Joshua 13 15

Joshua 13:15 kjv

And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families.

Joshua 13:15 nkjv

And Moses had given to the tribe of the children of Reuben an inheritance according to their families.

Joshua 13:15 niv

This is what Moses had given to the tribe of Reuben, according to its clans:

Joshua 13:15 esv

And Moses gave an inheritance to the tribe of the people of Reuben according to their clans.

Joshua 13:15 nlt

Moses had assigned the following area to the clans of the tribe of Reuben.

Joshua 13 verses

Joshua 13 15 Meaning

This verse states that Moses, prior to his death, had allocated specific land as a perpetual possession or inheritance to the tribe of Reuben, with the distribution precisely made according to the distinct families within that tribe. This was part of the land situated east of the Jordan River.

Joshua 13 15 Context

Joshua chapter 13 transitions from the completion of the major conquest campaigns west of the Jordan (summarized in chapter 12) to the division of the land. It begins by noting that Joshua was old, and much land remained to be possessed, but God commanded that the remaining land be given as an inheritance anyway. The chapter then focuses on detailing the territories east of the Jordan River which Moses had already distributed to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh. This section, starting from verse 15, serves as a record confirming the boundaries and specifics of Reuben's inheritance, followed by Gad's and then Manasseh's, thus completing the account of the Transjordan tribes' settlement before Joshua begins allocating land west of the Jordan. It highlights the fulfillment of earlier commands given through Moses, even while the conquest under Joshua continued.

Joshua 13 15 Word analysis

• So (וַיִּתֵּ֨ן - wa·yit·tên): This Hebrew connective often functions as an "and he gave" or "thus he gave," indicating a sequential action or consequence. In this context, it links to the preceding general statement about Moses' distribution of land, initiating the specific enumeration for Reuben. It's a waw-consecutive imperfect, often rendered in English as a pluperfect to signify an action completed prior to the narrative's current frame (i.e., "Moses had given").
• Moses (מֹשֶׁ֜ה - mo·sheh): The pivotal leader of the Exodus generation, chosen by God to deliver Israel from bondage, receive the Law, and guide them to the threshold of the Promised Land. His actions in land distribution, particularly east of the Jordan, carry immense authority and are foundational to Israel's national identity and possession. This underscores divine authorization.
• had given (וַיִּתֵּ֨ן - wa·yit·tên): Same verb as "So," natan, meaning "to give, grant, place, set." Here it denotes a definitive and legally binding act of bestowal. It wasn't a temporary assignment but a firm allocation. The completion of this act by Moses before his death underscores its permanence and God's faithfulness.
• an inheritance (נַחֲלָה - nachalah): This is a highly significant theological and legal term. It refers to a perpetual possession, a land allotment, or a heritage. It is not just ownership but a divinely ordained, inalienable portion passed down through generations. This emphasizes God as the ultimate grantor of the land, making its possession a matter of covenant fidelity, not merely human conquest.
• to the tribe (לְמַטֵּ֧ה - lə·maṭ·ṭêh): Literally "to the rod/staff," but contextually refers to a tribal division or a collective tribal unit. The "tribe" here refers to the organized societal and military grouping of the descendants of a patriarchal forefather, a fundamental structure of Israelite society.
• of the children of Reuben (בְנֵֽי־רְאוּבֵן֙ - bə·nê rə·'u·vên): "Sons of Reuben," indicating the lineage of Jacob's firstborn son. Reuben's position as the firstborn tribe (though losing primogeniture to Judah/Joseph later due to his sin, Gen 49:3-4) gives this initial allocation a certain precedence in the historical record of land distribution.
• according to their families (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם - lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯām): The Hebrew mishpachot refers to subdivisions within a tribe, family clans. This phrase highlights the meticulously organized and equitable method of land distribution, ensuring that each household within the larger tribal unit received its proportionate and secure share. This principle undergirded the societal and economic stability of Israel.

• "Moses had given an inheritance": This phrase emphasizes that the land was not simply taken by human force, but formally and divinely conferred. Moses acted as God's instrument in distributing the Promised Land, marking the fulfillment of God's covenant oath. This highlights God's sovereignty over the land and its distribution.
• "the tribe of the children of Reuben according to their families": This segment underlines the ordered and specific nature of God's provision. It wasn't a haphazard distribution, but a careful, detailed allotment tailored to the existing familial structures within the designated tribe. This detail reinforces the divine foresight and care for the societal integrity and just allocation among His people.

Joshua 13 15 Bonus section

• The land given to Reuben (and Gad, and half-Manasseh) east of the Jordan was chosen by them primarily for its excellent pastureland, suitable for their vast livestock (Num 32:1-5). Moses agreed to this, but stipulated they must still participate in the conquest of Canaan west of the Jordan before settling their own inheritance, which they faithfully did (Num 32:16-32; Josh 22:1-6).
• The act of Moses distributing the land east of the Jordan serves as a bridge, demonstrating the continuity of God's plan through different leaders (Moses then Joshua) in the process of acquiring and settling the Promised Land. It sets a pattern for the subsequent allocations under Joshua.
• The explicit detail of distribution "according to their families" demonstrates the patriarchal and clan-based structure of Israelite society, which was divinely ordained. This method prevented disputes, ensured family lineage was preserved with its designated property, and served as a tangible sign of God's faithful care for His people's foundational social units.

Joshua 13 15 Commentary

Joshua 13:15 concisely affirms the completed allocation of land to the tribe of Reuben east of the Jordan, a significant act performed by Moses prior to the main conquest in Canaan. The verse anchors the legitimacy and permanence of this possession by tying it directly to Moses' authority as God's chosen leader, thereby ensuring it aligns with divine will. The critical term "inheritance" (nachalah) emphasizes that this land was not merely seized territory but a permanent, divinely-sanctioned possession. Furthermore, the meticulous phrase "according to their families" highlights the highly organized, just, and family-centric nature of Israel's land tenure system, reflecting God's order and His provision for each household within the tribe. This act set a precedent and confirmed God's faithfulness in beginning the fulfillment of His ancient promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants.