Joshua 13
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1Now Joshua was old and well advanced in years. Yahweh said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to be possessed. 2“This is the land that still remains: all the regions of the Philistines, and all the Geshurites; 3from the Shihor, which is before Egypt, even to the border of Ekron northward, which is counted as Canaanite; the five lords of the Philistines; the Gazites, and the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avvim, 4on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the border of the Amorites; 5and the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrise, from Baal Gad under Mount Hermon to the entrance of Hamath; 6all the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim, even all the Sidonians. I will drive them out from before the children of Israel. Just allocate it to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you. 7Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.” 8With him the Reubenites and the Gadites received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond the Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of Yahweh gave them: 9from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain of Medeba to Dibon; 10and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, to the border of the children of Ammon; 11and Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan to Salecah; 12all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei (the same was left of the remnant of the Rephaim); for Moses attacked these, and drove them out. 13Nevertheless the children of Israel didn’t drive out the Geshurites, nor the Maacathites: but Geshur and Maacath live within Israel to this day. 14Only he gave no inheritance to the tribe of Levi. The offerings of Yahweh, the God of Israel, made by fire are his inheritance, as he spoke to him. 15Moses gave to the tribe of the children of Reuben according to their families. 16Their border was from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain by Medeba; 17Heshbon, and all its cities that are in the plain; Dibon, Bamoth Baal, Beth Baal Meon, 18Jahaz, Kedemoth, Mephaath, 19Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth Shahar in the mount of the valley, 20Beth Peor, the slopes of Pisgah, Beth Jeshimoth, 21all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses struck with the chiefs of Midian, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the princes of Sihon, who lived in the land. 22The children of Israel also killed Balaam the son of Beor, the soothsayer, with the sword, among the rest of their slain. 23The border of the children of Reuben was the bank of the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, the cities and its villages. 24Moses gave to the tribe of Gad, to the children of Gad, according to their families. 25Their border was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, to Aroer that is near Rabbah; 26and from Heshbon to Ramath Mizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir; 27and in the valley, Beth Haram, Beth Nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, the Jordan’s bank, to the uttermost part of the sea of Chinnereth beyond the Jordan eastward. 28This is the inheritance of the children of Gad according to their families, the cities and its villages. 29Moses gave an inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh. It was for the half-tribe of the children of Manasseh according to their families. 30Their border was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the villages of Jair, which are in Bashan, sixty cities. 31Half Gilead, Ashtaroth, and Edrei, the cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were for the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even for the half of the children of Machir according to their families. 32These are the inheritances which Moses distributed in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho, eastward. 33But Moses gave no inheritance to the tribe of Levi. Yahweh, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he spoke to them.
World English Bible (public domain)
““And the Lord said to Joshua, ‘You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.’””
Joshua 13:1
Summary
In Joshua chapter 13, the Lord instructs Joshua concerning the remaining lands that the Israelites have yet to conquer. The chapter emphasizes the divinely appointed division of the land among the tribes of Israel. It specifically highlights areas that have not yet been taken, particularly in the Transjordan region, where the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are mentioned. This division not only delineates borders but also fulfills God’s promise to give His people the land of Canaan. Joshua is reminded of the victories they have achieved and is instructed to allocate the land to the respective tribes, emphasizing God’s faithfulness in guiding them to possess the Land. The significance of this chapter lies in the importance of obedience to God’s commands and His sovereignty in providing for His people. It serves as a reminder of the need for faithfulness in claiming the promises God has given, as well as the importance of leadership in guiding the community toward fulfillment of God's promises. The transition from conquest to settlement is marked by this chapter, underlining that God's work continues even as the people begin to inhabit the land promised to them. Additionally, the chapter reflects the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and the importance of listening to God's directions, highlighting the need for ongoing faith and dependence on God as they settle into their new homes. The blessings of land and provision are portrayed as not just physical realities but also as spiritual declarations of God's providence and faithfulness to His people.
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Chapter outline
How Joshua 13 unfolds
Joshua 13:1–7 God's Instruction to Joshua
As Joshua ages, God reminds him that much land remains to be possessed. The Lord instructs Joshua to allocate the remaining territory among the tribes of Israel.
Joshua 13:8–14 Inheritance of Reuben and Gad
Joshua recounts the inheritance given to the Reubenites and Gadites, bestowed as Moses had commanded. This section emphasizes the territories and cities they were assigned.
Joshua 13:15–23 Details of Reuben's Territory
The text outlines the specifics of the land allocated to the tribe of Reuben, detailing its borders and significant cities. It also mentions the defeat of key enemies.
Joshua 13:24–28 Gad's Inheritance Described
The chapter continues with the allocation of land to the tribe of Gad, describing its borders, cities, and the extent of their territory. This section emphasizes their settlement in Gilead.
Joshua 13:29–32 Half-Tribe of Manasseh's Land
Joshua details the inheritance for the half-tribe of Manasseh, including regions in Bashan. Their territory is presented alongside the regions previously assigned by Moses.
Joshua 13:33 Levi's Unique Inheritance
The chapter concludes by reaffirming that the tribe of Levi received no territorial inheritance, as Yahweh Himself is their inheritance, highlighting their special role.
Key verses
Joshua 13:1This verse underscores the urgency of claiming the promised land, reflecting God's continued guidance and promise to Israel.
Main themes in Joshua 13
Divine Guidance
The theme of Divine Guidance surfaces when God speaks to Joshua about the land that remains to be possessed in verse 1. This moment emphasizes God's continuous leadership and the assurance of His promises, especially as Joshua approaches old age. As Israel prepares to settle into their allotted lands, the chapter underscores the necessity of seeking divine direction in fulfilling their destiny.
Faithfulness of God
God's faithfulness is clearly illustrated in verse 6, where He assures Joshua that the inhabitants of the land will be driven out. This assurance reflects God's unwavering commitment to His promises, affirming His presence with Israel as they transition into the promised land. The chapter reassures the Israelites that, despite their long journey, God remains steadfast in fulfilling the covenant He established with them.
Importance of Leadership
The theme of Importance of Leadership is highlighted as Joshua distributes land to the tribes in verses 7 and 8, following God's commands. This land allocation process demonstrates how pivotal Joshua's leadership is in ensuring that God's instructions are executed properly. Effective leadership is portrayed as a vital component in the realization of God's promises, guiding Israel toward a successful settlement.
Covenant and Inheritance
The theme of Covenant and Inheritance is prominent in verses 1-7, where the allocation of land symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. This distribution serves as a tangible representation of the covenant relationship, illustrating that each tribe receives its designated inheritance. Such acts reinforce Israel's identity as God's chosen people and establish the foundation for their communal life in the promised land.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Joshua 13
- Joshua 12This passage connects as it outlines the victories over kings, establishing the basis for the land inheritance discussed in chapter 13.
- Numbers 32This text echoes the earlier allocation of land to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, confirming the continuity of God's promises.
- Deuteronomy 3This passage develops the background of land distribution, particularly concerning the territories conquered from Og and Sihon.
- Numbers 21This chapter connects by recounting Israel's victories over the Amorites, establishing the context for the land they inherit.
- Jeremiah 48This reference highlights the ongoing reality of the land and its inhabitants, offering a contrast to Israel's conquest and settlement.
- Joshua 11This text connects as it describes the initial conquests that laid the groundwork for the later settlement and division of land.
Study questions
Questions for studying Joshua 13
- What specific territories are mentioned for the Philistines and Geshurites?
- How did Moses influence the inheritance of Reuben and Gad?
- What cities were part of Reuben's inheritance according to the text?
- Why is Levi's inheritance different from the other tribes?
- What does God's promise to drive out inhabitants signify for Israel?
- How does Joshua's age impact the narrative in this chapter?
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