Joshua 13 The Division of the Land

1 Land Still to Be Taken
When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him, “You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.

2 “This is the land that remains: all the regions of the Philistines and Geshurites:

3 from the Shihor River on the east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north, all of it counted as Canaanite (the territory of the five Philistine rulers in Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath and Ekron—that of the Avvites);

4 from the south, all the land of the Canaanites, from Arah of the Sidonians as far as Aphek, the region of the Amorites,

5 the area of the Gebalites; and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal Gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo Hamath.

6 “As for all the inhabitants of the mountain regions from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim, that is, all the Sidonians, I myself will drive them out before the Israelites. Be sure to allocate this land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have instructed you,

7 and divide it as an inheritance among the nine tribes and half of the tribe of Manasseh.”

8 Division of the Land East of the Jordan
The other half of Manasseh, the Reubenites and the Gadites had received the inheritance that Moses had given them east of the Jordan, as he, the servant of the Lord, had assigned it to them.

9 It extended from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Gorge, and from the town in the middle of the gorge, and included the whole plateau of Medeba as far as Dibon,

10 and all the towns of Sihon king of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon, out to the border of the Ammonites.

11 It also included Gilead, the territory of the people of Geshur and Maacah, all of Mount Hermon and all Bashan as far as Salecah—

12 that is, the whole kingdom of Og in Bashan, who had reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei and had survived as one of the last of the Rephaites. Moses had defeated them and taken over their land.

13 But the Israelites did not drive out the people of Geshur and Maacah, so they continue to live among the Israelites to this day.

14 But to the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance, since the offerings made by fire to the Lord, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as he promised them.

15 This is what Moses had given to the tribe of Reuben, clan by clan:

16 The territory from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Gorge, and from the town in the middle of the gorge, and the whole plateau past Medeba

17 to Heshbon and all its towns on the plateau, including Dibon, Bamoth Baal, Beth Baal Meon,

18 Jahaz, Kedemoth, Mephaath,

19 Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth Shahar on the hill in the valley,

20 Beth Peor, the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth Jeshimoth—

21 all the towns on the plateau and the entire realm of Sihon king of the Amorites, who ruled at Heshbon. Moses had defeated him and the Midianite chiefs, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur and Reba—princes allied with Sihon—who lived in that country.

22 In addition to those slain in battle, the Israelites had put to the sword Balaam son of Beor, who practiced divination.

23 The boundary of the Reubenites was the bank of the Jordan. These towns and their villages were the inheritance of the Reubenites, clan by clan.

24 This is what Moses had given to the tribe of Gad, clan by clan:

25 The territory of Jazer, all the towns of Gilead and half the Ammonite country as far as Aroer, near Rabbah;

26 and from Heshbon to Ramath Mizpah and Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the territory of Debir;

27 and in the valley, Beth Haram, Beth Nimrah, Succoth and Zaphon with the rest of the realm of Sihon king of Heshbon (the east side of the Jordan, the territory up to the end of the Sea of Kinnereth).

28 These towns and their villages were the inheritance of the Gadites, clan by clan.

29 This is what Moses had given to the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, to half the family of the descendants of Manasseh, clan by clan:

30 The territory extending from Mahanaim and including all of Bashan, the entire realm of Og king of Bashan—all the settlements of Jair in Bashan, sixty towns,

31 half of Gilead, and Ashtaroth and Edrei (the royal cities of Og in Bashan). This was for the descendants of Makir son of Manasseh—for half of the sons of Makir, clan by clan.

32 This is the inheritance Moses had given when he was in the plains of Moab across the Jordan east of Jericho.

33 But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he promised them.

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Analysis of Joshua Chapter 13

Joshua Chapter 13 marks a significant transition in the overall narrative of the Book of Joshua. This chapter establishes the groundwork for the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. While earlier chapters detail Israel’s military conquests, Chapter 13 shifts focus to the distribution of the newly acquired territories. This chapter is rich with historical, theological, and cultural dimensions that offer profound insights into the biblical story. This analysis delves into these themes, exploring key verses and their relevance within the broader context of the Bible.

Overview of the Chapter

Joshua Chapter 13 can be broadly divided into two main sections:

Verses 1-7: God commands Joshua to allocate the land despite the remaining unconquered territories.
Verses 8-33: The specific lands allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are enumerated.

Verses 1-7: Joshua’s Old Age and the Remaining Land

Verse 1: “Now Joshua was old and advanced in years. And the LORD said to him, ‘You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land remains to be possessed.'” This opening verse sets a tone of urgency. Joshua, now advanced in years, still has a significant task ahead. God’s acknowledgment of Joshua’s age adds a human dimension to the narrative; it reminds readers that even the greatest leaders have physical limitations.

“The land that remains includes all the regions of the Philistines and the Geshurites (5), from the Shihor which is east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron northward (6), all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians…”

These verses delineate the specific regions yet to be conquered. The mention of these territories serves several functions:

Historical Context: By naming these regions, the text affirms the historical reality and geographical knowledge of ancient Israel.
Continued Mission: The enumeration of the remaining lands underscores that the conquest is incomplete, reminding readers that the divine mandate extends beyond the immediate narrative of the book.

Verses 6-7: “I myself will drive them out from before the people of Israel. Only allot the land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you.” This assurance from God is crucial. It emphasizes that the responsibility of conquering and inhabiting the land is a divine initiative. God’s promise to “drive them out” is a reiteration of His commitment to Israel, which complements human effort with divine intervention.

Verses 8-33: Allocation of Land East of the Jordan

This section provides a detailed account of the land allocations made to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Verses 8-14: Land of Reuben and Gad

Verse 8: “With the other half of the tribe of Manasseh, the Reubenites and the Gadites received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond the Jordan eastward, as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them.” This verse underscores the preliminary allocations made by Moses before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River. It illustrates continuity in leadership and divine instruction from Moses to Joshua.

Verses 9-12: The boundaries and notable locations of Reuben and Gad’s territories are described. These geographical markers anchor the text in a concrete historical reality and reflect the importance of land in Israelite identity and covenant theology.

Verse 13: “Yet the people of Israel did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites, but Geshur and Maacath dwell in the midst of Israel to this day.” This verse introduces a note of tension and incompleteness. The presence of these groups within Israel’s territory foreshadows future conflicts and complicates the narrative of conquest.

Verse 14: “To the tribe of Levi alone Moses gave no inheritance. The offerings by fire to the LORD God of Israel are their inheritance, as he said to him.” The Levites’ unique role as priests and caretakers of the Tabernacle is highlighted here. Their inheritance is spiritual rather than material, underscoring the centrality of worship and religious duty in Israelite society.

Verses 15-33: Specific Allocation to Reuben, Gad, and Half-Tribe of Manasseh

Verses 15-23: These verses detail the allocation to the tribe of Reuben. Key cities and landmarks provide a sense of the territory’s scope and significance. Each allocation reaffirms the promise to the patriarchs and the fulfillment of covenantal promises.

Verses 24-28: The allocation to the tribe of Gad also includes specific towns and territories. The meticulous recording of these allocations reflects the importance of land distribution in structuring Israelite society.

Verses 29-31: The half-tribe of Manasseh receives its inheritance. The emphasis on Manasseh’s land reinforces the tribe’s significance within the broader narrative of Israel’s history, foreshadowing its future prominence.

Verse 32: “These are the inheritances that Moses distributed in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan east of Jericho.” This verse serves as a summary statement, linking Moses’ earlier work with Joshua’s ongoing mission.

Verse 33: “But to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance; the LORD God of Israel is their inheritance, just as he said to them.” Reiterated here, this verse emphasizes the spiritual vocation of the Levites, framed as a divine privilege rather than a deprivation.

Theological Implications and Insights

Several key theological themes emerge from Joshua Chapter 13:

Divine Providence: God’s oversight in the allocation of land underscores His sovereign rule over Israel. The narrative of conquest and inheritance is framed as a divine project, emphasizing God’s faithfulness to His promises.
Continuity and Leadership: The transition from Moses to Joshua illustrates continuity in divine leadership. The meticulous recording of land allocations reflects a divinely ordered society where each tribe has a designated place and purpose.
Human Responsibility: Despite divine intervention, human effort and leadership are integral to the fulfillment of God’s promises. Joshua’s task of allocating the land, despite his advanced age, highlights the partnership between divine and human actions.
Incomplete Conquest: The presence of unconquered territories and remaining peoples within Israel raises questions about the nature of Israel’s possession of the land. It suggests a dynamic and ongoing process rather than a completed event, pointing towards the future challenges Israel will face.
Spiritual Inheritance: The distinction of the Levites receiving no land but a spiritual inheritance speaks volumes about the priorities of Israelite society. It elevates spiritual service above material possession, framing the Levites’ role as a model of dedication and service to God.

Cultural and Historical Dimensions

The detailed geographical descriptions in Joshua Chapter 13 provide us with a glimpse into the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel:

Geographical Realism: The precise boundaries and town names anchor the biblical narrative in a real-world setting, enhancing its historical credibility. These details also reflect the Israelites’ deep connection to the land, which is integral to their identity and covenant with God.
Tribal Organization: The tribal divisions reflect a social and political structure that was central to ancient Israelite society. Each tribe’s assigned territory underscores the importance of land as a means of sustenance, identity, and inheritance.
Changing Leadership: The transition from Moses to Joshua represents a broader theme of succession and continuity in leadership within Israel. It underscores that leadership in Israel is guided by divine mandate rather than human ambition.

Conclusion

Joshua Chapter 13 offers profound insights into the divine-human partnership in the fulfillment of God’s promises. It underscores the themes of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, continuity in leadership, geographical realism, and the centrality of spiritual service. The chapter’s detailed account of land allocation not only provides historical and cultural context but also enriches our understanding of the theological landscape of ancient Israel. This chapter reminds us of the enduring nature of God’s promises and the ongoing challenge of faithful obedience and leadership in the fulfillment of His divine plan.

Understanding the Key Messages in Joshua 13: Insights and Explanation

Chapter 13 of Joshua describes the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes. The chapter focuses on the division of the land on the east side of the Jordan River, allotted to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Notes

The chapter marks a transition from conquest to settlement as the Israelites begin to possess the land God had promised them.