Joshua 18:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֗עַל
came up
H5927
וַיַּ֗עַל
came up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
1 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
גּֽוֹרָלָ֔ם
And the lot
H1486
גּֽוֹרָלָ֔ם
And the lot
Strong's:
H1486
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
מַטֵּ֥ה
of the tribe
H4294
מַטֵּ֥ה
of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
3 of 15
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
בְּנֵ֥י
and the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
and the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בִנְיָמִ֖ן
of Benjamin
H1144
בִנְיָמִ֖ן
of Benjamin
Strong's:
H1144
Word #:
5 of 15
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם
according to their families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם
according to their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
6 of 15
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
וַיֵּצֵא֙
came forth
H3318
וַיֵּצֵא֙
came forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
7 of 15
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
גְּב֣וּל
and the coast
H1366
גְּב֣וּל
and the coast
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
גּֽוֹרָלָ֔ם
And the lot
H1486
גּֽוֹרָלָ֔ם
And the lot
Strong's:
H1486
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
בֵּ֚ין
H996
בֵּ֚ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
10 of 15
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
בְּנֵ֥י
and the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
and the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
12 of 15
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וּבֵ֖ין
H996
וּבֵ֖ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
13 of 15
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
Historical Context
Benjamin's buffer position between Judah (south) and Joseph/Ephraim (north) became crucial during the kingdom's later division. Benjamites aligned with Judah, forming the southern kingdom. Their territory included Jerusalem, Bethel, Jericho—key religious and political centers.
Questions for Reflection
- How might your seemingly small or insignificant position be strategically important in God's kingdom plan?
- What does Benjamin's placement between rival tribes teach about peacemaking and unity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families—Benjamin, Jacob's youngest son, receives his portion by sacred lot. The phrase according to their families (mishpachotam, מִשְׁפְּחֹתָם) indicates subdivision within the tribe. The coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph positions Benjamin strategically between the two dominant tribes.
This placement proves prophetically significant: Jerusalem, the eternal capital, lies in Benjamite territory. Though smallest among Joseph's brothers (Genesis 42:13), Benjamin's central location makes them crucial to Israel's unity. God exalts the humble and strategically positions His servants.