The demarcation of territory, both physical and political, appears throughout the Old and New Testaments. These boundaries can represent divinely ordained divisions, limitations on power, or points of contact with the “other.” For example, God established territorial boundaries for the tribes of Israel in the Promised Land, as described extensively in the Book of Joshua. These defined spaces dictated inheritance, responsibility, and identity.
Significance lies in understanding that boundaries, in biblical thought, often serve a dual purpose. They provide security and definition for a group while also presenting opportunities for interaction and potential conflict with those outside. Historical context is crucial; understanding the ancient Near Eastern concept of kingdoms, tribes, and the relationship between the sacred and the profane informs interpretations of these boundaries. Furthermore, the concept of welcoming the sojourner within those limits highlights a moral obligation alongside physical delineation.
