The Word for Today with Ray

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Betharabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel - Joshua 18:22

In the book of Joshua, we learned, ”Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz”, and in chapter eighteen and verse twenty-two of Joshua we learn about, “Betharabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel” where we read,

And Betharabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel,

The verse reads, “And Betharabah, and Zemaraim, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Betharabah” whose name means “house of the desert valley" or "place of the depression” and was “a place in Judah or in Benjamin, site unknown”, “and Zemaraim” whose name means “double fleece of wool” and was “a city in northern Benjamin near Bethel”. Joshua shared how “Betharabah and Zemaraim” were among the dwelling places given to the “tribe of Benjamin”.

The verse goes on to say, “… and Bethel, …” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and Bethel” whose name means “house of God” and was “ancient place and seat of worship in Ephraim on border of Benjamin, identified with Luz (former name)”. Joshua or the writer added “Bethel” to the places of waking which were provided to the people of “Benjamin”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn about three more of the “cities” that were given to the “tribe of Benjamin”. “Betharabah, Zemaraim, and Bethel” were added to the locations where the people of “Benjamin” would raise their families in the presence of Jehovah God. God loves the people of Israel, and as He gave these dwelling places to the people of “Benjamin”, He will give us forgiveness of sins, eternal life and His Holy Spirit when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days as “Savior and Lord”. Let all who read these words see the importance of these “three cities”, surrender themselves to Jesus and receive His eternal “city” Heaven forever and ever.

Next time learn about, “Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

The Cities of Benjamin - Joshua 18:21

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families” which included how “the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this was the south coast. 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”, and in chapter eighteen and verse twenty-one of Joshua we learn about, “the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin” where we read,

Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

The verse reads, “Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “now the cities” or “at this time the dwelling places and places of waking” “of the tribe” which means “belonging to the clan or people group” “of the children of Benjamin” or “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Benjamin whose name means ‘son of the right hand’ and was Jacob's and Rachel's youngest son, Joseph's full brother” “according to their families” which means “in keeping with their, the tribe of Benjamin’s, kindred, kinsmen and relatives” “were Jericho” or “existed as Jericho whose name means ‘its moon’ and was a city five miles (8 km) west of the Jordan and seven miles (11.5 km) north of the Dead Sea and the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering the promised land of Canaan”. Joshua or the writer began to share the names of the dwelling places that were given to the “tribe of the children of Benjamin” and their relatives beginning with “Jericho”.

The verse continues, “… and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and Bethhoglan” whose name means ‘house of the partridge" or "place of partridge’ and was a place in Benjamin on the border with Judah”, “and the valley” or “and the vale, lowland and open country” “of Keziz” which means “belonging to Keziz whose name means ‘cut off’ and was a town on Benjamin and the eastern border of the tribe”. Joshua or the writer added “Bethhoglah” and “the valley of Keziz” to the dwelling places provided to the “tribe of Benjamin”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we begin to learn the names of the dwelling places given to the “tribe of Benjamin”. “Jericho, Bethhoglah and the valley of Keziz” began this list, and each of these places were provided so the people of “Benjamin” could raise their families and live in worship to Almighty God. God wants everyone to be in a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us to live according to that truth in a manner that is pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time learn about, “Betharabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Jordan on the East Side - Joshua 18:20

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families” which included how “the border came down to the end of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel. And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, 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. And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah. And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this was the south coast”, and in chapter eighteen and verse twenty of Joshua we learn how, “Jordan was the border of it on the east side” where we read,

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.

The verse reads, “And Jordan was the border of it on the east side.” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Jordan” whose name means “descender” and was ”the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)” “was the border of it” which means “existed as the edge, circuit and boundary belonging to it, the territory given to Benjamin” “on the east side” or “upon the edge in the eastern direction”. Joshua or the writer shared how the “Jordan River” existed as the boundary of the territory given to people of “Benjamin” upon the eastern edge.

The verse goes on to say, “This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “this was the inheritance” which means “this existed as the possession, property and heritage” “of the children of Benjamin” or “belonging to the offspring and progeny belonging to Benjamin whose name means ‘son of the right hand’ and was Jacob and Rachel’s youngest son and Joseph’s full brother”, “by the coasts thereof round about” which means “beside or alongside the boundary or landmark of the territory which encircled and compassed”, “according to their families” or “in keeping with their clans, kindred, kinsmen and relatives”. Joshua or the writer repeated the idea of all these lands near the borders were in keeping with the “tribe of Benjamin’s” clans and relatives.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how the “Jordan River” was the boundary on the eastern edge of the “tribe of Benjamin” which became the portion or share of the “promise land” given to their offspring and relatives. God fulfilled His word when He gave the “tribe of Benjamin” this promise land, and He will give us forgiveness of sins, eternal life and His Holy Spirit when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and as resurrected from the grave after three days. God loves us, and we shall enjoy living with Him forever when we surrender to Him as our “Savior and Lord”. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:18)

Next time learn about, “the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Along the Side of Bethhoglah - Joshua 18:19

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families” which included how “the border came down to the end of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel. And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, 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. And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah”, and in chapter eighteen and verse nineteen of Joshua we learn how the border, “passed along toward the side over of Bethhoglah northward” where we read,

And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this was the south coast.

The verse reads, “And the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the border” which means “and the edge, circuit and boundary” “and passed along” or “and crossed, traversed and marched over” “to the side of Bethhoglan northward” which means “to the edge belonging to Bethhoglan whose name means ‘house of the partridge or place of partridge’ and was a place in Benjamin on the border of Judah in a northern direction”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary of the land given to the “tribe of Benjamin” also traversed the edge of “Bethhoglan” in a northern direction.

The verse continues, “… and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this was the south coast.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and the outgoings of the border” which means “and the ends and extremities belonging to the edge, circuit or boundary” “were at the north bay” or “existed as the tongue shaped cove of water in the northern direction” “of the salt sea” which means “belonging to the large body of water filled with salt or the Dead Sea” “at the south end of Jordan” or “at the southern extremity belonging to the Jordan whose name means ‘descender’ and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)”: “this was the south coast” or “this existed as the southern boundary, territory or region” . Joshua or the writer shared how the extremities of the boundary existed a the tongue shaped cove in the northern area pertaining to the large body of water filled with “salt” known as the Dead Sea at the southern end of the “Jordan River” which existed as the southern border.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover more of the boundaries that surrounded the land given to the people of “Benjamin”. From the edge of “Bethhoglah” in the northern direction, and the extremities at the northern cove shaped like a tongue as well as the northern area belonging to the large body of water known as the “Salt” or “Dead Sea” at the southern extremity belonging to the “Jordan River” which was the southern boundary. All of these areas were important for the people of “Benjamin” and all of “Israel”. God gave this territory to the “tribe of Benjamin”, and because He loves us, He will give us His salvation from sins and death caused by sin when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we submit to Him, as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and equip us to live according to that truth in a manner that is pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time learn how, “Jordan was the border of it on the east side”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

From the North, Enshemesh and Geliloth - Joshua 18:18

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families” which included how “the border came down to the end of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel. And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, 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”, and in chapter eighteen and verse eighteen of Joshua we learn how the border, “passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward” where we read,

And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah:

The verse reads, “And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and passed along” or “and crossed, traversed and marched over” “toward the side” which means “to the edge, slope or shoulder” “over against Arabah northward” or “towards the front of, forefront and precipice of Arabah which refers to the desert plain, steppe or wilderness in the northern direction”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boarder of the land given to the “tribe of Benjamin” also crossed over the edge of the desert place known as “Arabah” in the northern direction.

The verse goes on to say, “… and went down unto Arabah:” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and went down” which means “and descended” “unto Arabah” or “to Arabah which refers to the desert plain, steppe or wilderness”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary of the land given to the people of “Benjamin” descended to “Arabah”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn more about the boundary of the territory allotted to the “tribe of Benjamin”. Although “toward the side over against Arabah” in a northern direction and descending toward “Arabah” might not be familiar to us, it was to Jehovah God, Joshua and the people of Israel. God gave this land to the “tribe of Benjamin” as He kept His promise to give them territories in the land of Canaan. God loves Israel, and He loves us as well. He proved His love toward us when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to give us the ability to live according to that truth so our lives will be pleasing to Him wherever we are in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “the border passed along to the side of Bethhoglah northward”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

From the North, Enshemesh and Geliloth - Joshua 18:17

And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, 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,

The verse reads, “And was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth,…” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and was drawn from the north” or “and was delineated, extended, outlined and traced out separate and apart from the northern direction”, “and went forth” which means “and proceeded, exited and was lead out” “to Enshemesh” or “toward Enshemesh whose name means ‘fountain of the sun’ and was a spring on the boundary of Judah on the south and Benjamin on the north”, “and went forth toward Geliloth” which means “and proceeded, exited and was lead out to Geliloth whose name means ‘circuits’ and was a place on Judah and Benjamin's border”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary was delineated from the northern direction toward “Enshemesh” and “Geliloth”.

The verse continues, “… which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben, …” Joshua or the writer added the words, “which is over against” which means “that is in front, opposite and in the sight of” “the going up of Adummim” or “the rising belonging to Adummin whose name means ‘ruddy one or quieted ones”, “and descended to the stone of Bohan” which means “and went down to the marble or hewn rocks belonging to Rohan whose name means ‘thumb’ and was a Reubenite who set a boundary stone between Judah and Benjamin” “the son of Reuben” or “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Reuben whose name means ‘behold a son’ and was the eldest son of Jacob by Leah”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary was in the sight of the rising bellowing to “Adummim” and went down to the hewn rock belonging to “Bohan” who was the male offspring belonging to “Reuben”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn more about the boundaries to the land distributed to the “tribe of Benjamin”. The border line was delineated from the northern direction, toward “Enshemesh” and to “Geliloth” that is within the front of “Adummim” and went down to the hewn rock of “Bohan” who was the male offspring belonging to “Reuben”. All of these boundaries were known by Jehovah God, and He was fulfilling His word to give the promise land to the people of Israel. God desires to give us salvation from our sins through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to live in the world in a manner that pleases and gives honor to Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Jude 1:24-25; Revelation 4:11)

Next time learn how the border, “passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Border to the End of the Mountain - Joshua 18:16

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families” which included how “the south quarter was from the end of Kirjathjearim, and the border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah”, and in chapter eighteen and verse sixteen of Joshua we learn how, “the border came down to the end of the mountain” where we read,

And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,

The verse reads, “And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lies before the valley of the son of Hinnom, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the border” or “and the edge, circuit and boundary” “came down to the end of the mountain” which means “descended to the edge or extremity belonging to the rising above the plain or hill country” “that lies before the valley” or “that rests in front or in the presence of the vale, lowland or low country” “of the son of Hinnom” which means “belonging to the male offspring and progeny belonging to Hinnom whose name means ‘lamentation’ and was a spring or source of water on the boundary of the territories of Judah and Benjamin; located northwest of Jerusalem”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary descended to the extremity belonging to rising above the plain that rests in front of the lowland belonging to the male offspring of “Hinnom”.

The verse goes on to say, “… and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to Enrogel,” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and which is in the valley” which means “and that exists within the vale, lowland or low country” “of the giants” or “belonging to the huge human beings” “on the north” which means “in the northern direction”, “and descended to the valley of Hinnom” or “and came down toward the vale, lowland or low country belonging to Hinnom whose name means ‘lamentation’ and was a spring or source of water on the boundary of the territories of Judah and Benjamin; located northwest of Jerusalem”, “to the side of Jebusi on the south” which means “toward the edge belonging to Jebusi whose name means ‘threshing place’ and were the descendants of the third son of Canaan who lived in or around the site of Jebus, the early name for Jerusalem”, “and descended to Enrogel” or “and went down toward Enorgel whose name means ‘fount of the fuller’ and was a place near Jerusalem on the border between Judah and Benjamin and from which the permanent source of the pool of Siloam comes”. Joshua or the writer shared how the border of the land given to the people of “Benjamin” also was within the lowland belonging to the huge people in the northern direction and went down to the vale belonging to “Hinnom” as well as to the edge belonging to “Jebusi” in the southern directions and downward to “Enrogel”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we see how there were specific boundary lines to the property assigned to the “tribe of Benjamin”. All of these delineations were known and designed by Jehovah God, and it was His pleasure to provide them to His people. God knows us as well, and because He loves us, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be resurrected from the grave after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth within the boundaries He has in mind for us in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:18)

Next time we learn how the border, “was drawn from the north, and went forth to Enshemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…