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Joshua 13

33 verses

TL;DR

Joshua, aged and near death, receives God's instruction to divide the remaining land among the Israelite tribes, detailing inheritances for each tribe while noting the Levites receive no territorial inheritance.

Summary

In Joshua 13, God reminds the aging commander Joshua that substantial territory still remains to be allocated. He enumerates the borders of the remaining lands—stretching from Philistine territories to the Canaanite and Ammonite domains—highlighting the vastness of the area still to be settled. The Lord commands Joshua to divide this land among the nine Israelite tribes plus the half-tribe of Manasseh, specifying the inheritances for Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh in detail. The chapter lists extensive towns, plains, and regions that belong to each tribe, noting the Levites are exempt from land allotment and are instead given the sacred task of making offerings. Joshua also observes that some peoples, such as the Geshurites and Maachathites, were not expelled and remain among the Israelites.

Outline
  1. 1. God's directive to Joshua to divide remaining land
  2. 2. Listing of geographic borders and peoples yet to be dealt with
  3. 3. Detailed allocation of inheritance to Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh and note on Levi
Themes
Divine command and covenant fidelityTribal inheritance and territorial divisionThe role of the Levites and sacred dutiesThe unfinished nature of Israel’s conquest
Keywords
JoshuaMosesinheritancetribesLeviland distributionJordanAmmonBashanGiants
People
JoshuaMosesLeviReubenGadManassehGeshuritesMaachathitesBalaamKing SihonKing Og
Places
PhilistinesGeshurSihorEgyptEkronGazathAshdodEshkalonGittAvitesCanaanitesMearahSidoniansAphekAmoritesGiblitesLebanonBaalgadMount HermonHamathMisrephothmaimAroerRiver ArnonMedebaDibonHeshbonAmmonGileadMaachathitesBashanAshtarothEdreiJordanCanaanMoab
Things
landinheritancelotcitykingdomgiantssacrificeborder
Key Verses
  • Joshua 13:1: Introduces Joshua’s age and God’s promise of remaining land
  • Joshua 13:6: Lists the remaining geographic borders and peoples
  • Joshua 13:7: Commands division among tribes
  • Joshua 13:14: Highlights Levi’s special role
  • Joshua 13:33: Reiterates Levites receive no land inheritance
Questions
  • Why does the Levites receive no territorial inheritance?
  • What is the significance of listing so many towns for each tribe?
  • How does Joshua’s age influence the final distribution of land?
  • What does the mention of the Geshurites and Maachathites suggest about Israel’s relationship with neighboring peoples?
  • In what ways does this chapter reflect the broader theme of God’s covenant faithfulness?
Sentiment

neutral
The text records directives and geographic information without emotive language.