Joshua 13 26

Joshua 13:26 kjv

And from Heshbon unto Ramathmizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim unto the border of Debir;

Joshua 13:26 nkjv

and from Heshbon to Ramath Mizpah and Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir,

Joshua 13:26 niv

and from Heshbon to Ramath Mizpah and Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the territory of Debir;

Joshua 13:26 esv

and from Heshbon to Ramath-mizpeh and Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the territory of Debir,

Joshua 13:26 nlt

It extended from Heshbon to Ramath-mizpeh and Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the territory of Lo-debar.

Joshua 13 verses

Joshua 13 26 Meaning

Joshua 13:26 details part of the eastern boundary of the territory allotted to the tribe of Gad. This specific verse lists significant towns and geographical features: Heshbon, Ramath-mizpeh, Betonim, Mahanaim, and extends to the border of Debir. It delineates a northern section of Gad's inheritance, showcasing the divine precision in distributing the land according to tribal allocation, confirming God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel.

Joshua 13 26 Context

Joshua 13 marks a shift in the book, from conquest to the distribution of the land. At this point, Joshua is old, and there is "very much land to be possessed" (Josh 13:1), yet God commands the division to begin. This chapter specifically outlines the territories east of the Jordan River for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, land which they had requested and Moses had granted (Num 32; Deut 3). Joshua 13:26 is part of the precise detailing of Gad's tribal inheritance, establishing its specific northern and western borders after describing its general scope. These detailed boundaries were crucial for tribal identity, administration, and avoiding future disputes among the Israelites, reflecting God's orderly plan for His people to settle in the Promised Land. Historically, the area described, particularly Heshbon and Mahanaim, held significant past events and would continue to play a role in Israel's history.

Joshua 13 26 Word analysis

• And from Heshbon (וּמֵחֶשְׁבּוֹן - u-meCheshbon):
  • Heshbon (Cheshbon): A key city of Transjordan, initially Moabite, then Amorite under Sihon (Num 21:26), and conquered by Moses. It was strategically located and important for its fertile plains. Its inclusion indicates a well-known, central landmark for defining the tribal border, establishing a recognized reference point from which to define the territory.
• to Ramath-mizpeh (עַד־רָמַת הַמִּצְפֶּה - ‘ad-Ramath ha-Mitspah):
  • Ramath-mizpeh (literally "height of the watchtower" or "elevation of the lookout"): Suggests a strategic elevated point providing a broad view. There were multiple places named Mizpah. This one is identified with a location in Gilead (Judg 11:29), an important hub for the Transjordan tribes, reflecting the security and observational needs in defining territorial boundaries.
• and Betonim, (וּבְטֹנִים - u-Vetonim):
  • Betonim (Betonim): The exact location is uncertain, but it likely refers to a specific town on the border. Some scholars associate its name with pistachio trees, suggesting a place known for such vegetation. Its inclusion emphasizes the precise, localized knowledge guiding the border definitions, even for lesser-known towns.
• and from Mahanaim (וּמִמַּחֲנַיִם - u-mi-Machanayim):
  • Mahanaim (Machanayim - literally "two camps"): A very significant biblical location, associated with Jacob's encounter with angels (Gen 32:2). Later, it became a refuge for David and capital for Ish-bosheth (2 Sam 2:8-9, 2 Sam 17:24). Its presence here as a boundary marker for Gad connects Gad's tribal land directly to pivotal events in Israel's patriarchal history, further legitimizing their claim and placing them within the continuum of God's redemptive plan.
• to the border of Debir; (עַד־גְּבוּל לִדְבִיר - ‘ad-Gevul lidDevir):
  • border (gevul): Clearly indicates a boundary line or extent.
  • Debir (Devir): This is not the Debir in Judah, which was a significant city conquered by Caleb. This "Debir" east of the Jordan is much debated in identification. Some propose it refers to a "pasture land," or an "oracle place" (like the inner sanctuary of the temple), or potentially a geographical feature like a river or valley mouth, not a specific town. Its ambiguity compared to other place names suggests a less prominent but equally important natural or man-made boundary marker specific to the Transjordan topography. It signifies the practical demarcation of limits.

• Words-Group analysis:
  • "And from Heshbon to Ramath-mizpeh and Betonim": This sequence defines a specific portion of the Gadite border, moving from a major historical city (Heshbon) towards strategic high grounds (Ramath-mizpeh) and including a specific, possibly smaller, town (Betonim). It signifies a careful mapping of various topographical and settlement points.
  • "and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir": This phrase marks another segment of the boundary, indicating that the tribal territory extended from the significant historical city of Mahanaim, southwest towards a debated location or natural border near Debir. This further defines the southern or southwestern extent of Gad's claim within the allocated land. The linking of these historical and geographical points emphasizes the detailed, deliberate nature of the land distribution, reinforcing that this inheritance was both divinely ordained and practically implemented.

Joshua 13 26 Bonus section

The precise enumeration of these towns and borders served a critical theological function: it visually demonstrated the fulfillment of God's centuries-old promises to Abraham (Gen 12:7; 15:18-21). For the original Israelite audience, hearing these place names reaffirmed the divine authenticity of their inheritance. This particular section, Joshua 13:15-28, focuses on the Transjordan tribes, who had already received their inheritance under Moses. Their inclusion here confirms Joshua's adherence to all the commandments of the Lord, ensuring that even these early allotments are fully integrated into the broader narrative of the conquest and division. The lack of an immediate major city after Mahanaim suggests the border became less urban and potentially more natural towards Debir, aligning with the varied geography of Gilead. This emphasis on boundaries set a precedent for future land ownership disputes and provided the basis for the tribal judicial system and military obligations.

Joshua 13 26 Commentary

Joshua 13:26 meticulously details the boundary of Gad's tribal inheritance east of the Jordan, fulfilling God's promise to Israel regarding their land. The inclusion of places like Heshbon and Mahanaim is significant: Heshbon ties Gad's territory to the decisive victory over the Amorites under Sihon, affirming Israel's God-given right to that land. Mahanaim connects Gad's lot to the deep patriarchal roots of Israel, particularly Jacob's encounter with God, thus sanctifying their claim historically and spiritually. The combination of well-known cities (Heshbon, Mahanaim), strategic lookout points (Ramath-mizpeh), and more obscure or geographical markers (Betonim, Debir) reveals the comprehensive and precise nature of the land division. This level of detail underscored the reality of God's covenant faithfulness – every square cubit was promised and every square cubit was delivered, demonstrating His commitment to an ordered society for His people. This attention to detail highlights that God cares about even the minutiae of His people's lives and inheritance. It teaches us about God's order, provision, and the exact fulfillment of His word.