and Beth-peor, and the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This list of towns isn't just geography; it’s a chilling reminder of where Israel gained their territory. These places are named because they were strongholds of the Amorites and Moabites, peoples Israel conquered and whose pagan worship, particularly at Beth-peor, Israel was warned to avoid.
and Beth-peor, and the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a larger section where Joshua is distributing the remaining land of Canaan to the tribes of Israel after the initial conquest. Specifically, it details portions of the inheritance given to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, which lay east of the Jordan River. These lands had previously belonged to conquered Amorite kings like Sihon, and the listing of these cities marks the finalization of their allocated territories before the focus shifts to the land west of the Jordan.
This place name carries a heavy history, a reminder of Israel's deep stumble. Why does this specific place get a mention here?
The mention of Beth-peor immediately calls to mind the infamous incident at Mount Peor in Numbers 25. This was a dark period where the Israelites were enticed by Moabite women into idolatry and sexual immorality, leading to a devastating plague.
Pisgah is a mountain range with a powerful story attached. What significance did it hold for Israel's journey?
Ashdoth-pisgah, or the 'springs of Pisgah,' points to the broader Pisgah range. This area is indelibly linked to Moses' final days and his view of the Promised Land.
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Understand the original words
ashedah · Hebrew Noun
The vertical inclination or rising face of a hill or mountain, often serving as a boundary or a strategic vantage point in the landscape of Canaan.
This verse lists specific locations in the conquered territory east of the Jordan River, lands already assigned by Moses before Joshua's main distribution of the land west of the Jordan.
c. 1400 BC
Israel Enters Promised Land
After 40 years in the wilderness, Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River to begin the conquest of Canaan.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Sihon and Og
The Israelites defeat Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, capturing their territories east of the Jordan River.
c. 1400 BC
Division of Land East of Jordan
Moses allocates the conquered lands of Sihon and Og to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, outlining their borders.
c. 1399 BC— this verse
Joshua Assigns Tribal Territories
Joshua presides over the distribution of the remaining lands west of the Jordan River to the other tribes, based on God's prior allocation.
This passage explains the idolatrous worship of Baal-peor, the very deity associated with Beth-peor, highlighting the spiritual dangers Israel had overcome before entering the promised land.
Deuteronomy 3:29Moses directly addresses the Israelites from 'over against Beth-peor,' marking this area as a significant place of divine instruction and covenant renewal prior to their conquest.
Numbers 33:49This record of Israel's journey lists Beth-jeshimoth as their encampment site before crossing the Jordan, placing it as a gateway to the promised land.
Joshua 12:3This verse lists 'Ashdoth-pisgah' among the conquered territories, directly linking it to the broader context of Sihon's defeat and the land allocation described in Joshua 13.
calvinJoshua 13:15-33: "And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families."
And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, which were dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country.
Et omnes urbes planitiei, et universum regnum Sihon regis Aemorrhaei, qui regnabat in Hesbon, quem percussit Moses: et prin…
gillJoshua 13:20: "And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth,"
And Bethpeor,.... So called from Peor, the idol of the Moabites, and where very likely there had been a temple built to the honour of it; over against this place was a valley, where Israel abode some time, Deuteronomy 3:29 , and Ashdodpisgah; of which see Deuteronomy 3:17, and Bethjeshimoth; of which see Numbers 33:49.
This list of towns isn't just geography; it’s a chilling reminder of where Israel gained their territory. These places are named because they were strongholds of the Amorites and Moabites, peoples Israel conquered and whose pagan worship, particularly at Beth-peor, Israel was warned to avoid.
This passage is part of a larger section where Joshua is distributing the remaining land of Canaan to the tribes of Israel after the initial conquest. Specifically, it details portions of the inheritance given to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, which lay east of the Jordan River. These lands had previously belonged to conquered Amorite kings like Sihon, and the listing of these cities marks the finalization of their allocated territories before the focus shifts to the land west of the Jordan.
This passage is part of a larger section where Joshua is distributing the remaining land of Canaan to the tribes of Israel after the initial conquest. Specifically, it details portions of the inheritance given to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, which lay east of the Jordan River. These lands had previously belonged to conquered Amorite kings like Sihon, and the listing of these cities marks the finalization of their allocated territories before the focus shifts to the land west of the Jordan.
"and Beth-peor, and the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth," — This list of towns isn't just geography; it’s a chilling reminder of where Israel gained their territory. These places are named because they were strongholds of the Amorites and Moabites, peoples Is…
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Last reviewed October 2026