Joshua 13:11
also Gilead and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites, all of Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah--
also Gilead
Gilead is a region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm, a healing ointment mentioned in Jeremiah 8:22. It was a fertile area, often associated with the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Gilead's strategic location made it a significant area for trade and military campaigns.

and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites
The Geshurites and Maacathites were small Aramean kingdoms located in the northern part of the Transjordan. Geshur is notably mentioned in the context of King David, whose wife Maacah was the daughter of the king of Geshur (2 Samuel 3:3). These territories were not fully conquered by Israel, as seen in Joshua 13:13, indicating ongoing interactions and conflicts.

all of Mount Hermon
Mount Hermon is a prominent mountain range in the northern part of Israel, marking the northern boundary of the Promised Land. It is often associated with the dew that falls on Zion, symbolizing blessing and unity (Psalm 133:3). The mountain's height and snow-capped peaks make it a significant geographical landmark.

and all Bashan as far as Salecah—
Bashan was a fertile and prosperous region known for its strong cities and mighty oaks (Isaiah 2:13). It was ruled by King Og, one of the last of the Rephaim, whom Moses defeated (Deuteronomy 3:11). Salecah, a city on the eastern edge of Bashan, marked the extent of Israel's territory in this direction. Bashan's conquest is a testament to God's promise and power in delivering the land to Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gilead
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It was a significant area for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

2. Geshurites
A small Aramean kingdom located in the region of Bashan. The Geshurites were not fully driven out by the Israelites and later had interactions with King David.

3. Maacathites
Inhabitants of a small kingdom near Geshur. Like the Geshurites, they were not completely conquered by Israel.

4. Mount Hermon
A prominent mountain in the northern part of Israel, often associated with the northern boundary of the Promised Land.

5. Bashan
A fertile region known for its strong cities and mighty warriors. It was part of the land given to the half-tribe of Manasseh.

6. Salecah
A city on the eastern edge of Bashan, marking the boundary of the territory.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
The allocation of these lands to the tribes of Israel demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land.

Incomplete Obedience and Its Consequences
The presence of the Geshurites and Maacathites in the land serves as a reminder of the consequences of incomplete obedience to God's commands to fully possess the land.

The Importance of Boundaries
The detailed description of boundaries underscores the importance of knowing and respecting the limits God sets for us, both physically and spiritually.

Spiritual Warfare and Vigilance
Just as Israel had to contend with remaining inhabitants, Christians are called to be vigilant in spiritual warfare, ensuring no foothold is given to sin.

Unity and Blessing
The mention of Mount Hermon as a place of blessing can inspire believers to seek unity and harmony within the body of Christ, which brings God's blessing.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the allocation of land in Joshua 13:11 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises? Can you identify areas in your life where you have seen God's promises fulfilled?

2. What lessons can we learn from Israel's incomplete conquest of the land, and how can this apply to our spiritual battles today?

3. In what ways do the boundaries described in Joshua 13:11 relate to the concept of spiritual boundaries in a believer's life?

4. How can the interactions between Israel and the Geshurites and Maacathites inform our understanding of engaging with the world while maintaining our distinctiveness as Christians?

5. Reflect on the significance of Mount Hermon as a symbol of blessing and unity. How can you promote unity within your community or church to experience God's blessing?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 3:8-10
This passage provides background on the conquest of the regions mentioned in Joshua 13:11, detailing how Moses and the Israelites defeated King Og of Bashan.

2 Samuel 3:3
This verse mentions Maacah, the daughter of the king of Geshur, who became one of David's wives, highlighting the ongoing interactions between Israel and these neighboring regions.

Psalm 133:3
Mount Hermon is referenced as a place of blessing, symbolizing unity and the refreshing presence of God.
God Takes Note of Our ,Failing StrengthJ. Parker, D.D.Joshua 13:1-33
Joshua's Old AgeW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 13:1-33
More BeyondJoshua 13:1-33
On Progress in ReligionW. Jay.Joshua 13:1-33
Territory Yet to be Taken by the ChurchW. Seaton.Joshua 13:1-33
The Christian's WorkT. Guthrie, D. D.Joshua 13:1-33
The Uncompleted WorkF. B. Meyer, B. A.Joshua 13:1-33
Unconquered TerritoryCharles Vince.Joshua 13:1-33
People
Ammonites, Amorites, Arah, Ashdodites, Ashdothites, Ashkelonites, Avites, Avvites, Balaam, Beor, Canaanites, Debir, Ekronites, Eshkalonites, Evi, Gad, Gadites, Gazathites, Gazites, Gebalites, Geshurites, Giblites, Gittites, Hur, Israelites, Jair, Joshua, Levi, Maacah, Maacathites, Maachathites, Machir, Machirites, Manasseh, Og, Reba, Rekem, Rephaites, Reuben, Reubenites, Sidonians, Sihon, Zereth, Zidonians, Zur
Places
Aphek, Aroer, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ashtaroth, Baal-gad, Bamoth-baal, Bashan, Beth-baal-meon, Beth-baal-peor, Beth-haram, Beth-jeshimoth, Beth-nimrah, Betonim, Debir, Dibon, Edrei, Egypt, Ekron, Gath, Gaza, Geshur, Gilead, Heshbon, Jahaz, Jair, Jazer, Jericho, Jordan River, Kedemoth, Kiriathaim, Lebanon, Lebo-hamath, Maacath, Mahanaim, Mearah, Medeba, Mephaath, Midian, Misrephoth-maim, Moab, Mount Hermon, Pisgah, Rabbah, Ramath-mizpeh, Salecah, Sea of Chinnereth, Shihor, Sibmah, Succoth, Tirzah, Valley of the Arnon, Zaphon, Zereth-shahar
Topics
Bashan, Border, Geshur, Geshurite, Geshurites, Gesh'urites, Gilead, Hermon, Maacah, Maacathites, Ma-ac'athites, Maachathite, Maachathites, Mount, Region, Salcah, Salecah, Sal'ecah, Territory
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 13:1-33

     5235   boundary

Library
October 2. "Moses Gave not any Inheritance; the Lord God of Israel was their Inheritance, as He Said unto Them" (Josh. xiii. 33).
"Moses gave not any inheritance; the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance, as He said unto them" (Josh. xiii. 33). This is very significant. God gave the land to the other tribes but He gave Himself to the Levites. There is such a thing in Christian life as an inheritance from the Lord, and there is such a thing as having the Lord Himself for our inheritance. Some people get a sanctification from the Lord which is of much value, but which is variable, and often impermanent. Others have learned
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Unwon but Claimed
'There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed, ... them will I drive out from before the children of Israel; only divide thou it by lot unto Israel for an inheritance'--Joshua xiii. 1-8. Joshua was now a very old man and had occupied seven years in the conquest. His work was over, and now he had only to take steps to secure the completion by others of the triumph which he would never see. This incident has many applications to the work of the Church in the world, but not less important ones
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Great Part of South Judea Cut Off under the Second Temple. Jewish Idumean.
The Talmudic girdle ends, as you see, in "Kadesh, Barnea, and Ascalon." Hence it cannot but be observed, that these two places are placed, as it were, in parallel; and whatsoever space lies between Ascalon and the river of Egypt, is excluded,--to wit, fifty-four miles. And one might, indeed, almost see some footsteps of that exclusion under the first Temple, in that very common expression, "From Dan even to Beer-sheba." This country, that was excluded, was something barren. The Talmudists speak thus
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Birth of Jesus.
(at Bethlehem of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 1-7. ^c 1 Now it came to pass in those days [the days of the birth of John the Baptist], there went out a decree [a law] from Cæsar Augustus [Octavius, or Augustus, Cæsar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Cæsar. He took the name Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month August is named for him; its old name being Sextilis], that all the world should be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The River of Egypt, Rhinocorura. The Lake of Sirbon.
Pliny writes, "From Pelusium are the intrenchments of Chabrias: mount Casius: the temple of Jupiter Casius: the tomb of Pompey the Great: Ostracine: Arabia is bounded sixty-five miles from Pelusium: soon after begins Idumea and Palestine from the rising up of the Sirbon lake." Either my eyes deceive me, while I read these things,--or mount Casius lies nearer Pelusium, than the lake of Sirbon. The maps have ill placed the Sirbon between mount Casius and Pelusium. Sirbon implies burning; the name of
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Joshua 13:11 NIV
Joshua 13:11 NLT
Joshua 13:11 ESV
Joshua 13:11 NASB
Joshua 13:11 KJV

Joshua 13:11 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Joshua 13:10
Top of Page
Top of Page