Joshua 13 21

Joshua 13:21 kjv

And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, which were dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country.

Joshua 13:21 nkjv

all the cities of the plain and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses had struck with the princes of Midian: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, who were princes of Sihon dwelling in the country.

Joshua 13:21 niv

all the towns on the plateau and the entire realm of Sihon king of the Amorites, who ruled at Heshbon. Moses had defeated him and the Midianite chiefs, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur and Reba?princes allied with Sihon?who lived in that country.

Joshua 13:21 esv

that is, all the cities of the tableland, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses defeated with the leaders of Midian, Evi and Rekem and Zur and Hur and Reba, the princes of Sihon, who lived in the land.

Joshua 13:21 nlt

The land of Reuben also included all the towns of the plain and the entire kingdom of Sihon. Sihon was the Amorite king who had reigned in Heshbon and was killed by Moses along with the leaders of Midian ? Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba ? princes living in the region who were allied with Sihon.

Joshua 13 verses

Joshua 13 21 Meaning

Joshua 13:21 details a specific portion of the land assigned to the tribe of Reuben. It delineates this territory by listing "all the cities of the plain" within the dominion of Sihon, king of the Amorites, whose capital was Heshbon. The verse also specifies that Moses had defeated not only Sihon but also certain Midianite chiefs—Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—who are described as princes subordinate to Sihon and inhabitants of the region. This highlights the complete conquest of Sihon's kingdom and his confederates by Israel under Moses, thus confirming the divine grant of land before the full conquest of Canaan.

Joshua 13 21 Context

Joshua 13 marks a shift in the book, moving from active conquest to the division of the land among the tribes. The chapter begins with an aged Joshua, reminded by God that much land remains to be conquered, yet God instructs him to proceed with the land's distribution as a testament to future complete victory. This verse specifically describes a portion of the inheritance designated for the tribe of Reuben. Their territory was located east of the Jordan River, primarily comprising lands already conquered by Moses. Verse 21 identifies a key part of this allocation, linking it directly to the well-documented campaigns led by Moses against King Sihon of the Amorites and his allied Midianite chiefs (foundational to Israel's identity and claim to land east of Jordan), reinforcing the divine authority behind their current possession and distribution of the land.

Joshua 13 21 Word analysis

• all the cities of the plain: Refers to the flat, open region, likely within the elevated plains and tablelands east of the Jordan River. These cities were part of Sihon's kingdom. It emphasizes a thorough, not partial, conquest.
• and all the kingdom of Sihon: Sihon (סִיחֹן - Siychon) was the king of the Amorites who resided in Heshbon. This phrase denotes the full scope of his rule. The Amorites (אֱמֹרִי - 'Emori) were a powerful Canaanite people mentioned throughout Scripture as occupying a significant portion of the land given to Israel. Their defeat represented a major breakthrough for the Israelites.
• king of the Amorites: Highlights Sihon's identity and power before Israel's arrival, signifying a significant victory against a formidable ruler and his people.
• who reigned in Heshbon: Heshbon (חֶשְׁבּוֹן - Cheshbon) was Sihon's capital city, known for its strategic location and strength. Its capture was crucial to controlling the surrounding plains and served as a symbol of Sihon's dominion.
• whom Moses smote: "Smote" (וַיַּךְ - vayyak, from the root נָכָה - nakah, "to strike, hit, defeat"). This emphasizes that the conquest was complete and decisive, carried out by Moses under God's command. This phrase links the present land distribution to foundational acts of God's deliverance and provision through His appointed leader, establishing continuity and divine authority.
• with the chiefs of Midian: These were specific, named leaders of the Midianite people (מִדְיָן - Miḏyān). This points to an alliance between Sihon and Midianite leadership, suggesting a combined military force that was decisively defeated. The inclusion of these chiefs highlights the extent of Israel's victory beyond just Sihon.
• Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba: These are specific Midianite names, demonstrating precise historical recollection and affirming the defeat of identified enemy leaders. Zur (צוּר - Tsur) is particularly notable as his daughter, Cozbi, was later involved in the Baal-Peor incident (Num 25:15), indicating interconnections between these events.
• who were princes of Sihon: "Princes" (נְשִׂיאֵי - nesi'ei, from the root נָשִׂיא - nasi, "prince, chief, leader"). This clarifies their relationship to Sihon, suggesting they were either his vassals, governors, or confederate rulers under his greater authority. This makes the conquest even more significant, showing the breaking of a multi-nation or multi-clan alliance.
• dwellers in the country: This could mean they resided in the open, rural parts of the territory (not necessarily within a major city like Heshbon), or perhaps indicates their semi-nomadic presence in the land under Sihon's influence. This contrasts them with the more sedentary Amorites based in cities.

Joshua 13 21 Bonus section

The specific mention of Midianite chiefs in connection with Sihon, and their defeat alongside him, offers an important insight into regional politics and the varied interactions Israel had with surrounding peoples. While a more widespread campaign against Midian is recorded in Numbers 31, specifically linked to the Baal-Peor incident where Zur is mentioned again, Joshua 13:21 highlights an earlier defeat of specific Midianite leaders allied with the Amorites. This shows that "Midian" was not a monolithic entity but composed of various clans and leaders, sometimes acting independently and sometimes as vassals or allies to more dominant regional powers like Sihon. The repetition of this historical detail in Joshua reinforces the legal and theological basis for Israel's occupation of the territory, demonstrating God's consistent ability to give victory over formidable coalitions.

Joshua 13 21 Commentary

Joshua 13:21 is a specific inventory of the inheritance granted to the tribe of Reuben, emphasizing the divine providence behind Israel's land claims. By reiterating the defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and his allied Midianite chiefs, the verse grounds Israel's possession in God's prior powerful acts through Moses. It highlights the completeness of the conquest east of the Jordan, a critical step that prepared Israel for entering Canaan. The inclusion of the Midianite chiefs is not just a detail but underlines the extent of the victory over allied forces, further establishing the historical basis and God-given right to the land. This verse shows that God's promises are realized not only through current leadership but also through the continuity of divine work across generations. For example, believers today find assurance that God's past faithfulness in delivering His people provides a basis for trust in His present and future promises. Just as specific land was secured for Reuben, so God provides concrete provisions and blessings for His people in every age.