And their coast was from Aroer that is on the bank of the river Arnon ,.... As the country of Sihon is described, Joshua 13:9 ; from whence it appears that it was his country which was given to Reuben, though not all of it: and the city that is in the midst of the river ; See Gill on Joshua 13:9 , and all the plain by Medeba ; which reached unto Dibon, Joshua 13:9 . read more
The inheritance of Levi. I. THE TRIBE OF LEVI RECEIVED NO INHERITANCE OF LAND . II. THE TRIBE OF LEVI HAD ITS TEMPORAL WANTS ADEQUATELY PROVIDED FOR (see Joshua 13:14 ). (a) just ( 1 Corinthians 9:11 ), (b) necessary for unhindered service, and (c) not injurious to true devotion so long as the servant of God does not degrade his vocation into a trade by working for money instead of receiving money that he may have means for work. ... read more
The writer appends to the command of God Joshua 13:1-7 a statement that the other two tribes and a half had already had their inheritance marked out for them by Moses in the land east of Jordan. The boundaries of this territory as a whole are first set forth Joshua 13:8-14, and afterward the portions assigned within it to the two tribes and a half are severally described Joshua 13:15-33.Joshua 13:14See Deuteronomy 18:1-5 and notes.Joshua 13:15-24Inheritance of the tribe of Reuben. This... read more
13:1-22:34 DIVISION OF THE LANDAll the land that Israel had conquered was now divided among the twelve tribes. The list of tribal boundaries may not make very interesting reading today, but it was necessary for Israel as a permanent and lawful record to which people could refer if any disagreement arose. It also told the tribes of the enemies that had yet to be destroyed, both within their own tribal areas and in lands round about.Overall plan for the division (13:1-14:5)The area west of... read more
B. The land east of the Jordan 13:8-33This portion of the Promised Land went to the two and one-half tribes that had requested it previously (Numbers 32). read more
Reuben’s portion was the southern part of this area. Balaam (Joshua 13:22) had lost his life during Israel’s battle with the Midianites (Numbers 31:8). read more
Territories of the Eastern Tribes1-7. These vv. describe the land which, though still unconquered, is to be assigned to the 9½ tribes. It includes the W. and N. borders of Palestine. Wellhausen (’History of Israel’) remarks, ’The conquest was at first but an incomplete one. The plain which fringed the coast was hardly touched: so also the valley of Jezreel with its girdle of fortified cities stretching from Accho to Beth-shean. All that was subdued in the strict sense of the word was the... read more
The SettlementThe summaries of Joshua 12 mark the end of one section of the book, and the opening words of Joshua 13 as clearly introduce the beginning of another.This central portion, embracing Joshua 13-21, has been called ’The Domesday Book of the Old Testament,’ and is invaluable as a groundwork for modern scientific explorers. ’The Book of Joshua’ (writes Col. Conder) ’is the great geographical book of the Old Testament, and the study of its geography is important, as showing that it was... read more
DESCRIPTION OF THE TERRITORY DISTRIBUTED BY MOSES ON THE EAST OF JORDAN(Joshua 13:15-33).(15) Reuben.—See also Numbers 32:33-42 and Deuteronomy 3:16, &c. read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 13:7-33
Here we have, I. Orders given to Joshua to assign to each tribe its portion of this land, including that which was yet unsubdued, which must be brought into the lot, in a believing confidence that it should be conquered when Israel was multiplied so as to have occasion for it (Josh. 13:7): Now divide this land. Joshua thought all must be conquered before any must be divided. ?No,? said, God, ?there is as much conquered as will serve your turn for the present; divide this, and make your best of... read more