And the land of the Giblites, and al Lebanon toward the Sunne rising, from Baal-Gad vnder mount Hermon, vnto the entring into Hamath. Joshua 13:5 (KJV)
Joshua 13 marks the moment when God instructed Joshua about the portions of the Promised Land that remained to be conquered and allotted among the twelve tribes. As the appointed leader, Joshua received these directives directly from the Lord, and the verse draws attention to the territories that were still unconquered.
The land of the Giblites refers to the people associated with the city of Gebal, also known as Byblos, on the Mediterranean coast. While the biblical text does not assign the Giblites to a specific tribe, tradition links this region to the tribal allotment of Asher.
All Lebanon denotes the mountainous region north of Israel, famed for its cedar trees and its Phoenician heritage. This area was included in the tribal distributions, particularly within the inheritance of Asher, though the verse itself does not name a tribe.
Baal‑gad, situated at the foot of Mount Hermon—the highest peak in the area—serves as a geographic marker for the northern territories. Some passages associate Baal‑gad with the later movements of the tribe of Dan after they advanced northward, but the verse simply uses it as a reference point.
The phrase “entering into Hamath” points to the city of Hamath in northern Syria, near the Orontes River. It marks the northern extremity of the land promised to Israel, even though it lay beyond the core Canaanite region.
These details underscore God’s faithfulness in fulfilling the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:7; 13:14‑15; 15:18‑21). The division of the land was not a matter of human discretion but was determined by divine authority, highlighting God’s sovereignty over His people’s inheritance.
Joshua 13:5 therefore reminds believers that, even after great victories, there remain challenges to be faced. The passage encourages perseverance, determination, and a steadfast commitment to God’s purposes. It calls Christians today to trust in God’s promises, seek His guidance, and persistently pursue the purposes He has set before them, confident that He remains faithful and sovereign throughout the journey.
