This verse highlights God’s faithfulness in granting a rich inheritance to Israel.
and Gilead, and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah; (v.11)
In this portion of Joshua’s record of Israel’s land allotments, the text describes the territories located east of the Jordan River that God commanded to be given to certain Israelite tribes. By stating and Gilead, and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites, Joshua emphasizes that the land included regions where Israel would have continued interactions with neighboring peoples. Gilead itself lay east of the Jordan, in what is now part of the modern country of Jordan, and was known for its hilly terrain and refuge cities. Although the Geshurites and Maacathites remained independent enclaves for much of Israel’s history, the passage underscores God’s sovereign gift of each region to His chosen people.
Joshua continues, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah, situating the northern boundary of Israel’s inheritance. Mount Hermon was a significant landmark marking the extreme north of the Promised Land and was known for its lush peaks that towered over the surrounding plains. Bashan encompassed the fertile highlands northeast of the Sea of Galilee, a region well-suited for herds and agriculture. Salecah, at the eastern edge, represented the boundary where Israel’s territory touched Aramean lands. The allotment of these expanses revealed the LORD’s generous blessing, while at the same time calling Israel to live faithfully within the covenant and honor God’s name in every corner of the Promised Land.
These named places indicate the vastness of God’s provision for His people and the responsibility He placed on them to drive out idolatry and walk in obedience. The LORD had already demonstrated His power by rescuing Israel from slavery and leading them through the wilderness—now He directed the tribes to settle these mountainous and fertile plains, remaining mindful that their security and prosperity ultimately depended on their reverence for Him.
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Joshua 13:11 meaning
and Gilead, and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah; (v.11)
In this portion of Joshua’s record of Israel’s land allotments, the text describes the territories located east of the Jordan River that God commanded to be given to certain Israelite tribes. By stating and Gilead, and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites, Joshua emphasizes that the land included regions where Israel would have continued interactions with neighboring peoples. Gilead itself lay east of the Jordan, in what is now part of the modern country of Jordan, and was known for its hilly terrain and refuge cities. Although the Geshurites and Maacathites remained independent enclaves for much of Israel’s history, the passage underscores God’s sovereign gift of each region to His chosen people.
Joshua continues, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah, situating the northern boundary of Israel’s inheritance. Mount Hermon was a significant landmark marking the extreme north of the Promised Land and was known for its lush peaks that towered over the surrounding plains. Bashan encompassed the fertile highlands northeast of the Sea of Galilee, a region well-suited for herds and agriculture. Salecah, at the eastern edge, represented the boundary where Israel’s territory touched Aramean lands. The allotment of these expanses revealed the LORD’s generous blessing, while at the same time calling Israel to live faithfully within the covenant and honor God’s name in every corner of the Promised Land.
These named places indicate the vastness of God’s provision for His people and the responsibility He placed on them to drive out idolatry and walk in obedience. The LORD had already demonstrated His power by rescuing Israel from slavery and leading them through the wilderness—now He directed the tribes to settle these mountainous and fertile plains, remaining mindful that their security and prosperity ultimately depended on their reverence for Him.