In Joshua 18:26, Mizpeh, Chephirah, and Mozah are three cities allotted to Benjamin, underscoring God’s careful organization of the Promised Land and preparing the way for future significant events in Israel’s history.
In Joshua 18:26, we read the tribal allotment description that includes, “and Mizpeh and Chephirah and Mozah” (v.26). These three cities are part of the inheritance given to the tribe of Benjamin after the land of Canaan was subdued under Joshua’s leadership around 1400-1370 BC. Here, Benjamin’s territory lay nestled between the allotments of Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north, strategically positioning these cities in a region of significant trade routes and historical events. Each name—Mizpeh, Chephirah, and Mozah—pointed to specific locales where people would settle, build communities, and practice worship of the God who had fulfilled His covenant promises.
The mention of Mizpeh (or “Mizpah”) stands out because it was a well-known gathering spot in Israel’s history, deriving from the Hebrew word meaning “watchtower.” Centuries later, the prophet Samuel assembled Israel at Mizpah during a time of national repentance (1 Samuel 7:5-6). Chephirah was another town that formed part of the Gibeonite confederacy (Joshua 9), which entered a treaty with Israel. Mozah is less prominent in the biblical narrative, but grouping it with these other cities underscores how God provided an organized homeland for the people of Benjamin, ensuring that every family had a place to thrive and contribute to the community. It also highlights God’s attention to detail in designating each parcel of land according to His perfect plan—a theme that resonates throughout Scripture and ultimately points forward to Christ’s work of preparing an eternal dwelling place for believers (John 14:2).
These three cities, “and Mizpeh and Chephirah and Mozah” (v.26), serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in allotting the land for His chosen people, foreshadowing the ultimate inheritance believers receive through Jesus.
God’s faithful provision demonstrates how each tribe had a vital role in His unfolding plan.
Set to dark mode
Joshua 18:26 meaning
In Joshua 18:26, we read the tribal allotment description that includes, “and Mizpeh and Chephirah and Mozah” (v.26). These three cities are part of the inheritance given to the tribe of Benjamin after the land of Canaan was subdued under Joshua’s leadership around 1400-1370 BC. Here, Benjamin’s territory lay nestled between the allotments of Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north, strategically positioning these cities in a region of significant trade routes and historical events. Each name—Mizpeh, Chephirah, and Mozah—pointed to specific locales where people would settle, build communities, and practice worship of the God who had fulfilled His covenant promises.
The mention of Mizpeh (or “Mizpah”) stands out because it was a well-known gathering spot in Israel’s history, deriving from the Hebrew word meaning “watchtower.” Centuries later, the prophet Samuel assembled Israel at Mizpah during a time of national repentance (1 Samuel 7:5-6). Chephirah was another town that formed part of the Gibeonite confederacy (Joshua 9), which entered a treaty with Israel. Mozah is less prominent in the biblical narrative, but grouping it with these other cities underscores how God provided an organized homeland for the people of Benjamin, ensuring that every family had a place to thrive and contribute to the community. It also highlights God’s attention to detail in designating each parcel of land according to His perfect plan—a theme that resonates throughout Scripture and ultimately points forward to Christ’s work of preparing an eternal dwelling place for believers (John 14:2).
These three cities, “and Mizpeh and Chephirah and Mozah” (v.26), serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in allotting the land for His chosen people, foreshadowing the ultimate inheritance believers receive through Jesus.
God’s faithful provision demonstrates how each tribe had a vital role in His unfolding plan.