Joshua 13:6

All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim--all the Sidonians--I Myself will drive out before the Israelites. Be sure to divide it by lot as an inheritance to Israel, as I have commanded you.

Study Bible

All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim
This phrase identifies the geographical scope of the land that remains to be conquered. The "hill country" refers to the elevated regions, which were often seen as strongholds due to their natural fortifications. "Lebanon" is a significant region known for its majestic cedars, symbolizing strength and endurance. "Misrephoth-maim" is less well-known, but it is believed to be a place near the coast, possibly associated with salt or hot springs. This phrase underscores the vastness and diversity of the land God promised to Israel, highlighting His provision and the challenges that lay ahead.

all the Sidonians
The "Sidonians" were the inhabitants of Sidon, a prominent Phoenician city known for its trade and maritime prowess. Historically, the Sidonians were skilled in craftsmanship and commerce, often associated with wealth and influence. This mention indicates the presence of powerful and established cultures within the Promised Land, emphasizing the need for reliance on God to overcome such formidable foes.

I Myself will drive them out before the Israelites
Here, God reassures Joshua and the Israelites of His divine intervention. The phrase "I Myself" emphasizes God's personal involvement and commitment to fulfilling His promises. The act of driving out the inhabitants signifies God's sovereignty and power, reminding the Israelites that their success depends not on their strength but on God's faithfulness and might.

Be sure to allocate this land as an inheritance for Israel, as I have commanded you
This command to "allocate this land" as an "inheritance" underscores the covenantal promise God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The term "inheritance" conveys the idea of a divine gift, a legacy that is to be cherished and preserved. The phrase "as I have commanded you" highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions, ensuring that the land is distributed according to His divine plan and purpose.

Now therefore divide this land as an inheritance among the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh
The instruction to "divide this land" among the "nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh" reflects the specific allocation of territories to the tribes of Israel. This division is not merely a logistical task but a fulfillment of God's promise to provide a homeland for His people. The mention of the "half-tribe of Manasseh" indicates the unique situation of this tribe, which had portions of its inheritance on both sides of the Jordan River. This distribution serves as a reminder of God's meticulous care and provision for each tribe, ensuring that all His people have a place within the Promised Land.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hill Country
This refers to the elevated regions in the land of Canaan, which were inhabited by various groups that God promised to drive out before the Israelites.

2. Lebanon
A region north of Israel known for its cedar trees, representing the northern boundary of the land God promised to Israel.

3. Misrephoth-maim
A location mentioned as part of the boundary of the land to be conquered, though its exact location is uncertain.

4. Sidonians
The inhabitants of Sidon, a prominent city in ancient Phoenicia, known for their seafaring and trade.

5. Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, chosen by God to inherit the Promised Land.

Teaching Points

Divine Promise and Assurance
God assures Joshua that He will drive out the inhabitants, emphasizing His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust in God's promises and His timing.

Obedience to God's Command
Joshua is instructed to allocate the land as an inheritance. This teaches the importance of obedience to God's commands in our lives.

God's Sovereignty
The passage underscores God's control over nations and history. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over all circumstances.

Inheritance in Christ
Just as the Israelites received a physical inheritance, believers have a spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is secure and eternal.

Faith in Action
While God promises to drive out the inhabitants, the Israelites must still take action to possess the land. Faith often requires us to step out and act on God's promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise of God driving out the inhabitants of the land encourage you in facing your own challenges today?

2. In what ways can you apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in your daily life, as Joshua was instructed to do?

3. How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations and history impact your view of current world events?

4. What parallels can you draw between the Israelites' inheritance of the land and the spiritual inheritance believers have in Christ?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to take a step of faith in response to God's promise. What did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 23:28-30
This passage also speaks of God driving out the inhabitants of the land before the Israelites, emphasizing God's role in securing the land for His people.

Deuteronomy 7:1-2
Here, God commands the Israelites to conquer and utterly destroy the nations in the Promised Land, reinforcing the idea of divine assistance in their conquest.

Psalm 44:3
This verse highlights that it was not by their own sword that the Israelites took the land, but by God's power and favor.