Joshua 15:8

"The border went up to Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that faces the ascent of Adummim, which is on the south side of the river. The border passed along to the waters of En Shemesh, and ended at En Rogel."

Key Reflection

The border described in Joshua 15:8 delineates part of Judah's territory by detailing a series of geographical landmarks that were familiar to the original audience. Starting from the valley of Achor, the boundary ascended towards Debir, a significant site likely named after the victory of Othniel over Cushan-rishathaim (Judges 1:11-15). This ascent then turned northward toward Gilgal, which was an important place for covenant renewal and military muster. The route continued to the waters of En Shemesh, a water source that would have been crucial for travelers and communities in this region, before ending at En Rogel, another well-known landmark. These specific locations provided a clear, tangible reference for understanding the territorial claims and boundaries that were central to maintaining tribal identity and governance during that period.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

The valley of the son of Hinnom -This valley begins on the west of Jerusalem at the road to Joppa, and turning southeastward round the foot of Mount Zion joins the deeper valley of Kedron on the south of the city. It was in this ravine, more particularly at Tophet in the more wild and precipitous part of it toward the east, that the later kings of Judah offered the sacrifices of children to Moloch (2Ch 28:3;2 Chronicles 33:6, etc.). After these places had been defiled by Josiah, Tophet and the whole valley of Hinnom were held in abomination by the Jews, and the name of the latter was used to denote the place of eternal tormentMatthew 5:22.

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