Even though the Philistines had conquered the land and driven out its original inhabitants, the Avites, the text still counts this territory as belonging to the "Canaanite." This highlights that God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants supercedes any temporary human occupation or conquest, establishing the true divine claim to the land.
(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)
With Joshua now advanced in age, God instructs him to begin the daunting task of dividing the remaining promised land among the tribes. This specific passage focuses on the southwestern coastal region, which, despite its powerful Philistine rulers and original Canaanite inhabitants, is still designated as land to be conquered. The detailed enumeration of the Philistine territories highlights a significant, unfulfilled aspect of Israel's inheritance.
Ever felt like you're standing at the edge of what's yours, but it's not quite yours yet? This verse maps out that very tension.
Joshua 13:3 begins a detailed description of the land to be divided, starting with a geographical marker: 'From Sihor, which is east of Egypt...'
The Starting Point
'Counted as Canaanite'
This phrase is key. Even though the Philistines (who were not originally Canaanites) now occupy this area, God declares it counts as Canaanite. This means it was part of the original grant to Abraham and was destined for Israelite possession. The fact that it's still occupied by powerful enemies highlights that the conquest is not complete, even as the division of land begins.
The mention of 'five lords' sounds like a simple list, but it carries a powerful message about ongoing spiritual warfare.
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Verse 3 doesn't just list cities; it names the rulers of the Philistines: 'five lords... those of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron.'
The Philistine Challenge
A Glimpse of Spiritual Battle
These powerful rulers represent more than just political or military enemies. They embody resistance to God's people and God's plan. The fact that these strongholds are listed while the land is being divided emphasizes that the inheritance isn't just a geographical space, but a spiritual territory to be claimed through faith and obedience.
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 a critical moment of transition where the promised land's division begins, even though significant portions, particularly those held by the formidable Philistines, remain unconquered, setting the stage for future conflict and the fulfillment of God's promises.
c. 1400 BC
Philistine Migration to Canaan
The Philistines, originating from Caphtor (likely Crete), migrate to the coast of Canaan and displace the native Avites, establishing their five major city-states.
c. 1400-1350 BC
Israelite Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquer much of Canaan, defeating numerous Canaanite kings and city-states, but not fully expelling all inhabitants.
c. 1350 BC— this verse
Joshua is old and begins land distribution
With Joshua now elderly and the land largely subdued, God instructs him to begin the process of dividing the remaining territories by lot among the tribes.
c. 1350 BC
Unconquered Territories Marked
The land is divided by lot, including areas still held by Canaanites and Philistines, serving as a constant reminder and incentive for future conquest.
c. 1350 BC
Philistine Cities Remain
Key Philistine cities like Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, along with their surrounding territories, are described as still unconquered and counted as Canaanite land.
This passage lists the descendants of Ham, including the Philistines (Caphtorim) and the Avvites, establishing their ancient lineage and connection to the land that Israel would later claim.
Numbers 34:5This verse defines the southern border of the Promised Land by referencing the 'brook of Egypt' (often identified with Sihor), which directly relates to the geographical marker mentioned in Joshua 13:3 and reinforces the territorial boundaries God had established for Israel.
Judges 1:18This passage highlights that Judah, to whom Gaza and Ashkelon were allotted, actually conquered these Philistine cities, demonstrating the ongoing struggle for the land and the eventual, though often incomplete, subjugation of these peoples.
1 Samuel 5:1-12This narrative vividly illustrates the power of the Ark of God even when captured by the Philistines in Ashdod, underscoring their significance as a persistent obstacle to Israel and their deep entanglement with their idols.
Zechariah 9:5-7This prophecy speaks of divine judgment against the Philistine cities of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron, showing how their pride and oppression would eventually be met with God's justice, fulfilling the displacement implied in Joshua's commission.
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 Philistines had conquered the land and driven out its original inhabitants, the Avites, the text still counts this territory as belonging to the "Canaanite." This highlights that God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants supercedes any temporary human occupation or conquest, establishing the true divine claim to the land.
With Joshua now advanced in age, God instructs him to begin the daunting task of dividing the remaining promised land among the tribes. This specific passage focuses on the southwestern coastal region, which, despite its powerful Philistine rulers and original Canaanite inhabitants, is still designated as land to be conquered. The detailed enumeration of the Philistine territories highlights a significant, unfulfilled aspect of Israel's inheritance.
With Joshua now advanced in age, God instructs him to begin the daunting task of dividing the remaining promised land among the tribes. This specific passage focuses on the southwestern coastal region, which, despite its powerful Philistine rulers and original Canaanite inhabitants, is still designated as land to be conquered. The detailed enumeration of the Philistine territories highlights a significant, unfulfilled aspect of Israel's 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 Philistines had conquered the land and driven out its original inhabitants, the Avites, the text still counts this territory as belonging to the "Canaanite." This highlights that God’…
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Last reviewed October 2026
