Joshua 13 4

Joshua 13:4 kjv

From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians unto Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites:

Joshua 13:4 nkjv

from the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians as far as Aphek, to the border of the Amorites;

Joshua 13:4 niv

on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, from Arah of the Sidonians as far as Aphek and the border of the Amorites;

Joshua 13:4 esv

in the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the boundary of the Amorites,

Joshua 13:4 nlt

in the south also remains to be conquered. In the north, the following area has not yet been conquered: all the land of the Canaanites, including Mearah (which belongs to the Sidonians), stretching northward to Aphek on the border of the Amorites;

Joshua 13 verses

Joshua 13 4 Meaning

Joshua 13:4 delineates a specific geographical segment of the land still to be conquered and possessed by the Israelites. It describes a coastal strip and adjacent inland territory stretching from a southern point ("from the south"), encompassing the entire region then under the control of the indigenous Canaanite population. This segment includes a prominent location named Mearah, which was under the authority of the powerful Sidonian city-state, and extends northward or eastward as far as Aphek. Its eastern boundary reaches the territory occupied by the Amorites, defining a precise portion of the remaining unconquered land that was part of God's promised inheritance for Israel.

Joshua 13 4 Context

Joshua chapter 13 marks a pivotal transition in the book. Chapters 1-12 primarily narrate Israel's victorious military campaigns and Joshua's leadership in conquering the initial significant strongholds. However, Chapter 13 opens with a stark statement from the LORD to an aging Joshua: "You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess" (v. 1). This sets the tone for the subsequent verses, which detail specific areas yet to be conquered.

Verse 4, therefore, falls within a detailed geographical listing of the remaining unconquered territories situated west of the Jordan River. It identifies a particularly challenging region stretching along the Mediterranean coast and into the northern interior. This unpossessed land, including the mention of powerful groups like the Sidonians and Amorites, underscores the significant task that lay ahead for the tribes of Israel as they would divide and settle their allotted portions. The divine instruction for land distribution begins in the verses following this description, even though conquest was incomplete. This highlights God's faithfulness in providing the inheritance, but also Israel's continuing responsibility to fulfill the divine mandate of dispossessing the inhabitants.

Joshua 13 4 Word analysis

• from the south (mimmanegev):

  • Literally "from the Negeb" or "from the dry land." While negev often refers to the specific desert region in the south of Judah, here it functions as a directional indicator, marking the starting point or the lower extent of the unconquered territory described, moving northward.
  • It defines a boundary line, rather than implying the entire Negeb region itself. This boundary could be a significant wadi or a landmark that established the southern limit of the specified unpossessed lands of the Canaanites.

• all the land of the Canaanites (kol-’eretz hakkena‘ani):

  • "All" (kol) here means the entirety of the specific defined portion of Canaanite land, not every single piece of Canaanite land historically. It implies comprehensive coverage within the delineated boundaries.
  • "Canaanites" (Ken‘ani) refers broadly to the indigenous pre-Israelite inhabitants of the Promised Land. This term often functions as an overarching ethnic label, encompassing various subgroups (Amorites, Hittites, Jebusites, etc.) present in different regions. This highlights the pagan presence to be dispossessed.
  • Their land implies not just geographical space, but also their settled presence, culture, and influence, which Israel was commanded to displace.

• and Mearah (u-me'arah):

  • A specific place name. The Hebrew word me‘arah literally means "cave" or "cavern."
  • It is understood to be a particular town or significant landmark. Scholars debate its exact location, but it is typically identified near Sidon, possibly modern Mughairyeh or another site with prominent cave features in the coastal mountains. Its mention as a distinct entity indicates a strategic or known locale within the broader "land of the Canaanites" belonging to the Sidonians.

• that belongs to the Sidonians (la-tzidonim):

  • "To the Sidonians" indicates direct control or strong influence by the city-state of Sidon.
  • Sidon (Hebrew Tzidon) was a major maritime city-state on the northern Mediterranean coast, one of the prominent Phoenician centers. Their extensive commercial and maritime power meant they held significant coastal territories.
  • This specifies that part of the "land of the Canaanites" (which was promised to Israel) was held by a highly organized, powerful coastal people, who remained a formidable presence throughout Israel's history.

• as far as Aphek (ad-’aphek):

  • "As far as" (ad) denotes the extent or terminus of the specified land.
  • "Aphek" (’Apheq) means "stronghold" or "fortress," a common name for strategically important towns. There are several places named Aphek in ancient Israel.
  • Given the mention of Sidon and the context of unconquered northern territory, this Aphek is most likely one of the Apheks located in northern Galilee or Lebanon, possibly Fiq (Aphek in Transjordan, 1 Ki 20:26), or one nearer to Tyre/Sidon. It serves as a known geographical marker for the northern extent of this unconquered strip.

• to the boundary of the Amorites (‘ad gvul ha-’emori):

  • "To the boundary of" (ad gvul) further clarifies the spatial extent, here defining an eastern limit.
  • "Amorites" (’Emori) were another significant group of people within Canaan. While often associated with the eastern side of the Jordan (e.g., Sihon and Og), Amorite settlements also extended into the mountainous and northern regions west of the Jordan.
  • This indicates that the unpossessed land stretches inland, perhaps towards the eastern highlands or specific territories where Amorite influence was dominant.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "from the south, all the land of the Canaanites": This phrase sets the general scope: a significant, continuous swathe of territory that the Canaanites inhabit, with a specified southern starting point. It's a broad brushstroke of what Israel should have possessed but hasn't. It indicates the totality of the native population's presence in that particular zone.

• "and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, as far as Aphek": This group provides specific details about the northern extent of this territory, identifying strongholds (Mearah, Aphek) and emphasizing the political and military strength of the Sidonians who control them. It highlights coastal control. The linking of Mearah directly with the Sidonians signifies their expansion or sphere of influence reaching into the land promised to Israel.

• "to the boundary of the Amorites": This final phrase defines the inland or eastern limit of this unconquered region. Together with the coastal markers, it paints a picture of a rectangle or irregular polygon of territory. This shows the land stretches eastward from the coastal strip into areas where Amorite tribes were prominent, indicating diverse groups to be overcome.

This verse as a whole forms a geographical description of unfulfilled possession, detailing key features of a substantial piece of the Promised Land that was still firmly in the hands of the indigenous populations, signifying the continued challenge and incomplete obedience of Israel even at this advanced stage of the conquest.

Joshua 13 4 Bonus section

• The strategic significance of "Mearah" and "Aphek" cannot be overstated. These were likely fortified towns or regions crucial for control of routes or agricultural areas, which would be essential for establishing Israelite sovereignty in the region.
• This verse describes territory primarily slated for the tribes of Asher and Naphtali during the land distribution (cf. Josh 19:24-39), but they largely failed to completely conquer and occupy it, mirroring the general theme of incomplete conquest across Israel.
• The continued presence of these strong Canaanite, Sidonian, and Amorite populations meant ongoing interaction, trade, but also religious and cultural contamination for the Israelite tribes, leading to syncretism as forewarned in texts like Num 33:55-56 and Judg 2:2-3.
• The fact that God gives a precise geographical list of what remains implies that He holds Israel accountable for completing the task, even though they had already achieved remarkable victories under Joshua. It defines the "spiritual battlefield" that still needed to be addressed.

Joshua 13 4 Commentary

Joshua 13:4 is a critical geographical interjection within the greater divine statement of Israel's unfinished task of conquest. After God declares that "very much land remains to possess" (v. 1), this verse precisely maps out a significant portion of that unpossessed territory. It emphasizes that despite God's covenantal promise and powerful intervention on their behalf, Israel had not yet fully dispossessed all the inhabitants.

The specific mention of the "land of the Canaanites" underscores the theological imperative to eliminate pagan influences and practices (Deut 7:2-5). The identification of powerful groups like the Sidonians and Amorites highlights the formidable challenges Israel faced. The Sidonians, part of the wider Phoenician culture, were renowned seafarers and traders, representing an organized, formidable presence along the northern coast. Their enduring presence in the promised land, alongside groups like the Amorites further inland, would later lead to constant temptation towards idolatry and compromise for Israel (e.g., the introduction of Baal worship through Jezebel, a Sidonian princess). This verse prophetically foreshadows the continuous struggle Israel would endure throughout the periods of the Judges and monarchy, a direct consequence of their incomplete obedience in driving out the inhabitants.

Practically, this verse serves as a reminder that God’s promises are guaranteed, but human responsibility and active obedience are still required for their full realization. For Israel, this meant continued warfare and cultural purity. For believers today, it implies that the full "inheritance" or blessings of God's kingdom may require persistent effort, faith, and confronting spiritual adversaries (Eph 6:12) to fully experience them. Just as Israel was given land but had to "possess" it, believers are given salvation and spiritual blessings but must actively live them out.