And Moses gaue vnto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families: Joshua 13:15 (KJV)
inheritance
according to their families. Joshua 13:15 (KJV)
This verse belongs to the larger narrative in the book of Joshua where the land of Canaan is being apportioned among the twelve tribes of Israel. After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land, Joshua led them in conquering various territories, and the conquered land was then distributed as each tribe’s inheritance.
In Joshua 13:15 we see that Moses, before his death, allocated an inheritance to the tribe of Reuben. The tribe of Reuben was one of the twelve tribes of Israel and descended from Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. The allocation was made according to the families of the tribe, reflecting the careful attention given to each family’s share.
The distribution of the land was a crucial element in the fulfillment of God’s covenant with the patriarchs. It echoed the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan (see Genesis 12:7; 13:15; 17:8). By assigning portions to each tribe, the Israelites were witnessing the realization of those ancient promises.
The division was not a mere human decision; it was carried out under divine direction. Earlier in the chapter, God tells Joshua that there is still much land to be possessed (Joshua 13:1), indicating that the allotment was part of God’s ongoing plan for the nation and that the work of possession was still incomplete.
Joshua 13:15 therefore serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises. It also underscores the importance of obedience and careful adherence to God’s instructions, as both Moses and Joshua executed the task of distributing the land according to the families of each tribe. The verse highlights the significance of the land division as a tangible expression of the covenant and a testament to God’s steadfast commitment to His people.
