Joshua 18:20
And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families.
Original Language Analysis
יִגְבֹּל
was the border
H1379
יִגְבֹּל
was the border
Strong's:
H1379
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, to twist as a rope; to bound (as by a line)
אֹת֖וֹ
H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לִפְאַת
side
H6285
לִפְאַת
side
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
קֵ֑דְמָה
of it on the east
H6924
קֵ֑דְמָה
of it on the east
Strong's:
H6924
Word #:
5 of 12
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
נַֽחֲלַת֩
This was the inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלַת֩
This was the inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
בְּנֵ֨י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֨י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בִנְיָמִ֧ן
of Benjamin
H1144
בִנְיָמִ֧ן
of Benjamin
Strong's:
H1144
Word #:
9 of 12
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
Historical Context
The Jordan River varied from 90-100 feet wide and 3-10 feet deep during normal flow, becoming impassable during spring floods. Its role as Benjamin's eastern border connected them to the Transjordan tribes and served as a major water source for their territory.
Questions for Reflection
- What miraculous provisions mark the beginning of your spiritual inheritance?
- How does God's attention to individual families encourage your confidence in His personal care?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Jordan was the border of it on the east side—The Jordan River forms Benjamin's entire eastern boundary. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families concludes the boundary description. The Jordan's prominence reminds Benjamin of Israel's miraculous crossing (Joshua 3-4)—their inheritance began with divine intervention.
Every Benjamite family received according to their families, ensuring no household was disinherited. This reflects covenant faithfulness: God keeps promises not just tribally but personally. Each family matters to God, anticipating Christ who knows His sheep by name (John 10:3).