Joshua 18:17
And was drawn from the north, and went forth to En-shemesh, 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,
Original Language Analysis
מִצָּפ֗וֹן
from the north
H6828
מִצָּפ֗וֹן
from the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
וְיָצָא֙
and went forth
H3318
וְיָצָא֙
and went forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
3 of 17
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וְיָצָא֙
and went forth
H3318
וְיָצָא֙
and went forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
6 of 17
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נֹ֖כַח
which is over against
H5227
נֹ֖כַח
which is over against
Strong's:
H5227
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, the front part; used adverbially (especially with preposition), opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of
מַֽעֲלֵ֣ה
the going up
H4608
מַֽעֲלֵ֣ה
the going up
Strong's:
H4608
Word #:
11 of 17
an elevation, i.e., (concretely) acclivity or platform; abstractly (the relation or state) a rise or (figuratively) priority
וְיָרַ֕ד
and descended
H3381
וְיָרַ֕ד
and descended
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
13 of 17
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
Historical Context
The Ascent of Adummim (meaning 'red/blood') was a dangerous pass on the Jericho-Jerusalem road, possibly where Jesus set His Good Samaritan parable (Luke 10:30-37). Geliloth means 'circles/districts,' perhaps referring to cairns or boundary stones marking the border.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'stones' of remembrance should you set up to mark God's faithfulness in your journey?
- How does God remember faithful servants whose names we've forgotten?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And was drawn from the north, and went forth to En-shemesh—En-shemesh ('spring of the sun') likely relates to pagan sun worship, another Canaanite site redeemed for God's purposes. The border continues toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, then descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben.
Bohan's stone memorializes an otherwise unknown Reubenite, showing how ordinary faithful people leave lasting marks. Scripture preserves his name though his story is lost. This encourages believers: faithful service matters even when we seem insignificant. God remembers what we forget (Hebrews 6:10).