and the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrise, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though Joshua was old and much land remained, God lists these specific territories, framing them not as future conquests, but as already belonging to Israel by divine promise. This passage highlights that the division by lot, not just the physical taking of the land, was part of God's faithfulness to His covenant.
and the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrise, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Joshua, now old, is tasked by God with distributing the remaining lands to the tribes of Israel, even though much of it is still held by enemies. This verse describes a specific portion of this unconquered territory along the northern border, extending from the area of Mount Hermon towards the rising sun. This detailed division serves as a promise of full possession and a call to continued faith and effort, even as Joshua's own time grows short.
Joshua's task isn't finished, and the map still shows territory not yet claimed. What does this mean for God's promises?
Joshua 13 marks a shift in the narrative. Joshua is old, and much land remains to be possessed. This verse lists some of those territories on the northern frontier: the land of the Gebalites and all of Lebanon.
A Faith Exercise
This isn't just a list of places; it's a testament to God's faithfulness and a challenge to Israel's faith. Even though these areas are listed as part of the inheritance, they are still inhabited by enemies. This highlights that God's promises often require continued reliance and action on our part. The battle isn't over just because a map is drawn.
Why does the text specifically mention 'all Lebanon'? What's the significance of this vast, mountainous region?
The mention of 'all Lebanon' isn't just geographical; it signifies a significant and formidable part of the promised land. This region was known for its dense forests, high mountains, and skilled inhabitants, like the Gebalites, who were noted for their stonework and seafaring expertise.
God's Comprehensive Promise
God's promise included this entire region, extending from the base of Mount Hermon (Baal-gad) all the way to the entrance of Hamath. This shows that God's provision is generous and comprehensive, encompassing not just fertile plains but also challenging terrains. It implies that no part of the inheritance is beyond His ability to give or our ability to eventually occupy by His power.
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Understand the original words
Chermon · Hebrew Proper Noun
A famous, snow-capped mountain range in the north of Israel, marking the northern extent of the Promised Land. It is often associated with divine majesty and majesty in the Old Testament.
This verse marks the boundary of the promised land, a region still largely unconquered when Joshua was old. It serves as a reminder that the full realization of God's promises often extends beyond our immediate efforts and lifespan, requiring faith and perseverance for future generations.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Conquest of Canaan under Joshua
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquered significant portions of Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to their ancestors. However, many areas remained unconquered.
c. 1406-1399 BC
Division of Land by Lot
With the conquest nearing completion, Joshua, though old, oversees the division of the remaining lands among the nine and a half tribes by casting lots. This process was divinely ordained to ensure a fair distribution and serve as a promise of future possession.
c. 1400 BC
Joshua's Old Age and Death
Joshua, now very old, continues to lead and advise the Israelites. His approaching death underscores the urgency of completing the land's division and fully possessing the promised inheritance.
This passage defines the northern border of the Promised Land, directly referencing Mount Hermon and the 'entrance of Hamath,' mirroring the geographical markers in Joshua 13:5.
Ezekiel 27:8-9Ezekiel mentions the inhabitants of Gebal (Giblites) as skilled craftsmen and mariners in Tyre's employ, highlighting their established presence and commercial importance in the broader region described in Joshua.
Psalm 83:7This Psalm lists Gebal among the nations that conspired against Israel, underscoring that these 'Giblites' were indeed among the peoples in the land that God had promised, but which remained unconquered at this point.
1 Kings 5:18Solomon employed craftsmen from Gebal ('stone-squarers') for the construction of the Temple, demonstrating that the Giblites were known for their skills and were integrated, to some extent, into the Israelite sphere even before the full conquest.
Genesis 15:18This foundational promise to Abraham outlines the extensive territory God intended to give to his descendants, stretching from the Nile River to the Euphrates River, which includes the northern boundaries mentioned in Joshua 13:5.
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 13:5: "And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising, from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath."
And the land of the Giblites,.... This was another country that remained unconquered; the Greeks call it Byblus, and near to which Pliny (e) speaks of a place called Gabale, and is now called Gibyle; it is (f) said to be"pleasantly situated by the seaside, and at present it contains but a little extent of ground, but yet more than enough for the smal…
Even though Joshua was old and much land remained, God lists these specific territories, framing them not as future conquests, but as already belonging to Israel by divine promise. This passage highlights that the division by lot, not just the physical taking of the land, was part of God's faithfulness to His covenant.
Joshua, now old, is tasked by God with distributing the remaining lands to the tribes of Israel, even though much of it is still held by enemies. This verse describes a specific portion of this unconquered territory along the northern border, extending from the area of Mount Hermon towards the rising sun. This detailed division serves as a promise of full possession and a call to continued faith and effort, even as Joshua's own time grows short.
Joshua, now old, is tasked by God with distributing the remaining lands to the tribes of Israel, even though much of it is still held by enemies. This verse describes a specific portion of this unconquered territory along the northern border, extending from the area of Mount Hermon towards the rising sun. This detailed division serves as a promise of full possession and a call to continued faith and effort, even as Joshua's own time grows short.
"and the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrise, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath," — Even though Joshua was old and much land remained, God lists these specific territories, framing them not as future conquests, but as already belonging to Israel by divine promise. This passage highl…
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Last reviewed October 2026