Joshua 13:9
The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, the whole plateau of Medeba as far as Dibon,
The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley
Aroer is a city located on the northern edge of the Arnon Valley, which served as a natural boundary between the territories of Moab and the Amorites. This location is significant in biblical history as it marks the southern border of the land allocated to the tribe of Reuben. The Arnon Valley itself is a deep gorge that provided a formidable natural defense. In the context of Israel's conquest, this area represents the beginning of the land east of the Jordan River that was taken from Sihon, king of the Amorites, as recorded in Numbers 21:24-26.

along with the city in the middle of the valley
The city in the middle of the valley likely refers to a settlement that was strategically located for trade and defense. This city would have been important for controlling the passage through the valley, which was a key route for travelers and merchants. The mention of a city here underscores the completeness of the conquest and the thoroughness with which the Israelites took possession of the land.

the whole plateau of Medeba
The plateau of Medeba is a highland region known for its fertile land, making it valuable for agriculture. Medeba itself is an ancient city that later became part of the territory of the tribe of Reuben. This area is mentioned in other biblical passages, such as Isaiah 15:2, which highlights its significance in the region. The plateau's elevation provided a strategic advantage for military and communication purposes.

as far as Dibon
Dibon was an important city in the region, later becoming a Moabite stronghold. It is mentioned in the Mesha Stele, an ancient Moabite stone inscription, which provides archaeological evidence of its historical significance. In the biblical narrative, Dibon is part of the land given to the tribe of Gad, as noted in Numbers 32:34. The inclusion of Dibon in this passage emphasizes the extent of the territory conquered and distributed among the tribes of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aroer
A city located on the northern edge of the Arnon Valley, significant as a boundary marker for the land allocated to the tribes of Israel.

2. Arnon Valley
A significant geographical feature that served as a natural boundary between the territories of Moab and the Amorites, and later between the tribes of Reuben and Gad.

3. Medeba
A city on the plateau east of the Jordan River, known for its fertile plains and strategic location.

4. Dibon
A city that was part of the territory given to the tribe of Reuben, known for its historical and archaeological significance.

5. The Plains
Refers to the flatlands in the region, which were suitable for agriculture and settlement, making them valuable for the tribes of Israel.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Promises
The allocation of land in Joshua 13:9 is a fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness to His promises in their own lives.

The Importance of Boundaries
Just as physical boundaries were important for the tribes of Israel, spiritual and moral boundaries are essential for Christians today to maintain a life that honors God.

Historical Context and Faith
Knowing the historical context of biblical events can strengthen our faith and understanding of God's plan throughout history.

Stewardship of God's Gifts
The land given to the tribes was a gift from God, reminding us of the importance of being good stewards of the resources and blessings God provides.

Unity and Diversity in God's Plan
The division of land among the tribes shows both unity in God's overarching plan and diversity in the specific roles and inheritances given to each tribe, reflecting the body of Christ today.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the allocation of land in Joshua 13:9 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?

2. What can we learn from the geographical boundaries set for the tribes of Israel about setting personal boundaries in our spiritual lives?

3. How does understanding the historical context of the land divisions enhance our appreciation of God's plan for Israel and for us today?

4. In what ways can we practice good stewardship of the resources and blessings God has entrusted to us, as seen in the allocation of land to the tribes?

5. How does the division of land among the tribes illustrate the concept of unity and diversity within the body of Christ, and how can we apply this in our church communities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 21:24-30
This passage describes the conquest of the Amorite territory, including the regions mentioned in Joshua 13:9, highlighting the historical context of Israel's expansion.

Deuteronomy 3:12-17
Provides details on the division of the land east of the Jordan among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, offering a broader understanding of the territorial allocations.

Isaiah 15:2
Mentions Medeba in the context of a prophecy against Moab, showing the ongoing significance of these locations in Israel's history.
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
Arnon, Aroer, Aro'er, Bank, Brook, Dibon, Dihon, Edge, Gorge, Included, Medeba, Med'eba, Middle, Midst, Plain, Plateau, Ravine, Rim, River, Tableland, Table-land, Town, Valley
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

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