Who Was Bohan in the Bible?
Man Living Before Israel’s Monarchy
Bohan is a relatively obscure figure in the Bible, with his name mentioned only once in the Scriptures. The reference to Bohan can be found in Joshua 15:6, which describes the boundaries of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah during the time of Joshua’s conquest of Canaan. The verse states, “The boundary went up to Beth Hoglah and crossed north of Beth Arabah to the stone of Bohan son of Reuben.”
The Lineage of Bohan
Bohan’s lineage is tied to the tribe of Reuben, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name “Reuben” in Hebrew is רְאוּבֵן (Re’uven), meaning “Behold, a son.” Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob (also known as Israel) and Leah, making him a significant figure in the history of the Israelites. However, Reuben lost his birthright due to his misconduct, specifically his actions described in Genesis 35:22 and Genesis 49:3-4.
While the Bible does not provide detailed information about Bohan himself, the mention of his name as “son of Reuben” suggests he was a descendant of Reuben. The specific reference to “the stone of Bohan” in Joshua indicates that Bohan or his family may have had a notable landmark or boundary stone named after them, marking the territory of the tribe of Judah. This small detail is a testament to the meticulous records kept during the division of the land among the tribes, emphasizing the historical and geographical precision of the biblical narrative.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Attention to Detail in Scripture
The mention of Bohan, though brief, highlights the Bible’s attention to detail. Every name, place, and boundary mentioned in Scripture serves a purpose, often pointing to the fulfillment of God’s promises. For modern Christians, this underscores the importance of studying the Bible diligently, as even seemingly minor details can reveal deeper truths and connections within God’s Word.
God’s Faithfulness in Fulfillment
The reference to Bohan in the division of the land is also a reminder of God’s faithfulness. God promised the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the detailed records of land allocation demonstrate the fulfillment of that promise. Christians today can draw comfort and confidence from this, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His promises to His people.
Connection to a Loving God
Covenant Relationship
The biblical narrative of land division, including the mention of Bohan, reflects the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. The careful delineation of land boundaries is a sign of God’s commitment to His covenant people. This covenant relationship is not merely a historical fact but continues to be relevant for Christians today, as they are grafted into the promises made to Abraham through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 11:17-24).
God’s Provision and Care
God’s provision for each tribe, including the tribe of Judah where Bohan’s landmark is mentioned, reflects His care and provision for His people. This provision is seen in the physical inheritance of land for the Israelites and, for Christians, the spiritual inheritance promised through Christ. It reminds believers of God’s constant care and provision in their lives, regardless of their circumstances.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Line of Judah
The tribe of Judah, whose territory includes the “stone of Bohan,” is significant in biblical history as the tribe from which King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ descended. The Hebrew name Judah (יְהוּדָה, Yehudah) means “praise,” and it was from this tribe that the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5) would come, fulfilling the messianic prophecy.
Jesus, the Cornerstone
The mention of a stone, such as the “stone of Bohan,” also draws a symbolic connection to Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the cornerstone in the New Testament (Ephesians 2:20, 1 Peter 2:6). Just as boundary stones were significant markers in the Old Testament, Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, the foundation upon which believers are built.
Conclusion
While Bohan may seem like a minor figure in the grand narrative of the Bible, his mention serves to highlight the precision and historical accuracy of the Scriptures. More importantly, it underscores God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and provides lessons for modern Christians about the importance of details in Scripture, God’s provision, and the central role of Jesus Christ in God’s plan of salvation. Through these connections, even the briefest mentions in the Bible can enrich our understanding and appreciation of God’s Word.