Joshua Chapter 13
Joshua 13:1 (KJV)
“Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the Lord said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.”
Joshua had grown old, likely around one hundred years of age, but the Lord still had more work for him to do. God does not retire His servants simply because their strength has faded. He reminds Joshua of his age, yet immediately follows with a commission, showing that usefulness in the Lord’s work is not determined by youth or physical vigor, but by obedience and faithfulness. Even after decades of conquest, battles, and victories, the Lord declares that there is still very much land left unconquered. This reveals an important truth about the believer’s life, that no matter how much spiritual ground has been taken, no matter how many victories have been won, the work is never finished until God Himself says it is finished.
Joshua could have been tempted to rest in past achievements, but the Lord does not permit complacency. Partial obedience is never sufficient. The conquest was not fully complete, and God desired His people to enjoy the fullness of their inheritance. In the same way, many Christians have been saved, have fought battles, and have seen victories, yet they stop short of full surrender and full possession of their spiritual inheritance in Christ. Their salvation is secure, but much of the land of promise, symbolizing spiritual blessings and deeper fellowship with Christ, remains unconquered.
The land to Israel is a picture of Christ to the believer. Just as Israel was to fully possess Canaan, the Christian is to diligently pursue a full knowledge of Christ and walk in all His promises. This includes the blessings of answered prayer, the joy of leading others to the Lord, victory over sin, strong faith in trials, and usefulness in the service of God. Many are content with only a small portion, but God desires that His people lay hold of the fullness of Christ. The question is not whether Christ belongs to us, but how much of Him we have truly possessed by faith and obedience.
There is also a lesson in urgency. The Lord tells Joshua plainly, “Thou art old.” Time was passing. The opportunity to complete this work was limited. Likewise, the believer must recognize that life is short, strength fades, and opportunities slip away. What remains to be done for the Lord must be done with faithfulness and zeal while time remains. God does not measure us by age, but by obedience. Even in old age, Joshua still had a role, to direct, to assign, to instruct the people in what remained. Older believers may not fight as they once did, but they are still needed to guide, teach, and lead the next generation into the fullness of God’s promises.
This passage teaches that God is never finished with His servants until He calls them home, that partial possession of His promises is not enough, and that we must constantly press forward in faith until all that God has promised is laid hold of.
Joshua 13:2–6a (KJV)
“This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,
From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:
From the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians, unto Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites:
And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising, from Baal-gad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath.
All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephoth-maim, and all the Sidonians…”
Even in his old age, Joshua is given a detailed list of unconquered territory. God wanted Israel to know exactly what remained so they would not become complacent. Though the major strongholds of the land had been subdued, many regions still remained under pagan control. God names them one by one, emphasizing that He is fully aware of every portion of the inheritance that Israel has yet to possess.
The first region mentioned is the land of the Philistines and the Geshurites. These were powerful coastal peoples. The Philistines were divided into five city-states under five lords: Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. These cities would later become thorns in Israel’s side because they were not fully driven out. Their presence reminds us that any area left unconquered will later become a source of conflict and temptation. Partial obedience leads to future bondage.
Geshur was a small kingdom located near the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. It represents territory Israel had not yet taken hold of, though it was within the promise of God. God also names the Avites, a smaller group also located in the Philistine region, that Israel failed to completely remove. This shows that God takes notice not only of great kingdoms but even of small, insignificant remnants of disobedience.
Then God describes the northern territories: the land of the Canaanites toward the south, Mearah near Sidon, Aphek, the border of the Amorites, the Gebalites (Giblites), and all Lebanon, from Baal-gad at the base of Mount Hermon unto the entrance of Hamath. This included the mountains of Lebanon, the Phoenician regions, and the Sidonian territories—areas known for idolatry, fortified cities, and great natural strength. These lands stretched far beyond what Joshua had yet conquered, reminding Israel that their inheritance was far greater than what they presently possessed.
Lebanon especially is emphasized. Though it was a land of beauty and abundance, filled with cedar trees and high mountains, it was also a land of pagan worship. God expected Israel to take even the high, difficult places for His glory. The land of the Gebalites (or Giblites) included the ancient city of Byblos, known for its seafaring and pagan traditions. All of this territory is described as belonging to Israel, though they had not yet laid hands on it.
The description is comprehensive. From the southern border near Egypt, across the Philistine plain, up the Mediterranean coast, into Phoenicia, across Lebanon, and even to the entrance of Hamath near modern-day Syria—God lists it all. Why? Because He wanted Israel to know that their inheritance was vast, defined, and waiting to be taken. God’s promises are exact, not vague. He does not bless in generalities, but in specifics.
Spiritually, this passage teaches that God knows every area of our life where victory has not yet been claimed. He knows the “Philistines” that remain—habits, attitudes, or sins we tolerate. He knows the “Sidonians”—hidden places of compromise. He knows the mountains yet unconquered and the valleys still occupied by the enemy. He calls His people not to be content with partial sanctification but to press forward to full obedience and full possession of His promises.
Joshua 13:6b–7 (KJV)
“…them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee. Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh.”
God assures Joshua that although many enemies still occupy the land, their removal is ultimately His work. He says plainly, “them will I drive out.” The responsibility for victory does not rest on Israel’s power, but on God’s faithfulness. Yet, God does not remove human responsibility. Joshua is commanded, “only divide thou it by lot,” meaning that even though much of the land is not yet conquered, it is to be assigned to the tribes as their inheritance. God expects His people to act in faith, to lay claim to promises not yet fully seen.
This teaches a powerful balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. God says, “I will drive them out,” yet the tribes must go in, fight, and possess their portion. They could not sit passively, waiting for God to remove every obstacle. He gives the promise, but they must act upon it. Faith is not passive; it takes hold of what God has already declared to be ours.
The land is to be divided to nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The other two and a half tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the other half of Manasseh—had already received their inheritance east of the Jordan. This division reinforced that each tribe had a specific responsibility. God did not give the land to the nation in one mass possession. Instead, He gave each tribe a defined territory and expected them to trust Him and conquer what was theirs. This is how God trains His people, by assigning individual responsibility rather than allowing spiritual dependence on what others have done.
This principle is seen throughout Scripture. Salvation is a gift, fully given by God, yet sanctification demands personal obedience and pursuit. Each believer is responsible to possess the spiritual inheritance promised in Christ. No one else can win your battles for holiness, prayer, faith, or obedience. God does not hand out victory without requiring faith and action. Many Christians today live in only a small portion of the inheritance Christ has secured because they will not fight the battles required to take full possession.
God could have conquered every enemy instantly, but He chose to leave work for each tribe. This was not inefficiency, but wisdom. It taught courage, faith, dependence on God, and personal accountability. It also ensured that each generation learned to trust the Lord for themselves. God blesses those who take initiative in faith and obedience. He gives the inheritance, but He expects His people to step forward and claim it.
Joshua 13:8–13 (KJV)
“With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of the Lord gave them;
From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon;
And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon;
And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;
All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.
Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day.”
This section deals with the inheritance of the tribes who chose to settle east of the Jordan River. Before Joshua crossed the Jordan and began the major campaigns in Canaan, Moses had already allotted land to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh. This inheritance stretched from Aroer by the River Arnon in the south all the way north to Mount Hermon and Bashan. This land previously belonged to two powerful kings, Sihon of the Amorites and Og of Bashan, whom Moses had defeated. Joshua’s task was now to formalize this division.
The eastern territory included strategic cities and fertile lands. Medeba, Dibon, Heshbon, Gilead, Bashan, and the region around Mount Hermon were rich in pastures and natural defenses. This land was especially suitable for livestock, which was the reason Reuben, Gad, and half Manasseh originally requested it in Numbers chapter 32. God permitted it, but only on the condition that their fighting men crossed with Israel into Canaan to assist in conquering the land.
The text reminds us that though Moses defeated Sihon and Og, not every group was fully removed. “Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites.” These small pockets of Canaanite culture remained. Their presence became a source of compromise and trouble. Partial obedience once again led to long-term consequences.
The Geshurites lived near northeastern Israel, around the region of Golan and Bashan. Their continued presence became notable in the days of King David. David married Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. She bore him Absalom (2 Samuel 3:3). When Absalom murdered his brother Amnon, he fled to Geshur and stayed there for three years (2 Samuel 13:37–38). That land became a place of refuge for rebellion and division in David’s family.
The Maachathites likely descended from Maachah, mentioned in Genesis 22:24, born to Nahor, Abraham’s brother. They lived north of Gilead, near Mount Hermon. Later, when Sheba rebelled against King David, he fled toward a fortified city possibly associated with this group (2 Samuel 20:14–15).
Spiritually, these details show that leaving even small areas of disobedience becomes dangerous. Israel conquered mighty kings and large territories, yet they tolerated minor strongholds. These remnants would later lead to idolatry, political alliances outside God’s will, and family destruction. Sin tolerated becomes sin triumphant. What is not driven out will one day drive us away from God’s blessing.
This passage also teaches that God keeps record of each tribe’s inheritance and expects faithfulness within that portion. Reuben, Gad, and half Manasseh were given rich land, but they were also separated from the main body of Israel by the Jordan River. Their choice of land, though permitted, placed them at greater spiritual risk and made them vulnerable to outside influence and future invasion.
Joshua 13:14 (KJV)
“Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the Lord God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said unto them.”
The tribe of Levi stood apart from all the other tribes of Israel. While the rest received large territories of land for their inheritance, Levi did not. They were given no province or defined region to rule and cultivate. Their inheritance was not in land, but in the Lord Himself. This was not a withholding of blessing, but a higher calling. God set them apart for priestly service, to minister in the tabernacle, to teach the law, and to represent the people before God.
Instead of territorial land, the Levites received designated cities scattered among the other tribes (recorded in Joshua chapters 20–21), along with pasturelands for their livestock. By being dispersed throughout Israel, they were positioned to teach the law to the people in every region (Deuteronomy 33:10). This scattering fulfilled both God’s judgment on Levi for past sins (Genesis 49:5–7) and God’s grace in transforming them into a tribe of spiritual shepherds.
Their true inheritance was stated clearly: “the sacrifices of the Lord God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance.” The offerings brought to the altar by the people—burnt offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, grain offerings—were God’s provision for the Levites. From these sacrifices, a portion was given to sustain them and their families (Leviticus chapters 6–7, Numbers 18:8–24). Their income, their daily bread, and their security came directly from the worship of God’s people.
This arrangement taught Israel two things. First, that spiritual leaders should be supported by the people they serve. Second, that those who serve God must depend on Him rather than land, power, or wealth. The Levites owned no territory to plant vineyards, build kingdoms, or accumulate riches. Their dependence was on the Lord. This established a model echoed in the New Testament: “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14).
This was not a loss, but an honor. God Himself says in Numbers 18:20, “Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance.” To have God as your inheritance is greater than owning fields, mountains, or cities. The other tribes received land; Levi received the Lord.
Spiritually, this reminds us that every believer is called to treasure God above earthly possessions. We may work, own land, and labor in this world, but our true inheritance is Christ. The Levites teach us to live with open hands toward material things and to rely on the Lord as our portion. As David said in Psalm 16:5, “The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.”
Joshua 13:15–23 (KJV)
“And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families.
And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;
Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamoth–baal, and Beth–baal–meon,
And Jahaza, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,
And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zareth–shahar in the mount of the valley,
And Beth–peor, and Ashdoth–pisgah, and Beth–jeshimoth,
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.
Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.
And the border of the children of Reuben was Jordan, and the border thereof. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben after their families, the cities and the villages thereof.”
This section details the inheritance of the tribe of Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob. Even though Reuben lost the rights of the firstborn because of his sin with his father’s concubine (Genesis 35:22, 1 Chronicles 5:1), he still received land. Yet the land he chose reveals much about his character and the consequences of settling for what seems good in the moment rather than waiting for what God had fully promised in Canaan.
The territory of Reuben lay east of the Jordan River, beginning at Aroer near the Arnon River, stretching across the plains of Medeba, including major cities like Heshbon, Dibon, Beth-Baal-Meon, and Bamoth-Baal. This region was fertile grassland, ideal for livestock, which is why Reuben, along with Gad, requested it from Moses (Numbers 32:1–5). The land had once belonged to Sihon, king of the Amorites, and was conquered under Moses’ leadership.
These cities were well-known centers of idolatry. The names themselves—Bamoth-Baal and Beth-Baal-Meon—point to worship of Baal. Reuben settled among places that were spiritually dangerous. This foreshadowed their future decline. Over time, because they were located outside the main body of Israel, separated by the Jordan River, Reuben drifted spiritually and politically. They were among the first tribes to fall to foreign invaders, taken into captivity by the Assyrians (1 Chronicles 5:25–26).
Verse 22 records the death of Balaam the son of Beor, the false prophet who tried to curse Israel but was forced to bless them. Later, he seduced Israel into idolatry and sexual sin at Peor (Numbers 25 and 31). Though he used religious language and spoke lofty prophecies, he died among the enemies of God, showing that compromise with sin always leads to destruction. His death is a warning that spiritual gifts do not excuse a corrupt heart.
Reuben’s border was the Jordan River. This boundary created a physical and spiritual distance between them and the tabernacle of God, which was located in the Promised Land west of the Jordan. What they saw as comfort and stability eventually became separation and vulnerability. They chose what looked good for cattle, but not what was best for their souls.
Spiritually, Reuben teaches believers the danger of settling outside of God’s full will. Many Christians are like Reuben: satisfied with blessings but unwilling to fully cross over into deeper obedience and fellowship with God. They enjoy the plains instead of pursuing the mountains of faith. They settle near Baal’s altars rather than standing near the presence of God. In time, compromise becomes captivity.
Joshua 13:24–28 (KJV)
“And Moses gave inheritance unto the tribe of Gad, even unto the children of Gad according to their families.
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;
And from Heshbon unto Ramath–mizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim unto the border of Debir;
And in the valley, Beth–haram, and Beth–nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border, even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.
This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their families, the cities, and their villages.”
The tribe of Gad, like Reuben, settled east of the Jordan River. Their inheritance extended through the fertile lands of Gilead and into parts of former Ammonite territory. The land included cities such as Jazer, Heshbon, Ramath Mizpeh, Mahanaim, and reached down into the Jordan River valley, including Beth-haram, Beth-nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon. Their western boundary was the Jordan River, stretching northward to the Sea of Chinnereth (the Sea of Galilee).
Gad’s land was rich with pastureland and water sources. This region was excellent for livestock, fulfilling the desire they expressed to Moses in Numbers 32. Like Reuben, Gad chose their inheritance based on economic benefit rather than spiritual closeness to the tabernacle and the land of promise. They desired comfort and prosperity, and although God allowed it, their decision came with long-term spiritual cost.
Gilead, one of the central areas in Gad’s territory, later became known for its balm, a healing ointment (Jeremiah 8:22). Cities like Mahanaim became places of refuge and royal significance—David fled to Mahanaim when Absalom rebelled (2 Samuel 17:24). Succoth and Zaphon lay closer to the Jordan, near the places where Jacob once camped and where Gideon pursued the Midianites (Genesis 33:17, Judges 8:4–9).
However, like Reuben, Gad’s inheritance lay on the wrong side of the Jordan. While the land looked desirable in the moment, it placed them on the border of Israel’s enemies and far from the center of worship. Over time, they were among the first tribes to fall into idolatry and the earliest to be taken into captivity by the Assyrians (1 Chronicles 5:25–26). They enjoyed temporary prosperity but suffered spiritual decline.
This pattern reflects a common truth: decisions based solely on material gain often lead to spiritual loss. Gad valued pastureland over proximity to God’s presence. Their inheritance was real and blessed, but it was outside the heart of God’s will for His people. They chose what seemed good to the eyes rather than what was best for the soul.
Gad also reminds us that proximity to the world often leads to compromise. Their land bordered pagan nations like Ammon, and their culture absorbed outside influences more quickly than the tribes who lived closer to the tabernacle. When a believer chooses comfort over consecration, they may gain what they wanted, but they risk losing what they truly need.
Joshua 13:29–32 (KJV)
“And Moses gave inheritance unto the half tribe of Manasseh: and this was the possession of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families.
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:
And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.
These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho eastward.”
The half tribe of Manasseh, descended from Joseph’s eldest son, received its inheritance on the east side of the Jordan, adjoining the territories of Reuben and Gad. Their portion was extensive and powerful, including all of Bashan and much of Gilead. This area had been ruled by Og, king of Bashan, a giant whose defeat under Moses was one of Israel’s great victories (Deuteronomy 3:11). The land was rich in resources, filled with fortified cities, and dotted with fertile plains.
Within their inheritance were the towns of Jair, sixty in number, named after Jair, a descendant of Manasseh who had conquered them earlier (Numbers 32:41). The text also notes Ashtaroth and Edrei, both royal cities of Og, which later became part of the inheritance of Machir, the son of Manasseh. The Machirites were known for their valor and their role in conquering the land. This division highlights how God apportioned the inheritance not just by tribe, but by families within tribes, emphasizing order, responsibility, and lineage.
Like Reuben and Gad, this half tribe chose to settle east of the Jordan because of its abundant land for cattle. Yet their decision, while practical, placed them at a distance from the central place of worship and fellowship. Over time, this physical separation led to a spiritual divide. The eastern tribes would later build an altar near the Jordan (Joshua 22) to symbolize unity with their brethren west of the river, yet the tension between convenience and commitment was evident even then.
The mention of the plains of Moab situates this inheritance east of Jericho, where Israel had camped before crossing the Jordan. It reminds the reader that all these distributions took place under Moses before Joshua’s leadership began. Moses had faithfully allotted the land according to the Word of the Lord, yet the actual possession of it depended upon the faith and perseverance of each tribe.
The half tribe of Manasseh illustrates both strength and compromise. They were strong warriors, occupying a vast and prosperous region, but their distance from the heart of Israel eventually weakened their spiritual connection to the rest of the nation. Later in history, they, along with Reuben and Gad, were among the first to fall to the Assyrian invasion because they forsook the God of their fathers (1 Chronicles 5:25–26).
Spiritually, this passage teaches that great blessings carry great responsibility. The more God gives, the more He expects His people to remain faithful. It also warns that physical distance from the center of worship often leads to spiritual distance from God Himself. Wealth, influence, and power cannot replace nearness to the Lord. As with Manasseh, those who settle for what seems prosperous but distant from God’s will may gain much for a season, yet lose what matters most in eternity.
Joshua 13:33 (KJV)
“But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance: the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance, as he said unto them.”
Unlike the other tribes who received physical land, the tribe of Levi was given no territory as a tribal inheritance. Instead, they received something far greater and more intimate—the Lord Himself was their inheritance. This was not a deprivation but an elevation. They were called to minister before the Lord, to offer sacrifices, to teach God’s law, and to serve at the tabernacle. While the other tribes worked fields and guarded borders, the Levites were entrusted with the spiritual life of the nation.
The Levites still received provision. Joshua 13:14 states they were given the offerings made by fire—portions of the sacrifices, tithes, and offerings of Israel. But beyond food and material supply, their true reward was fellowship with God in His service. This fulfilled God’s earlier promise: “I am thy part and thine inheritance” (Numbers 18:20).
This reality makes the tribe of Levi a picture of the believer in Jesus Christ. We are called “a holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5). Our inheritance is not earthly land or material gain but God Himself. Scripture says believers have “obtained an inheritance” (Ephesians 1:11), an inheritance “incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4). Our portion is not confined to geography or economics. It is a relationship with the eternal God.
This truth corrects a common error. Many become bitter or dissatisfied because they wish God had given them a different position, more resources, or another path. But just as the Levites were reminded, the believer must understand that the greatest blessing is not land, wealth, or status—it is God Himself. To have Him is to lack nothing. As Psalm 73:26 declares, “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
The Levites’ inheritance also signified dependence. They had no land to farm or kingdom to claim. Their provision depended on God’s faithfulness and Israel’s obedience. In the same way, believers are called to live by faith, trusting God for daily bread, strength, and guidance. The world may see that as weakness, but in truth it is the highest privilege.
