Joshua 13:3
(from the Shihor, which is east of Egypt, northward to the boundary of Ekron, it is counted as Canaanite; there are five rulers of the Philistines, those of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron), and those of the Avvim,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Even though the land is described as "counted to the Canaanite," this verse subtly highlights that the Philistines, who are not Canaanites but descendants of Mizraim, have dispossessed the original inhabitants and taken control. This detail underscores the ongoing conflict and the complex layers of ownership over this promised land.
God is beginning to instruct Joshua on how to divide the remaining land among the tribes, even though much of it is still occupied by enemies. This verse specifically details a portion of the coastal region that rightfully belongs to Israel but is currently held by the Philistines, listing their five powerful city-states. This section is important because it highlights that the Israelites were to claim all the promised land, not just what was easily conquered, and that these powerful Philistine cities were part of that inheritance.
The vast promised land begins with a confusingly named river. Where exactly is 'Shihor,' and why does its identification matter so much?
The phrase 'from Shihor, which is east of Egypt' marks the southwestern starting point of the land description. While often debated, scholarly consensus leans towards 'Shihor' referring to the Wadi el-Arish, a seasonal river or brook that bordered Egypt. It's crucial because it sets the boundary of the inheritance God promised, reminding us that even the edges of God's promises are divinely ordained and defined.
A Boundary Defined
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The land isn't empty! This verse names specific enemies, highlighting a persistent challenge that Israel would face for centuries.
Verse 3 introduces us to the Philistines, not as a unified nation, but as five independent 'lords' or city-states: Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. These weren't just minor obstacles; they were powerful, entrenched powers.
Entrenched Opposition
Understand the original words
Kĕnaʿani · Hebrew Noun
The descendants of Canaan, son of Ham. Often used to represent the idolatrous nations that inhabited the land before Israel's arrival, whom God commanded to be driven out.
seren · Hebrew Noun
A high-ranking official or lord in a city-state. In this context, it refers to the lords of the Philistine pentapolis.
This verse highlights that even as the land division begins, significant portions, particularly the fertile coastal plain controlled by the Philistines, remain unconquered and are a future challenge for Israel.
~1400-1200 BC
Philistines Displace Avites
The Philistines, migrating from Caphtor (Crete), conquer the original inhabitants, the Avites, in the coastal plain of Canaan.
c. 13th Century BC
Israelites Enter Canaan
Following their Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites under Joshua conquer much of Canaan, establishing their presence.
c. 1200 BC— this verse
Division of Canaan Begins
With Joshua aging, the land of Canaan is formally divided by lot among the nine and a half Israelite tribes.
c. 1200 BC
Unconquered Territories Detailed
Joshua's commission includes defining the boundaries of lands still held by Canaanites and Philistines, like the coastal plain.
c. 1200 BC
Philistine City-States Identified
The major Philistine strongholds (Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, Ekron) are noted as significant remaining obstacles.
This passage identifies the Caphtorim as ancestors of the Philistines, directly linking them to the people mentioned in Joshua 13:3 who are occupying the land.
Exodus 23:31This verse outlines the divinely appointed boundaries of the Promised Land, which include the region described in Joshua 13:3 as belonging to the Canaanites and Philistines.
Judges 1:18-19This passage describes Judah's initial conquest of some Philistine territory, including Gaza and Ashkelon, highlighting the ongoing struggle for control of the land mentioned in Joshua 13:3.
1 Samuel 5:1-2This event shows the Philistines in possession of Ashdod and their reverence for their god Dagon, demonstrating their strong presence in the cities listed in Joshua 13:3.
Amos 1:6-8This prophecy denounces Gaza, Ashdod, and Ashkelon for their cruelty, confirming their status as significant Philistine cities and their ongoing conflict with Israel.
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…
clarkeJoshua 13:3: "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:"
From Sihor, which is before Egypt - Supposed by some to be the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, near to the Arabian Desert; called also the river of Egypt, Numbers 34:5 ; Jeremiah 2:18 . On this subject an intelligent friend favors me with…
Even though the land is described as "counted to the Canaanite," this verse subtly highlights that the Philistines, who are not Canaanites but descendants of Mizraim, have dispossessed the original inhabitants and taken control. This detail underscores the ongoing conflict and the complex layers of ownership over this promised land.
God is beginning to instruct Joshua on how to divide the remaining land among the tribes, even though much of it is still occupied by enemies. This verse specifically details a portion of the coastal region that rightfully belongs to Israel but is currently held by the Philistines, listing their five powerful city-states. This section is important because it highlights that the Israelites were to claim all the promised land, not just what was easily conquered, and that these powerful Philistine cities were part of that inheritance.
God is beginning to instruct Joshua on how to divide the remaining land among the tribes, even though much of it is still occupied by enemies. This verse specifically details a portion of the coastal region that rightfully belongs to Israel but is currently held by the Philistines, listing their five powerful city-states. This section is important because it highlights that the Israelites were to claim all the promised land, not just what was easily conquered, and that these powerful Philistine cities were part of that inheritance.
"(from the Shihor, which is east of Egypt, northward to the boundary of Ekron, it is counted as Canaanite; there are five rulers of the Philistines, those of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron), and those of the Avvim," — Even though the land is described as "counted to the Canaanite," this verse subtly highlights that the Philistines, who are not Canaanites but descendants of Mizraim, have dispossessed the original…
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