Joshua 13:17
to Heshbon and all its cities on the plateau, including Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon,
to Heshbon
Heshbon was a significant city in the ancient Near East, serving as the capital of King Sihon of the Amorites. The Hebrew root of Heshbon, "חשבון" (Cheshbon), implies calculation or thought, suggesting a place of strategic importance. Historically, Heshbon was a center of power and influence, and its capture by the Israelites under Moses (Numbers 21:25) marked a significant victory. This city symbolizes the triumph of God's people over formidable foes, reminding believers of the spiritual victories available through faith and obedience.

and all its cities on the plain
The phrase "all its cities on the plain" indicates the comprehensive nature of the conquest. The "plain" refers to the flatlands surrounding Heshbon, which were fertile and strategically valuable. This phrase underscores the thoroughness of God's provision and the completeness of His promises. For believers, it serves as a reminder that God's blessings are not partial but encompass every area of life, providing for both spiritual and material needs.

including Dibon
Dibon, known today as Dhiban, was another significant city in the region. The name "Dibon" is derived from the Hebrew "דיבון" (Dibon), meaning "pining" or "wasting." Archaeological findings, such as the Mesha Stele, have confirmed Dibon's historical importance. This city was later associated with the tribe of Gad (Numbers 32:34). Dibon's inclusion in the list of conquered cities highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, encouraging believers to trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His word.

Bamoth-baal
The name "Bamoth-baal" translates to "high places of Baal," indicating a site of pagan worship. The Hebrew "במות בעל" (Bamoth-Baal) reflects the idolatrous practices that were prevalent in the region. The conquest of such places signifies the triumph of the worship of Yahweh over idolatry. For Christians, this serves as a powerful reminder of the call to spiritual purity and the rejection of false gods, emphasizing the need to worship God alone in spirit and truth.

Beth-baal-meon
This city, whose name means "house of Baal's habitation," was another center of idol worship. The Hebrew "בית בעל מעון" (Beth-Baal-Meon) suggests a dwelling place dedicated to Baal. Its mention in the conquest narrative highlights the eradication of idolatrous strongholds. For believers, this represents the transformative power of God's presence, which cleanses and sanctifies, turning places of spiritual darkness into testimonies of His light and truth. It encourages Christians to allow God to transform their lives, rooting out any form of idolatry and dedicating themselves wholly to Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Heshbon
A significant city in the territory of the Amorites, later given to the tribe of Reuben. It was a central city in the region and often mentioned in the context of Israel's conquests.

2. Dibon
Another city in the territory of Reuben, known for its high places and later for the Moabite Stone, which records the victories of King Mesha of Moab.

3. Bamoth-baal
A location associated with the worship of Baal, indicating the presence of pagan religious practices in the region.

4. Beth-baal-meon
A city whose name suggests it was a center for Baal worship, reflecting the religious challenges Israel faced in maintaining faithfulness to Yahweh.

5. The Plains
Refers to the flatlands in the region, which were fertile and strategically important for agriculture and settlement.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
The allocation of these cities to the tribe of Reuben underscores the importance of following God's commands in distributing the land. Obedience to God's instructions leads to blessings and fulfillment of His promises.

Vigilance Against Idolatry
The mention of cities associated with Baal worship serves as a reminder of the constant threat of idolatry. Believers must remain vigilant in their faith and avoid the influences that lead away from God.

God's Sovereignty in History
The historical context of these cities shows God's hand in the affairs of nations. Understanding God's sovereignty helps believers trust Him in their personal lives and the broader world.

The Role of Memory in Faith
Remembering the history of these places can strengthen faith. Just as Israel was to remember their conquests and God's faithfulness, believers today can draw strength from recalling God's past faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the allocation of cities like Heshbon and Dibon to the tribe of Reuben about God's promises and their fulfillment?

2. How does the presence of places like Bamoth-baal and Beth-baal-meon challenge us to remain faithful in a world with competing beliefs?

3. In what ways does the history of these cities encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty over our personal and communal lives?

4. How can we apply the lessons of vigilance against idolatry in our modern context, where idols may not be as overt as in ancient times?

5. Reflect on a time when remembering God's past faithfulness helped you in a current situation. How can this practice be incorporated into your daily walk with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 21:25-30
Provides background on the conquest of Heshbon and its significance in Israel's journey to the Promised Land.

Isaiah 15:2
Mentions Dibon in the context of a prophecy against Moab, highlighting its continued importance in the region.

1 Kings 18:21
Although not directly related to these cities, this verse challenges Israel to choose between Yahweh and Baal, reflecting the ongoing struggle against idolatry.
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
The Inheritance of LeviW.F. Adeney Joshua 13:14, 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
Baal, Bamoth, Bamothbaal, Bamoth-baal, Ba'moth-ba'al, Beth, Bethbaalmeon, Beth-baal-meon, Beth-ba'al-me'on, Cities, Dibon, Heshbon, Including, Meon, Plain, Plateau, Tableland, Table-land, Towns
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 13:1-33

     5235   boundary

Joshua 13:15-33

     5671   clan

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

Links
Joshua 13:17 NIV
Joshua 13:17 NLT
Joshua 13:17 ESV
Joshua 13:17 NASB
Joshua 13:17 KJV

Joshua 13:17 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Joshua 13:16
Top of Page
Top of Page