Joshua 13 18

Joshua 13:18 kjv

And Jahaza, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,

Joshua 13:18 nkjv

Jahaza, Kedemoth, Mephaath,

Joshua 13:18 niv

Jahaz, Kedemoth, Mephaath,

Joshua 13:18 esv

and Jahaz, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,

Joshua 13:18 nlt

Jahaz, Kedemoth, Mephaath,

Joshua 13 verses

Joshua 13 18 Meaning

Joshua 13:18 names three specific cities within the inheritance granted to the tribe of Reuben on the eastern side of the Jordan River: Jahzah, Kedemoth, and Mephaath. This verse is part of the detailed record of the land distribution, emphasizing God's precise fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel.

Joshua 13 18 Context

Joshua chapter 13 begins with God informing an aged Joshua that there still remains "very much land to be possessed," yet simultaneously commanding him to divide the land that has been taken. The focus of this chapter is the precise delineation of the inheritance for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, whose portions were allotted on the east side of the Jordan River before the conquest of Canaan proper. Verse 18 specifically details three cities within Reuben's inheritance, underscoring the thoroughness of God's directive and Joshua's obedience in fulfilling the land covenant. Historically, this period marks the transition from military conquest to settled possession, with tribal boundaries becoming foundational for Israel's identity and future administration. The inclusion of specific cities emphasizes God's faithfulness in fulfilling promises made centuries earlier.

Joshua 13 18 Word analysis

• And (וְ - wᵉ): A conjunctive particle, "and," "but," or "so." In this context, it acts as a simple conjunction, continuing the list of cities previously mentioned (Joshua 13:17) that belong to Reuben's inheritance. It denotes a continuation or addition to a series.
• Jahzah (יַהְצָה - Yahatsah): This is one of the cities specifically allocated to Reuben. It is also known as Jahaz (יָהַץ - Yahats). Its significance lies not only in its inclusion within Reuben's territory but also in its historical prominence. It was the site of the pivotal battle where Israel defeated Sihon, the king of the Amorites (Num 21:23; Deut 2:32), before entering Canaan. Crucially, Jahzah, along with Kedemoth and Mephaath, was later designated as one of the forty-eight cities given to the Levites, specifically to the Merarite clan (Jos 21:36). Its name's root suggests "trampled place," perhaps alluding to the battle or its common land usage.
• and (וְ - wᵉ): Another simple conjunction, linking "Jahzah" to the next city in the list.
• Kedemoth (קְדֵמוֹת - Qedemoth): Meaning "eastern places" or "antiquities." This city, too, was part of Reuben's inheritance and was designated as a Levitical city for the Merarites (Jos 21:37). Its name likely reflects its location in the eastern regions of Transjordan. The "wilderness of Kedemoth" (Deut 2:26) was where Moses sent messengers to Sihon.
• and (וְ - wᵉ): Once more, a connective particle, linking the list.
• Mephaath (מֵיפַעַת - Meyfa'ath): Meaning "brightness," "splendor," or "height." This city completes the triad in this verse as part of Reuben's assigned territory and, like the others, was subsequently assigned to the Levitical Merarites (Jos 21:37). It is also mentioned in Jeremiah 48:21 alongside Jahaz, in a prophecy concerning Moab.

Words-group analysis:

• "And Jahzah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath": This phrase serves as a simple list, cataloging three significant cities that form part of the tribal boundary and inheritance for Reuben. The consistent use of "and" ("waw" conjunction) before each name emphasizes the exhaustive nature of the list, indicating precision and detail in the land's apportionment. The repeated conjunction also highlights each city as a distinct and important component of the territory. The subsequent identification of these three cities as Levitical cities underscores a unique divine provision—that the tribe without territorial inheritance (Levi) was given cities throughout all the other tribal lands, enabling them to serve all Israel spiritually.

Joshua 13 18 Bonus section

The seemingly dry list of cities in Joshua 13:18 points to several profound truths. First, it demonstrates the certainty of God's Word. The precise listing of geographical locations attests to the tangibility of the promised inheritance. God does not deal in vague generalities but in specific fulfillment. Second, the repeated identification of these specific cities as Levitical cities (mentioned again later in Jos 21) highlights God's unwavering provision for His priesthood. Even as He allocates land to the tribes for their sustenance and identity, He concurrently ensures the presence of spiritual leaders in all regions, showcasing the centrality of worship and instruction in the life of Israel. Third, it serves as a historical and administrative record, cementing the boundaries and identity of the tribe of Reuben, a tribe whose inheritance was settled prior to the full conquest of Canaan, reinforcing the idea that even promises fulfilled "early" were still divinely ordained.

Joshua 13 18 Commentary

Joshua 13:18 is a concise enumeration of three cities, yet it is laden with theological and historical significance. It speaks directly to the meticulousness of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, specifying the exact territories to be settled by His people. The inclusion of Jahzah, Kedemoth, and Mephaath, which are explicitly confirmed in Joshua 21 as Levitical cities, showcases God's intricate provision for His consecrated priestly tribe even within the tribal land divisions. The Levites, not receiving a continuous land inheritance like the other tribes, were instead given cities scattered among all of Israel, allowing them to serve as spiritual instructors and guides across the entire nation. This arrangement reflects divine order and wisdom, ensuring both tribal settlement and spiritual accessibility. The verse subtly underscores that even in mundane geographic descriptions, God's grand design for Israel's worship, identity, and future is embedded.