Joshua 13:11
and Gilead, and the region of the Geshurites and Maacathites, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan to Salecah;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Even though this verse lists territories seemingly already conquered, it immediately follows with the somber note that Israel didn't expel the Geshurites and Maacathites. This highlights a crucial, often overlooked aspect of the promised land: possession was not guaranteed simply by divine decree, but required persistent faithfulness and effort, even when facing ongoing challenges.
As Joshua, now advanced in years, begins the monumental task of dividing the Promised Land, God reminds him that much remains unconquered. This section details specific territories in the north and east, including Gilead and the vast region of Bashan, which were part of the land promised but not yet fully possessed by Israel. These descriptions serve as the boundaries of the inheritance to be distributed by lot to the remaining tribes, even though some inhabitants would still need to be driven out.
Why does the text mention land already assigned before describing the remaining territories? It's a reminder of God's faithfulness and the Israelites' foundation.
This section, listing Gilead, Mount Hermon, and Bashan, points to lands east of the Jordan River. These were specifically given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh by Moses, as noted in Deuteronomy.
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The list includes regions like Geshur and Maacah. These weren't fully possessed—a crucial detail that highlights an ongoing mission.
The inclusion of the 'border of the Geshurites and Maachathites' points to areas that, though assigned by God, were not fully conquered or possessed by the Israelites at this time. This wasn't an oversight but a divine strategy.
From Mount Hermon to Bashan, these geographical markers define a vast and significant northern territory. What do they represent?
The mention of 'all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah' highlights significant geographical features that marked the northern extent of the promised inheritance.
This verse lists territories that were part of the larger inheritance promised by God, including regions like Gilead and Bashan, which had been conquered from Amorite kings. However, it also mentions areas, like the land of the Geshurites and Maacathites, that the Israelites had not yet fully possessed, highlighting the ongoing nature of their inheritance and the need for continued faith and action.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquered significant portions of the land of Canaan after their exodus from Egypt.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Division of the Land
After the conquest, Joshua, now elderly, began the process of dividing the remaining land among the tribes of Israel by lot, as commanded by God.
c. 1400 BC
Gilead and Bashan assigned
The territories of Gilead and Bashan, previously ruled by Sihon and Og, were to be inherited by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
c. 1400 BC
Unconquered Territories
Despite the division and previous conquests, the Geshurites and Maacathites remained in their lands, living among the Israelites, indicating incomplete conquest.
This passage lists the same territories as part of Og's kingdom, emphasizing that these lands, including Bashan and Mount Hermon, were divinely given to Israel, even though they were not fully possessed at this stage.
Joshua 12:5This verse provides a parallel listing of the kingdoms conquered by Moses, including Gilead, Geshurites, Maacathites, and Bashan, highlighting the military victories that preceded the land's division.
Joshua 13:13This verse directly follows Joshua 13:11 and reveals the sad reality that the Israelites did not drive out the Geshurites and Maacathites, showing a failure to fully claim the inheritance God had promised and described here.
1 Chronicles 2:23This passage mentions the Geshurites and the Arameans (Maacathites) in a later historical context, showing they continued to exist in these regions, underscoring the incomplete conquest mentioned in Joshua.
calvinJoshua 13:1-14: "Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed."
From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:
A Nilo qui est e regione AEgypti usque ad terminum Ecron, qui es…
gillJoshua 13:11: "And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;"
And Gilead,.... The land of Gilead, which was part of the kingdom of Og, half of which was given to Reuben, and the other half to Gad: and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites; of which see Deuteronomy 3:14, and all Mount Hermon; called also Sirion, Shenir, and Sion, Deuteronomy 3:9, and all Bashan unto Salcah; another part of the dominions of Og, Deuteronomy…
Even though this verse lists territories seemingly already conquered, it immediately follows with the somber note that Israel didn't expel the Geshurites and Maacathites. This highlights a crucial, often overlooked aspect of the promised land: possession was not guaranteed simply by divine decree, but required persistent faithfulness and effort, even when facing ongoing challenges.
As Joshua, now advanced in years, begins the monumental task of dividing the Promised Land, God reminds him that much remains unconquered. This section details specific territories in the north and east, including Gilead and the vast region of Bashan, which were part of the land promised but not yet fully possessed by Israel. These descriptions serve as the boundaries of the inheritance to be distributed by lot to the remaining tribes, even though some inhabitants would still need to be driven out.
As Joshua, now advanced in years, begins the monumental task of dividing the Promised Land, God reminds him that much remains unconquered. This section details specific territories in the north and east, including Gilead and the vast region of Bashan, which were part of the land promised but not yet fully possessed by Israel. These descriptions serve as the boundaries of the inheritance to be distributed by lot to the remaining tribes, even though some inhabitants would still need to be driven out.
"and Gilead, and the region of the Geshurites and Maacathites, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan to Salecah;" — Even though this verse lists territories seemingly already conquered, it immediately follows with the somber note that Israel didn't expel the Geshurites and Maacathites. This highlights a crucial,…
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