BSBKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
Home  › Bibles  › Berean Standard Bible  › Joshua 13

Joshua 13

BSB
‹ Chapter 12 Joshua — All Chapters Chapter 14 ›

1 Now Joshua was old and well along in years, and the LORD said to him, “You are old and well along in years, but very much of the land remains to be possessed. 2 This is the land that remains: All the territory of the Philistines and the Geshurites, 3 from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites; 4 to the south, all the land of the Canaanites, from Mearah of the Sidonians to Aphek, as far as the border of the Amorites; 5 the land of the Gebalites; and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath. 6 All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim—all the Sidonians—I Myself will drive out before the Israelites. Be sure to divide it by lot as an inheritance to Israel, as I have commanded you. 7 Now therefore divide this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh." 8 The other half of Manasseh, along with the Reubenites and Gadites, had received the inheritance Moses had given them beyond the Jordan to the east, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had assigned to them: 9 The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, the whole plateau of Medeba as far as Dibon, 10 and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites who reigned in Heshbon, as far as the border of the Ammonites; 11 also Gilead and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites, all of Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah— 12 the whole kingdom of Og in Bashan, who had reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei and had remained as a remnant of the Rephaim. Moses had struck them down and dispossessed them, 13 but the Israelites did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites. So Geshur and Maacath dwell among the Israelites to this day. 14 To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The offerings made by fire to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, just as He had promised them. 15 This is what Moses had given to the clans of the tribe of Reuben: 16 The territory from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, to the whole plateau beyond Medeba, 17 to Heshbon and all its cities 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 cities of the plateau and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon until Moses killed him and the chiefs of Midian (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba), the princes of Sihon who lived in the land. 22 The Israelites also killed the diviner Balaam son of Beor along with the others they put to the sword. 23 And the border of the Reubenites was the bank of the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the clans of the Reubenites, including the cities and villages. 24 This is what Moses had given to the clans of the tribe of Gad: 25 The territory of Jazer, all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites as far as Aroer, near Rabbah; 26 the territory from Heshbon to Ramath-mizpeh and Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir; 27 and in the valley, Beth-haram, Beth-nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, with the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon (the territory on the east side of the Jordan up to the edge of the Sea of Chinnereth ). 28 This was the inheritance of the clans of the Gadites, including the cities and villages. 29 This is what Moses had given to the clans of the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, to half the tribe of the descendants of Manasseh: 30 The territory from Mahanaim through all Bashan—all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, including all the towns of Jair that are in Bashan, sixty cities; 31 half of Gilead; and Ashtaroth and Edrei, the royal cities of Og in Bashan. All this was for the clans of the descendants of Machir son of Manasseh, that is, half of the descendants of Machir. 32 These were the portions Moses had given them on the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho. 33 To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, just as He had promised them.

‹ Chapter 12 Joshua — All Chapters Chapter 14 ›

Study Notes — Joshua 13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Joshua 13 begins with God instructing Joshua to divide the remaining land among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 13:1-7). The chapter then lists the territories allotted to each tribe, including Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 13:8-33). It also notes the areas that were not yet conquered, such as the Philistines and the Geshurites (Joshua 13:2-6). The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and faithfulness in giving the Israelites the land, while also highlighting the need for continued obedience and trust in God's plans.

Context for the Chapter

Joshua 13 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Joshua, which describes the conquest of Canaan and the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. The chapter follows the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 1-12) and precedes the allocation of the land to the remaining tribes (Joshua 14-19). It emphasizes God's faithfulness and sovereignty in giving the Israelites the land, while also highlighting the need for continued obedience and trust in God's plans.

Heart Application

As believers, we can apply the principles of Joshua 13 by trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness in our lives. We can also learn from the importance of obedience and trust in God's plans, recognizing that our spiritual inheritance is secure through faith in Christ.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Joshua 13 describes the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, highlighting God's faithfulness and sovereignty. The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience and trust in God's plans, recognizing that the Israelites' inheritance was secure through faith. As believers, we can apply these principles by trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness in our lives, recognizing that our spiritual inheritance is secure through faith in Christ (Joshua 13:1, Hebrews 11:33).

Voices from the Church

“The division of the land in Joshua 13 is a beautiful picture of the heavenly inheritance that awaits believers in Christ.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness in giving the Israelites the land, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His plans and promises.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to the Division of the Land (Joshua 13:1-7) — The chapter begins with God instructing Joshua to divide the remaining land among the tribes of Israel.
  2. Division of the Land East of the Jordan (Joshua 13:8-33) — The chapter lists the territories allotted to each tribe, including Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
  3. Remaining Land to be Conquered (Joshua 13:2-6) — The chapter notes the areas that were not yet conquered, emphasizing the need for continued obedience and trust in God's plans.
  4. Conclusion (Joshua 13:1) — The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in giving the Israelites the land.
  5. Application (Joshua 13:1-33) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience and trust in God's plans, recognizing that our spiritual inheritance is secure through faith in Christ.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God
The chapter highlights God's ultimate control and authority over the division of the land and the lives of the Israelites.
Faithfulness of God
The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness in giving the Israelites the land He had promised, recognizing His trustworthiness and reliability.
Importance of Obedience
The chapter notes the areas that were not yet conquered, emphasizing the need for continued obedience and trust in God's plans.
Spiritual Inheritance
The chapter points to the greater promise of God's kingdom, where believers will inherit eternal life through faith in Christ.

Lessons from Joshua 13

  1. God's Sovereignty — The chapter highlights God's ultimate control and authority over the division of the land and the lives of the Israelites.
  2. Faithfulness of God — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness in giving the Israelites the land He had promised, recognizing His trustworthiness and reliability.
  3. Importance of Obedience — The chapter notes the areas that were not yet conquered, emphasizing the need for continued obedience and trust in God's plans.
  4. Spiritual Inheritance — The chapter points to the greater promise of God's kingdom, where believers will inherit eternal life through faith in Christ.
  5. Trust in God's Plans — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's plans and promises, recognizing His sovereignty and faithfulness in our lives.

Themes from Joshua 13

  1. Division of the Land — The chapter describes the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, highlighting God's faithfulness and sovereignty.
  2. Importance of Obedience — The chapter notes the areas that were not yet conquered, emphasizing the need for continued obedience and trust in God's plans.
  3. God's Sovereignty — The chapter highlights God's ultimate control and authority over the division of the land and the lives of the Israelites.
  4. Faithfulness of God — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness in giving the Israelites the land He had promised, recognizing His trustworthiness and reliability.
  5. Spiritual Inheritance — The chapter points to the greater promise of God's kingdom, where believers will inherit eternal life through faith in Christ.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does the division of the land in Joshua 13 reveal about God's character and plans?
  2. How does the chapter emphasize the importance of obedience and trust in God's plans?
  3. What can we learn from the Israelites' experience of receiving their inheritance through faith and obedience?
  4. How does the chapter point to the greater promise of God's kingdom and our spiritual inheritance in Christ?
  5. What are some ways we can apply the principles of Joshua 13 to our lives, trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Division of the Land (Joshua 13:1-7)

13:1 The chapter begins with God instructing Joshua to divide the remaining land among the tribes of Israel.
13:2 The verse notes the areas that were not yet conquered, emphasizing the need for continued obedience and trust in God's plans.

2. Division of the Land East of the Jordan (Joshua 13:8-33)

13:8 The chapter lists the territories allotted to each tribe, including Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
13:15 The verse describes the territory allotted to Reuben, emphasizing their unique identity and role in God's plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Joshua 13?

The main theme of Joshua 13 is the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, highlighting God's faithfulness and sovereignty.

What areas were not yet conquered by the Israelites?

The chapter notes the areas that were not yet conquered, including the Philistines and the Geshurites (Joshua 13:2-6).

What can we learn from the Israelites' experience of receiving their inheritance through faith and obedience?

We can learn the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, recognizing His trustworthiness and reliability in our lives.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Joshua 13:1 → Hebrews 11:33 The division of the land in Joshua 13 points to the greater promise of God's kingdom, where believers will inherit eternal life through faith in Christ.
2 Joshua 13:2 → Psalm 37:3 The chapter notes the areas that were not yet conquered, emphasizing the need for continued obedience and trust in God's plans.
3 Joshua 13:8 → Genesis 12:7 The chapter lists the territories allotted to each tribe, including Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham.
4 Joshua 13:15 → Deuteronomy 3:12 The verse describes the territory allotted to Reuben, emphasizing their unique identity and role in God's plan.
5 Joshua 13:1 → Matthew 25:34 The division of the land in Joshua 13 points to the greater promise of God's kingdom, where believers will inherit eternal life through faith in Christ.
6 Joshua 13:2 → Acts 7:5 The chapter notes the areas that were not yet conquered, emphasizing the need for continued obedience and trust in God's plans.
7 Joshua 13:8 → Romans 4:13 The chapter lists the territories allotted to each tribe, including Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham.
8 Joshua 13:15 → Galatians 3:29 The verse describes the territory allotted to Reuben, emphasizing their unique identity and role in God's plan.
9 Joshua 13:1 → Hebrews 10:36 The division of the land in Joshua 13 points to the greater promise of God's kingdom, where believers will inherit eternal life through faith in Christ.
10 Joshua 13:2 → 1 Peter 1:4 The chapter notes the areas that were not yet conquered, emphasizing the need for continued obedience and trust in God's plans.

Sermons on Joshua 13

SermonDescription
T. Austin-Sparks The Book of Ruth #2 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the book of Ruth in understanding God's plan of redemption. The book portrays the state of human loss and hopelessness,
T. Austin-Sparks Holy Spirit, Church and Nations - Part 6 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of standing fully assured in one's faith. He refers to the book of Joshua and connects it to the verses in Colossians 2:1-3. T
Alden Gannett Studies in Joshua 03 - Conquering the Land by Alden Gannett In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the preparation and conquest of Joshua as he leads the Israelites into the land of Canaan. The sermon begins by discussing Joshua's encounte
Zac Poonen Holiness in Romans by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine holiness, starting with acknowledging the sin in our lives and striving to live in alignment with Romans chapters 6, 7, and 8. It h
A.B. Simpson Joshua Chapter 12 Inheritance the Inheritance of the Levites, or All in God and God in All by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of the Levites' inheritance in Joshua Chapter 12, illustrating that they represent the principles of redemption, separation, dedication, an
A.B. Simpson Joshua Chapter 6 Possessing the Inheritance by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of not only conquering but also possessing the spiritual inheritance that God has promised to His people. He draws parallels between the Isra
A.B. Simpson Inheritance the Inheritance of the Levites, or All in God and God in All by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of the Levites' inheritance, illustrating that true consecration involves redemption, separation, dedication, and service to God. He explai
A.B. Simpson That I Might Finish My Course With Joy by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the critical importance of completing our God-given tasks, reflecting on the sorrow of unfinished work in the Christian life. He illustrates this through th
J. Wilbur Chapman Manna by J. Wilbur Chapman In this sermon by J. Wilbur Chapman, he draws parallels between the journey of the children of Israel in the wilderness and the Christian's spiritual journey. Just like the Israeli
K.P. Yohannan When Can We Retire? by K.P. Yohannan K.P. Yohannan addresses the question of retirement in the Christian life, emphasizing that while society encourages planning for a time of ease, believers cannot afford to retire f

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 13

Joshua 13 describes the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, highlighting God's faithfulness and sovereignty. The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience and trust in God's plans, recognizing that the Israelites' inheritance was secure through faith. As believers, we can apply the principles of this chapter by trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, recognizing that our spiritual inheritance is secure through faith in Christ. The chapter points to the greater promise of God's kingdom, where believers will inherit eternal life through faith in Christ, and emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's plans and promises, recognizing His trustworthiness and reliability in our lives. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

God's Faithfulness

The chapter highlights God's faithfulness in giving the Israelites the land He had promised, emphasizing His sovereignty and trustworthiness.

Importance of Obedience

The chapter notes the areas that were not yet conquered, emphasizing the need for continued obedience and trust in God's plans.

Division of the Land

The chapter lists the territories allotted to each tribe, emphasizing their unique identities and roles in God's plan.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate