Joshua 13 11

Joshua 13:11 kjv

And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;

Joshua 13:11 nkjv

Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salcah;

Joshua 13:11 niv

It also included Gilead, the territory of the people of Geshur and Maakah, all of Mount Hermon and all Bashan as far as Salekah?

Joshua 13:11 esv

and Gilead, and the region of the Geshurites and Maacathites, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan to Salecah;

Joshua 13:11 nlt

It included Gilead, the territory of the kingdoms of Geshur and Maacah, all of Mount Hermon, all of Bashan as far as Salecah,

Joshua 13 verses

Joshua 13 11 Meaning

Joshua 13:11 describes specific geographic and ethnic regions designated as part of the inheritance for the half-tribe of Manasseh located on the eastern side of the Jordan River. This verse outlines key territories—Gilead, the domains of the Geshurites and Maachathites, the entire Mount Hermon region, and all of Bashan extending to Salecah—that were either fully conquered or partially held, yet allotted, reflecting God's faithfulness in providing land for His people as promised.

Joshua 13 11 Context

Joshua 13 marks a pivotal transition in the Book of Joshua. After a period of intense military campaigns (Chapters 10-12) where significant portions of the land were subdued, God instructs Joshua, now advanced in years, to begin the process of dividing the remaining land among the tribes (Josh 13:1, 6). The Lord acknowledges that "there remains yet very much land to possess" (v.1), yet He commands the distribution to proceed as an act of faith and a fulfillment of His promise. Chapter 13 specifically details the territories west of the Jordan River which were yet to be divided and, more immediately, the boundaries and allotted portions for the two and a half tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) who had already received their inheritance east of the Jordan during the time of Moses (Josh 13:8-12). Verse 11 focuses specifically on the northern extent and particular features of the half-tribe of Manasseh's land, notably mentioning regions that included unexpelled foreign populations, thus highlighting the imperfect obedience and future challenges that lay ahead for Israel.

Joshua 13 11 Word analysis

• and Gilead (וְהַגִּלְעָד, ve-ha-Gil‘ad):

  • Word: "Gilead" (גִּלְעָד) refers to a fertile, hilly region east of the Jordan, often associated with balsam and pasturelands.
  • Significance: This territory was known for its economic value and pastoral suitability, chosen specifically by some tribes. Its inclusion reaffirms the divine provision of rich land for the tribes settled on the east bank.

• and the territory of the Geshurites (וּגְבוּל הַגְּשׁוּרִי, u-gvul ha-Geshuri):

  • Word: "Territory" (gvul) indicates a boundary or an defined area. "Geshurites" (ha-Geshuri) refers to a people group (specifically an Aramean kingdom) who, as stated in Josh 13:13, were not driven out by Israel.
  • Significance: The inclusion of their "territory" in the description of the inheritance, coupled with the explicit note in Josh 13:13 that they were not dispossessed, underscores a significant theological and historical tension: God’s promise and provision were absolute, but Israel’s full possession and obedience in driving out inhabitants were conditional and often incomplete. This detail foreshadows future struggles (e.g., Absalom's connection to Geshur, 2 Sam 3:3).

• and Maachathites (וְהַמַּעֲכָתִי, ve-ha-Ma‘akhati):

  • Word: "Maachathites" (ha-Ma‘akhati) is another indigenous people group (also Aramean) within the northern regions east of the Jordan. Like the Geshurites, they were not dispossessed (Josh 13:13, Deut 3:14).
  • Significance: Their persistent presence in the land allocated to Israel signifies the failure of Israel to fully execute the divine command to drive out all the inhabitants. This serves as a warning about the consequences of compromise and disobedience, illustrating that unaddressed sin or compromise can remain within the sphere of God's people.

• and all mount Hermon (וְכָל-הַר חֶרְמוֹן, ve-khol-har Hermon):

  • Word: "All" (kol) denotes totality. "Mount Hermon" (har Hermon) is the highest mountain peak in the region, forming a natural northern boundary and being a source of significant water runoff. It was called Sirion by the Sidonians and Senir by the Amorites (Deut 3:9).
  • Significance: The inclusion of "all" Mount Hermon signifies the vast and expansive nature of the promised inheritance. It indicates the full extent of the northern border of Manasseh’s land, establishing a definitive geographical marker and demonstrating God's provision of the grandest natural landmarks.

• and all Bashan (וְכָל-הַבָּשָׁן, ve-khol-ha-Bashan):

  • Word: "All" (kol) emphasizes totality again. "Bashan" (ha-Bashan) refers to a highly fertile plateau east of the Sea of Galilee, renowned for its rich pastures, sturdy oaks, and stout cattle (Isa 2:13, Amos 4:1, Eze 39:18). It was formerly ruled by Og, a king of the Rephaim, whom Moses conquered (Deut 3:1-7).
  • Significance: Receiving "all Bashan" was a substantial inheritance, providing great natural resources and wealth. Its inclusion highlights God's provision of abundance for His people, a land of blessing already subdued by Moses' campaigns.

• to Salecah (עַד-סַלְכָה, ‘ad-Salkhah):

  • Word: "To" (‘ad) specifies a limit or boundary. "Salecah" (Salkhah) was an eastern city in Bashan (Deut 3:10).
  • Significance: Salecah served as the easternmost extent of Manasseh’s territory, precisely defining the outer boundary of their allotted land. This meticulous geographical detail emphasizes the exactness of God's land distribution and the clear demarcation of tribal inheritance.

Words-group Analysis:

• "Gilead, and the territory of the Geshurites and Maachathites": This cluster represents the varied nature of the assigned land. It combines general geographic regions (Gilead) with specific ethno-political entities (Geshurites and Maachathites), many of whom continued to reside within the defined borders. This juxtaposition of territory granted by divine decree and the reality of unfulfilled command provides a poignant theological insight into human shortcomings in receiving and stewarding divine blessing.

• "all mount Hermon, and all Bashan to Salecah": This group precisely defines the vast northern and eastern boundaries of the half-tribe of Manasseh’s inheritance. The repetition of "all" underscores the completeness of God’s provision in bestowing prominent geographical features and richly endowed land. These locations were militarily significant, forming a formidable border, and economically vital due to their fertility and resources, indicating a generous and secure portion for the tribe.

Joshua 13 11 Bonus section

• The allocation of land "east of the Jordan" to Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh was decided by Moses (Num 32; Deut 3) before the main conquest of Canaan proper, indicating continuity in God's redemptive plan carried out through both Moses and Joshua. This also emphasizes that God’s plan encompassed land beyond the immediate perception of “the Promised Land” initially given to Abraham.
• The continued presence of indigenous peoples like the Geshurites and Maachathites within Israel's allotted territory (as mentioned in this verse and clarified in Josh 13:13) serves as a potent reminder of the concept of "unconquered ground"—both literal and spiritual. For believers, this can be understood as areas of life where Christ’s Lordship is yet to be fully manifested due to unaddressed sin, compromise, or lack of persistent spiritual warfare.
• The meticulous detailing of borders, names, and even non-expelled groups within a tribe's inheritance illustrates the biblical emphasis on precise fulfillment of divine promise, and yet, also reveals the immediate challenges and complexities of inheriting and dwelling in God's promised provisions. It highlights that an inheritance granted does not always equate to a challenge-free possession.

Joshua 13 11 Commentary

Joshua 13:11, though a simple list of place names and peoples, is highly significant. It details a specific portion of the Promised Land granted to the half-tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan, embodying God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promise to Israel. The meticulous mention of "all Mount Hermon" and "all Bashan" with their fertile grounds and distinct boundaries extending "to Salecah" underscores the richness and expansiveness of God’s provision. However, the concurrent listing of "the territory of the Geshurites and Maachathites," along with the explicit note in Joshua 13:13 that these groups were not driven out, injects a critical dimension of Israel's partial obedience. God's faithfulness was unwavering, granting them the land as an inheritance, yet the failure to fully dispossess these inhabitants revealed Israel's ongoing spiritual struggle and set the stage for future interactions and consequences, demonstrating that God’s perfect will often encounters human imperfection in its execution. The land was theirs by divine right, but full possession often required persistent faith and obedience.