“And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that is before Rabbah.”
Context:The book of Joshua records the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua after the death of Moses. Joshua 13 describes the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. This particular verse focuses on the allotment given to the tribe of Reuben.
Geographical references:The verse mentions several locations:
- Jazer:Jazer was a city located in the territory of Gilead, on the eastern side of the Jordan River.
- Cities of Gilead:Gilead was a region east of the Jordan River, known for its fertile land and abundance of pasture.
- Half the land of the children of Ammon:The Ammonites were descendants of Lot, and their territory was situated east of the Jordan River, between the Jabbok and Arnon rivers.
- Aroer:Aroer was a city situated on the northern edge of the territory of the Ammonites, near Rabbah, their capital.
Inheritance of the tribe of Reuben:In Joshua 13, the land is being divided among the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Reuben, being one of the twelve tribes, received their portion in this division. According to the earlier instructions given by Moses (Numbers 32), Reuben and Gad, along with half the tribe of Manasseh, had requested to settle east of the Jordan River because they found the land suitable for their livestock. Consequently, this verse describes the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben, which included Jazer, the cities of Gilead, half of the land of the Ammonites, and extended up to Aroer.
Significance:This verse underscores God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to the Israelites to possess the land. It also highlights the orderly distribution of the territories among the tribes, as directed by God through Moses and now executed by Joshua. The specific mention of cities and landmarks provides historical and geographical context to the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan.
As you continue to study the book of Joshua, you will discover further accounts of the Israelites’ conquest, the division of the land, and the challenges they faced. This chapter serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His commitment to fulfill His promises to His people.
