Joshua 18:21
Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Beth-hoglah, and the valley of Keziz,
Original Language Analysis
וְהָי֣וּ
H1961
וְהָי֣וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הֶֽעָרִ֗ים
Now the cities
H5892
הֶֽעָרִ֗ים
Now the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
2 of 11
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
לְמַטֵּ֛ה
of the tribe
H4294
לְמַטֵּ֛ה
of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
3 of 11
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
בְּנֵ֥י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 11
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 11
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
לְמִשְׁפְּחֽוֹתֵיהֶ֑ם
according to their families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֽוֹתֵיהֶ֑ם
according to their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
6 of 11
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
Historical Context
Jericho lay abandoned after Joshua's curse (Joshua 6:26), not rebuilt until Ahab's reign (1 Kings 16:34). Its inclusion shows Benjamites claimed the valuable agricultural land around the ruined city. Beth-hoglah served as an eastern border town.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'Jerichos' in your spiritual heritage remind you of God's miraculous interventions?
- How can rehearsing past victories strengthen faith for present battles?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho—The city list begins with Jericho, Israel's first conquest. Though destroyed, it remained Benjamite territory. Beth-hoglah and the valley of Keziz follow. Cities define tribal inheritance—not just land but communities, infrastructure, and strategic locations.
Jericho's placement first emphasizes faith's victory. Every time Benjamites recited their city list, they remembered God's power. Heritage matters—rehearsing God's acts builds faith. The writer to Hebrews likewise recounts faith heroes (Hebrews 11) to inspire perseverance.