings the Israelites into the Promised Land, beginning the conquest and division of the territory.
c. 1400-1350 BC— this verse
Division of the Land of Canaan
The Promised Land is systematically divided among the twelve tribes of Israel through the casting of lots, a process overseen by Joshua and Eleazar the priest.
c. 1350 BC
Tribes Settle into Assigned Territories
The tribes of Israel begin to establish themselves in their allotted lands, though the full conquest and subjugation of all inhabitants will continue.
This passage directly links Bethel to Luz, the ancient name for the place where Jacob had his vision, highlighting its historical and spiritual significance, which is also noted in the context of Joshua's description.
Genesis 49:27This verse contains Jacob's prophecy about Benjamin, describing him as a ravenous wolf, which the commentary suggests might explain the potentially turbulent nature or strategic position of Benjamin's inheritance, including cities like Bethel.
1 Kings 12:29This verse records Jeroboam setting up an idol in Bethel, illustrating how this significant city, once a place of divine encounter, became a center of idolatry, a later historical development that adds depth to its mention in Joshua.
2 Chronicles 13:4This passage mentions a mountain called Zemaraim in the territory of the Ephraimites, suggesting a connection or proximity to the city of Zemaraim mentioned in Joshua, further helping to locate the otherwise unknown city.
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…
cambridgeJoshua 18:22: "And Betharabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel,"
22 . 4. Beth-arabah ] See note above, Joshua 15:6 . 5. Zemaraim is unknown. 6. Bethel , see Joshua 18:13 .
This short list of cities highlights the geographical complexity of Benjamin's inheritance. The inclusion of "Beth-arabah" (House in the desert) and "Bethel" (House of God) right next to each other, suggests a place with both sacred significance and stark wilderness nearby, a reminder that God's presence can be found even in desolate places.
The tribes of Israel are receiving their allotted portions of the Promised Land, and this passage specifically details cities within Benjamin's inheritance. This follows the overall division of the land after the conquest, and here the specific towns belonging to Benjamin are being listed, some of which are noted as being located between the territories of Judah and Joseph.
The tribes of Israel are receiving their allotted portions of the Promised Land, and this passage specifically details cities within Benjamin's inheritance. This follows the overall division of the land after the conquest, and here the specific towns belonging to Benjamin are being listed, some of which are noted as being located between the territories of Judah and Joseph.
"Beth-arabah, Zemaraim, Bethel," — This short list of cities highlights the geographical complexity of Benjamin's inheritance. The inclusion of "Beth-arabah" (House in the desert) and "Bethel" (House of God) right next to each other,…
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Last reviewed October 2026