יהושע, פרק י״ח, פסוק ט״ז

The mapping of tribal boundaries often reveals the exact placement of sacred spaces within the Land of Israel. As the border for the tribe of Benjamin is drawn around the Jerusalem area, its path through the local mountains and valleys provides the key to understanding which tribe claims the holy city.

The boundary line traces a downward path. The previous stop on this route was a spring considered to be the highest point in the entire land. Naturally, moving forward from such an elevated peak requires the border to descend [מצודת דוד]. It travels down to the eastern edge of a mountain [מלבי״ם] that stands directly to the north of the Valley of Rephaim [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Continuing its descent, the border reaches the southern side of the Jebusite slope, an area identified as Mount Zion [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This topographical layout leads to a major historical conclusion. The commentators agree that the Jebusite city is actually Jerusalem. Because the boundary line runs just south of the city, Jerusalem itself falls into the territory situated above it. Therefore, the holy city rests firmly within the land given to the tribe of Benjamin, granting them at least a portion of the sacred ground of Mount Moriah [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].