Joshua 13 25

Joshua 13:25 kjv

And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that is before Rabbah;

Joshua 13:25 nkjv

Their territory was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites as far as Aroer, which is before Rabbah,

Joshua 13:25 niv

The territory of Jazer, all the towns of Gilead and half the Ammonite country as far as Aroer, near Rabbah;

Joshua 13:25 esv

Their territory was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites, to Aroer, which is east of Rabbah,

Joshua 13:25 nlt

Their territory included Jazer, all the towns of Gilead, and half of the land of Ammon, as far as the town of Aroer just west of Rabbah.

Joshua 13 verses

Joshua 13 25 Meaning

This verse defines a specific segment of the tribal allocation, delineating the eastern boundary for the tribe of Gad. It specifies Jazer as a key location within their inheritance and clarifies their territorial extent to include all cities of Gilead, reaching eastward to a portion of the land associated with the Ammonites. The boundary is further marked by Aroer, precisely located before Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites, signifying a precise demarcation of their inheritance. This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise regarding the land given to Israel.

Joshua 13 25 Context

Joshua chapter 13 transitions from the detailed accounts of conquests to the division of the promised land among the Israelite tribes. Prior to this, verses 8-12 recount Moses' distribution of land on the east side of the Jordan to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Verses 13-33 provide specific details about these allocations. Verse 25, in particular, delineates the southern-to-eastern extent of Gad's territory, providing geographic markers like Jazer, Gilead, and Aroer. The mention of "half the land of the children of Ammon" refers not to their original national territory, but to lands within their sphere of influence that Israel had rightfully conquered from the Amorites (as later clarified in Judges 11). The historical context places this distribution after significant battles under Moses and Joshua, ensuring each tribe received its designated portion as part of God's covenantal fulfillment.

Joshua 13 25 Word analysis

• And their border was: Indicates the legal and divine demarcation of tribal inheritance. The word "border" (גְּבוּל, gevūl) emphasizes a defined, settled territory, vital for identity and sovereignty.
• Jazer: (יַעְזֵר, Yaʿazêr), meaning "he will help." An important city in Transjordan, initially Amorite, captured by Moses. It was strategically significant, later designated as a Levitical city, showing its sustained importance within Israel's administration.
• and all the cities of Gilead: (גִּלְעָד, Gilʿād), meaning "heap of witness." A fertile, prominent region east of the Jordan, renowned for its Balm of Gilead. This indicates Gad's inheritance covered the entirety of this strategic, defensible, and agriculturally rich area.
• and half the land of the children of Ammon: (עַמּוֹן, ʿAmmôn), "people." This phrase is crucial. Israel was divinely forbidden from dispossessing the Ammonites from their original territory (Deut 2:19). This "half" refers to land Ammon had claimed or settled, but which Israel had legitimately conquered from the Amorites (Sihon) prior to Ammonite occupation. It highlights the distinction between land rightfully given to Israel by conquest and forbidden territory of their kinsmen, the Ammonites (descendants of Lot).
• unto Aroer: (עֲרוֹעֵר, ʿArōʿêr), possibly meaning "destitute." A common place name, often indicating a border city. This specific Aroer is identified as being "before Rabbah," clearly marking the furthest eastward extent of Gad's claim against Ammonite territory. It signifies a distinct line of territorial control.
• even before Rabbah: (רַבָּה, Rabbâ), meaning "great (city)." The capital city of the Ammonites, later notorious in the story of David and Uriah. Its mention here anchors Aroer's location precisely, indicating the proximity of Israel's border to the Ammonite capital while not encroaching upon it. It serves as a clear geographical landmark of non-aggression beyond this point into core Ammonite lands.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And their border was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead": Establishes the core geographical region and initial landmark for Gad's assigned territory, signifying a wide and prosperous allocation under divine authority.
• "and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer even before Rabbah": Delineates the eastern extent of Gad's border, specifically defining the sensitive boundary with Ammon. The mention of "half the land" indicates a specific, lawful, and divinely sanctioned claim to certain territories, distinguishing them from areas forbidden for conquest. This specific identification of Aroer's location "before Rabbah" highlights the careful and precise demarcation of boundaries between the tribes of Israel and neighboring nations, demonstrating meticulous detail in land allocation.

Joshua 13 25 Bonus section

The concept of "border" (gevūl) in ancient Israel was not merely geographical; it carried profound theological significance. These borders were divinely established, reflecting God's promise, faithfulness, and the covenant given to Israel. Disregarding these borders, whether through covetousness or neglect, was seen as an affront to divine order. The mention of "half the land of the children of Ammon" highlights a significant historical-legal point: Israel's possession in this area was not a violation of Deut 2:19 (which prohibited attacking Ammon or Moab) because Jephthah's argument in Judges 11 confirms this land was originally Amorite, conquered by Moses, and only subsequently occupied by Ammon. Thus, Israel claimed back what was historically theirs by conquest and divine decree. This verse serves as a historical document testifying to the specific extent of Israel's initial, divinely apportioned settlement, influencing later geopolitical interactions between Israel and its eastern neighbors, particularly the Ammonites.

Joshua 13 25 Commentary

Joshua 13:25 provides a precise geographical definition of the inheritance granted to the tribe of Gad. It is part of God's faithful fulfillment of His covenant with Abraham, giving Israel possession of the promised land. The verse details the Transjordanian territory east of the Jordan River, identifying key locations such as Jazer and the broad region of Gilead as belonging to Gad. The specification of "half the land of the children of Ammon" underscores the principle of legal inheritance rather than simple conquest; it refers to land formerly Amorite that Ammon later claimed, but which God had rightfully given to Israel through Moses' conquest of Sihon's kingdom. The final boundary marker, Aroer, strategically positioned "before Rabbah" (the Ammonite capital), highlights the specific limits of Israel's claim, indicating that they were not to encroach upon the intrinsic Ammonite heartland, upholding God's previous command. This demonstrates God's sovereign hand in establishing clear, divinely ordained boundaries for His people, respecting neighboring nations' divinely appointed territories.