Joshua 13

 

Introduction to Joshua 13

Joshua 13 marks the beginning of the second major section of the Book of Joshua. The first section (chapters 1–12) describes the conquest of Canaan, while the second section (chapters 13–24) details the division of the land among the tribes of Israel.

At this point in the narrative, Joshua is old, and much of the land remains to be conquered. God instructs him to divide the land among the tribes, despite the presence of unconquered territories. This chapter lays the foundation for Israel’s settlement in Canaan, demonstrating God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Abraham.

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Verse-by-Verse Commentary on Joshua 13

Verses 1–7: God's Command to Divide the Land

"Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the LORD said to him: ‘You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land remains to be possessed.’” (Joshua 13:1, ESV)

Joshua, now elderly (likely over 90 years old), is reminded by God that although many battles have been fought, much of the Promised Land remains unconquered. This reveals that God’s plan for Israel’s settlement is not solely dependent on Joshua’s military campaigns; rather, the land will be gradually taken over by the tribes.

God then lists specific regions that remain unconquered (vv. 2–6), including:

• The Philistine territories (Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, Ekron)

• The Geshurites (a small kingdom in the southwest)

• Lebanon (from Baal-gad to Lebo-hamath)

• The Sidonians and Gebalites

Despite these areas being unconquered, God promises that He will drive out the remaining inhabitants (v. 6). Joshua’s role is now administrative—he must allocate the land to the tribes.

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Verses 8–13: The Eastern Inheritance (Reuben, Gad, and Half-Tribe of Manasseh)

This section recounts the territories already allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan River.

These lands had been conquered under Moses (Numbers 32) when these tribes requested to settle there due to their large herds. They were given territory in Gilead and Bashan, stretching from the Arnon Gorge in the south to Mount Hermon in the north.

Notable details include:

• The defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites, who had ruled in Heshbon.

• The destruction of Og, king of Bashan, whose territory extended to Mount Hermon.

• The presence of the Geshurites and Maacathites, whom the Israelites did not expel (v. 13).

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Verses 14–33: The Specific Territories of the Eastern Tribes

Verse 14: Levi’s Exclusion from Land Inheritance

The Levites did not receive a portion of land because “the offerings by fire to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance” (v. 14). Their role was priestly, and they were to depend on the tithes and offerings from the other tribes rather than owning land.

Verses 15–23: The Territory of Reuben

• Reuben’s land was primarily Moabite territory, east of the Dead Sea.

• It included Heshbon, the former capital of Sihon.

• Balaam, the false prophet, was slain here (v. 22).

Verses 24–28: The Territory of Gad

• Gad’s territory was in Gilead, extending to the Jordan River.

• This region included Rabbah (modern Amman, Jordan) and part of the Amorite kingdom.

Verses 29–31: The Half-Tribe of Manasseh (East)

• Their land extended from Mahanaim to Mount Hermon.

• This included Bashan, which was ruled by Og, the last of the Rephaim (giants).

Verse 33: Levi’s Inheritance is the Lord

The chapter ends by reaffirming that the Levites’ inheritance was the LORD Himself (v. 33). This underscores their spiritual role among Israel.

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Theological Themes in Joshua 13

1. God’s Faithfulness in Fulfilling His Promises

   • God had promised land to Abraham (Genesis 15:18–21). Joshua 13 marks a transition from conquest to settlement, proving God’s faithfulness.

2. The Balance Between Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

   • Though God promised to drive out the Canaanites, the Israelites still needed to take possession of the land.

3. God’s Provision for the Levites

   • The Levites’ unique inheritance demonstrates their special role in spiritual leadership.

4. The Dangers of Incomplete Obedience

   • The Israelites did not expel all the native inhabitants (v. 13), which later led to idolatry and conflicts (Judges 2:1–3).

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Conclusion

Joshua 13 is pivotal in the book’s narrative, shifting from conquest to land distribution. It highlights God’s faithfulness and Israel’s responsibility in fulfilling His promises. The chapter also serves as a reminder that spiritual inheritance (as seen with the Levites) is greater than material wealth.