Joshua 13 30

Joshua 13:30 kjv

And their coast was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which are in Bashan, threescore cities:

Joshua 13:30 nkjv

Their territory was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair which are in Bashan, sixty cities;

Joshua 13:30 niv

The territory extending from Mahanaim and including all of Bashan, the entire realm of Og king of Bashan?all the settlements of Jair in Bashan, sixty towns,

Joshua 13:30 esv

Their region extended from Mahanaim, through all Bashan, the whole kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which are in Bashan, sixty cities,

Joshua 13:30 nlt

Their territory extended from Mahanaim, including all of Bashan, all the former kingdom of King Og, and the sixty towns of Jair in Bashan.

Joshua 13 verses

Joshua 13 30 Meaning

Joshua 13:30 defines the northernmost portion of the inheritance of the half-tribe of Manasseh situated east of the Jordan River. It precisely outlines their territory, specifying its starting point as Mahanaim, extending through all of Bashan, encompassing the entire former kingdom of Og, and including all sixty cities of Jair within Bashan. This verse is a precise geographic demarcation of God's fulfilled promise of land to His people.

Joshua 13 30 Context

Joshua 13 marks a crucial transition in the book, moving from accounts of conquest to the detailed division of the land among the Israelite tribes. Chapters 1-12 describe the initial campaigns under Joshua, culminating in the defeat of key Canaanite kings. Chapter 13 begins with God instructing Joshua, now "old and advanced in years," that there is still much land to be possessed. Despite unconquered territories, God directs the distribution of land, a testament to His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Verses 8-33 specifically detail the inheritance for the two and a half tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh) who received their allotment east of the Jordan River from Moses before the main conquest. Joshua 13:30 concludes the description of the eastern half-tribe of Manasseh's territory, providing its specific northern and eastern boundaries. This meticulous detail underlines the divinely ordained nature of the land distribution, providing clarity for tribal boundaries and ownership, which was vital for avoiding future disputes and maintaining tribal identity within the new nation. The reference to King Og and the towns of Jair further anchors the description in specific historical events of the conquest already familiar to the original audience.

Joshua 13 30 Word analysis

• And their border (וַיְהִי גְּבוּלָם - Vayhiy gevulam):

  • וַיְהִי (Vayhiy): "And it was" or "And their border was." This often introduces a new stage or significant detail, indicating an established fact.
  • גְּבוּלָם (gevulam): "their boundary," "their territory," or "their border." From the root גבל (g-b-l) meaning "to set bounds." It signifies the clearly defined and non-negotiable demarcation of land. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, land boundaries were critically important, forming the basis of identity, economic prosperity, and tribal cohesion. The specific mention of boundaries underscores the divine grant and legally established ownership.

• was from Mahanaim (מַחֲנַיִם - Machanayim):

  • Mahanaim: Literally means "two camps" or "two armies." This place name holds significant biblical history, first appearing in Gen 32:2 as the location where Jacob encountered angels ("God's camp"). It later served as a refuge for David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Sam 17:24) and as a center of royal authority (2 Sam 2:8). Its strategic and historical significance made it a prominent landmark for defining tribal territory. Its location east of the Jordan, near the Jabbok River, confirms the general region.

• all Bashan (וְכָל־הַבָּשָׁן - v’khol-ha-Bashan):

  • וְכָל־ (v’khol): "and all." This emphasizes the complete inclusion of the region.
  • הַבָּשָׁן (ha-Bashan): "the Bashan." A notoriously fertile region east of the Jordan, known for its rich pastures, strong livestock (often referred to as "bulls of Bashan" - Psa 22:12, Ezek 39:18), and excellent oaks. Its fertility made it highly desirable land. It stretched from Gilead in the south to Mount Hermon in the north.

• all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan (וְכָל־מַמְלְכֻת עוֹג מֶלֶךְ הַבָּשָׁן - v’khol-mamlekhet ‘Og melekh ha-Bashan):

  • וְכָל־ (v’khol): "and all." Reinforces totality.
  • מַמְלְכֻת (mamlekhet): "kingdom." Denotes the former administrative and geographical entity under Og's rule, signifying its entirety was now incorporated into Israelite territory.
  • עוֹג (‘Og): "Og." A legendary figure, an Amorite king described as the last of the Rephaim, a race of giants (Deut 3:11). His defeat by Moses (Num 21:33-35, Deut 3:1-11) was a crucial victory, demonstrating God's power over seemingly invincible foes and validating Israel's divine commission. The reference here highlights the significant extent and formidable nature of the land that God had granted them.
  • מֶלֶךְ הַבָּשָׁן (melekh ha-Bashan): "king of Bashan." Specifies his dominion, directly linking the conquered territory to his former rule.

• and all the towns of Jair (וְכָל־חַוֹּת יָאִיר - v’khol-Chawwot Ya’ir):

  • וְכָל־ (v’khol): "and all." Again, emphasizing comprehensiveness.
  • חַוֹּת יָאִיר (Chawwot Ya’ir): "the towns of Jair," or more literally, "the tent-villages of Jair." This term חַוָּה (chavvah) refers to encampments or tent-villages that later grew into settled towns. Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, took these places during the initial conquest east of Jordan (Num 32:41, Deut 3:14). The term signifies a process of settlement and transformation of temporary dwelling places into more permanent towns, a crucial aspect of their occupancy of the land.

• which are in Bashan (אֲשֶׁר בַּבָּשָׁן - asher ba-Bashan):

  • אֲשֶׁר (asher): "which are," a relative pronoun linking the towns to their geographical context.
  • בַּבָּשָׁן (ba-Bashan): "in Bashan." Clearly states these towns are within the larger region of Bashan, indicating internal geographical features within the overall territory.

• sixty cities (שִׁשִּׁים עִיר - shishshim ‘ir):

  • שִׁשִּׁים (shishshim): "sixty." A precise numerical value highlighting the substantial number of settled places acquired. This large number underscores the immense extent and wealth of the inherited land. The recurrence of this number (Deut 3:4, 1 Kgs 4:13) validates the consistency of the biblical account regarding these towns.

• Word-groups Analysis:

  • "And their border was from Mahanaim, all Bashan...": This opening establishes the comprehensive extent and primary geographical markers of the Manassite inheritance. The use of "all" three times within this short verse ("all Bashan," "all the kingdom," "all the towns") emphatically denotes a complete, unreserved possession. It portrays a definitive grant of land with clear, understandable boundaries.
  • "...all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan...": This phrase connects the inheritance directly to a significant military victory over a powerful enemy. It serves as a reminder of God's miraculous intervention in conquering formidable foes (like the giant Og) to fulfill His promise. The land was not merely claimed but divinely conquered.
  • "...and all the towns of Jair which are in Bashan, sixty cities.": This segment provides specific detail within the larger territory. The mention of "Jair" roots the description in specific historical actions of a tribal leader, demonstrating how individual acts of faith and obedience contribute to the broader fulfillment of God's covenant. The precise number "sixty cities" provides quantitative proof of the substantial land allocation, conveying a tangible sense of a settled, established inheritance, transforming conquered land into tribal homes.

Joshua 13 30 Bonus section

The concept of Bashan was historically tied to idolatry and powerful, defiant figures. By fully granting this region to Israel and emphasizing "all" of Bashan and "all the kingdom of Og," the text implicitly reinforces Yahweh's complete triumph over pagan gods and hostile kings. This demythologizes and desacralizes pagan territories, establishing Yahweh's ultimate sovereignty. Furthermore, the land allocation in Joshua served as a type or foreshadowing of future spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ (Col 1:12; Eph 1:11-14). Just as the tribes received a detailed and defined earthly inheritance, so too do believers receive a spiritual inheritance in the heavenly places. The detailed, meticulous nature of this territorial record would have been essential for legal claims, tax collection, and military organization in ancient Israel.

Joshua 13 30 Commentary

Joshua 13:30 is not merely a dry geographical description but a testament to God's unfailing faithfulness and precision in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel. This verse meticulously details the northern inheritance for the eastern half-tribe of Manasseh, underscoring that the land promised generations earlier to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was being meticulously apportioned. The comprehensive nature, indicated by the repeated "all," emphasizes the complete transfer of dominion from pagan kings like Og, a giant who personified an immense threat, to the humble, albeit growing, nation of Israel. This conquest, specifically mentioned here in reference to Og's kingdom, highlighted God's power over human strength and fortified cities. The "sixty cities of Jair" were tangible proof of the inheritance, marking fixed points of settlement within a formerly enemy-occupied land. The careful delineation of boundaries would prevent tribal disputes, ensure identity, and reinforce the divine authority behind the distribution. This act serves as a foundational example of God's attention to detail in providing for His people and the ultimate fulfillment of His word, often against seemingly insurmountable odds. For instance, just as God meticulously laid out the Manassite territory, He meticulously orchestrates His plan of salvation for believers.