Joshua 13 19

Joshua 13:19 kjv

And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley,

Joshua 13:19 nkjv

Kirjathaim, Sibmah, Zereth Shahar on the mountain of the valley,

Joshua 13:19 niv

Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth Shahar on the hill in the valley,

Joshua 13:19 esv

and Kiriathaim, and Sibmah, and Zereth-shahar on the hill of the valley,

Joshua 13:19 nlt

Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth-shahar on the hill above the valley,

Joshua 13 verses

Joshua 13 19 Meaning

Joshua 13:19 lists specific towns that were part of the inheritance allocated to the tribe of Reuben in the land east of the Jordan River. These are Kiriathaim, Sibmah, and Zereth-shahar, situated "on the mount of the valley." This verse meticulously records the boundaries and possessions as a fulfillment of God's covenantal promise to Israel.

Joshua 13 19 Context

Joshua chapter 13 transitions from military conquest to the allocation of tribal inheritances. Specifically, this chapter describes the lands given to the tribes that settled east of the Jordan River—Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh—an allotment initially made by Moses before his death (Deut 3). Although much land west of the Jordan was yet to be conquered, God commanded Joshua to begin dividing the land already taken. Joshua 13:19, therefore, is part of a detailed cadastral survey, itemizing the cities and boundaries of Reuben's territory. This detailed list demonstrates the precision and authority of the divine apportionment, fulfilling promises made to the patriarchs centuries earlier.

Joshua 13 19 Word analysis

• וְקִרְיָתַיִם (wə·Qir·yā·ṯayim) - "and Kiriathaim"
  • Kiriathaim: From Hebrew קִרְיָתַיִם (Qiryatayim), meaning "double city" or "two cities." It was an ancient city mentioned in texts prior to Israel's conquest (e.g., Num 32:37) and later associated with Moab before falling under Reuben's control. Its mention highlights the absorption of existing towns into Israelite territory.
• וְשִׂבְמָה (wə·Śiḇ·māh) - "and Sibmah"
  • Sibmah: From Hebrew שִׂבְמָה (Sibmah). This city was renowned for its fertility, particularly its vineyards, as indicated in prophetic passages (Isa 16:8-9; Jer 48:32). Its inclusion signifies fertile and productive lands within Reuben's portion.
• וְצֶרֶת (wə·Ṣe·reṯ) - "and Zereth-"
  • Zereth: Part of a compound name, "Zereth-shahar." From Hebrew צֶרֶת (Tsereth), possibly meaning "distress," "splendor," or "a cutting" depending on root.
• הַשַּׁחַר (haš·šachar) - "-shahar"
  • Shahar: From Hebrew שַׁחַר (shachar), meaning "dawn" or "blackness" (a less common meaning here). Combined with Zereth, Zereth-shahar (צֶרֶת הַשַּׁחַר - Tsereth ha'Shachar) likely means "splendor/beauty of the dawn" or "cutting/depression of the dawn." It suggests a prominent place related to the rising sun, perhaps situated on an eastern slope. This unique name adds specificity to Reuben's allotment.
• בְּהַר (bə·har) - "on the mount of" / "in the mountain of"
  • Behar: Hebrew בְּ (be), "in/on/at," and הַר (har), "mountain," "hill," or "mount." It indicates an elevated geographical feature.
• הָעֵמֶק (hā·‘ē·meq) - "the valley."
  • Ha'emeq: Hebrew הַ (ha), "the," and עֵמֶק (emeq), "valley," "plain," or "lowland."
• "on the mount of the valley": (בְּהַר הָעֵמֶק - behar ha'emeq). This phrase is significant. It implies a strategic location, possibly a settlement situated on an elevated point (mount/hill) that either overlooks or is part of a broader valley or plain. This could refer to the strategic height within or on the edge of the Jordan Valley or the broader plains of Transjordan, providing both defensive advantage and access to arable lowlands. This combination speaks to a place that commanded a view or offered distinct topographical features valuable for a tribe.

Joshua 13 19 Bonus section

The highly detailed geographical lists in Joshua chapters 13-19, of which verse 19 is an example, function like ancient land deeds or charters. This meticulous recording was crucial in the ancient Near East for establishing legitimate claims to territory and for tribal identity. From a divine perspective, it underscores the permanence and irrefutability of God's grant of the land to Israel. The very specific nature of these geographical references, despite the challenge of precisely identifying all locations today, signifies the real-world, tangible fulfillment of God's promises. It is not merely a spiritual concept but a physical inheritance meticulously defined. This attention to detail emphasizes God's sovereign hand in establishing the nation of Israel and provides historical weight to their claim on the promised land. The fact that these details were included speaks to the biblical writers' conviction in the historical accuracy of these events and God's faithfulness in tangible, earthly matters.

Joshua 13 19 Commentary

Joshua 13:19, though a simple list of place names, underscores profound theological and historical realities. It is part of the extensive and detailed description of land distribution to the Israelite tribes, particularly focusing on Reuben's inheritance east of the Jordan. This meticulous listing confirms God's absolute faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants concerning the land (Gen 12:7; 13:15). Every named town, including Kiriathaim, Sibmah, and Zereth-shahar, stands as a tangible testimony to the veracity of God's Word, demonstrating that His intentions are carried out to the minutest detail. The presence of specific places like Sibmah, known for its bounty (Isa 16:8), speaks to the richness of the inheritance, even for those who chose lands outside of Canaan proper. Furthermore, some of these cities, like Kiriathaim and Sibmah, had been historically occupied by non-Israelite peoples, most notably the Moabites (Jer 48), highlighting Israel's divine claim and sovereignty over these territories granted by God. The phrase "on the mount of the valley" offers a glimpse into the strategic and geographical significance of these ancient settlements, reinforcing the practical value of the assigned lands to the tribe for dwelling and defense. The chapter as a whole, including this verse, serves as a record of divine promise translated into concrete reality, providing a blueprint of what God accomplished through Joshua, ensuring "not one word...failed" (Josh 21:45).