Joshua 13:16

Verse

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,

American Standard Version (1901)

And their 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;

Bible in Basic English

Their limit was from Aroer, on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the town in the middle of the valley, and all the table-land by Medeba;

Free Bible Version

Their territory stretched from Aroer on the edge of the Arnon valley, from the town in the middle of the valley, and all the plateau of Medeba;

Geneva Bible 1599

And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the brinke of the riuer Arnon, and from the citie that is in the middes of the riuer, and all the plaine which is by Medeba:

King James (Authorized) Version

And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;

Translation for Translators

Their land extended from Aroer town near the Arnon River gorge to Medeba town. That included all of the plain that is near Medeba and the town in the middle of the gorge.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Their territory was from Aroer, on the edge of the Arnon River gorge, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plateau by Medeba.

Noah Webster Bible

And their border was from Aroer that is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;

World English Bible

Their 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;

Young's Literal Translation

and the border is to them from Aroer, which [is] on the edge of the brook Arnon, and the city which [is] in the midst of the brook, and all the plain by Medeba,

Context

Reuben’s Inheritance

¹⁵This is what Moses had given to the clans of the tribe of Reuben:¹⁶The 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,¹⁷to Heshbon and all its cities on the plateau, including Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon,

Summary

This verse describes the territory that was allotted to the tribe of Reuben, highlighting the specific cities and regions within their inheritance. It emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan as an inheritance. The detailed account of the boundaries and cities allotted to each tribe showcases God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant with His people. This verse serves as a reminder of God's provision and the importance of honoring the division of land as directed by God through Joshua.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain,.... Which was by Medeba, and reached to Dibon: Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon; Dibon was rebuilt by Gad, though it belonged to Reuben, and perhaps was inhabited by both, being on the borders of each; and Bamothbaal signifies the high places of Baal; see Num 22:41; perhaps this is the same with Bamoth in the valley, Num 21:20; and Bethbaalmeon is the same with Baalmeon in Num 32:38; where it is highly probable was a temple of Baal, since both "beth" signifies an house, and "meon" an habitation.