Verses 12-14 trace the northern boundary (where it touched the territory of Ephraim) from the Jordan River westward and then southward to Kiriath Jearim. For the places listed in verse 12, see 16.1-2; notice that in verse 13, unlike in 16.2, Luz and Bethel are different names for the same city; and in verse 12 Bethaven (“house of wickedness”) may be a way of referring to Bethel itself (see comments and footnote on 7.2).

On the north their border began at the Jordan does indicate that the northern border of Benjamin’s territory is being described. Then later in the verse the use of westward indicates that the description is from east to the west. It is possible to be even more specific: “Their northern border began in the east at the Jordan River … and westward….”

To the reader who hears the text read, the desert of Bethaven may sound like a proper name; to avoid this ambiguity it is better to translate “the desert near the city of Bethaven.”

In verse 13 Luz, Ataroth Addar, and Lower Beth Horon may need to be identified as cities.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .