Joshua 13:15

This is what Moses had given to the clans of the tribe of Reuben:

Study Bible

This is what Moses had given
The phrase highlights the continuity of leadership and divine promise from Moses to Joshua. Moses, as the servant of God, was instrumental in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. The Hebrew root for "given" is "נָתַן" (natan), which means to give, bestow, or grant. This indicates a divine allocation of land, emphasizing that the land was not merely taken but was a gift from God, fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs. It underscores the faithfulness of God in keeping His covenant with Israel.

to the clans
The term "clans" refers to the subdivisions within the tribe, indicating a structured and organized distribution of land. The Hebrew word "מִשְׁפָּחוֹת" (mishpachot) signifies family groups or extended families. This reflects the importance of family and community in Israelite society, where land inheritance was crucial for identity and survival. It also points to the communal aspect of God's blessings, where each family unit had a share in the Promised Land.

of the tribe of Reuben
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and his tribe was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Historically, the tribe of Reuben settled on the east side of the Jordan River. The mention of Reuben here is significant because it shows the fulfillment of the promise made to the tribes that chose to settle east of the Jordan, as recorded in Numbers 32. The tribe of Reuben's inheritance is a testament to God's faithfulness in honoring the agreements made with His people, even when they chose to settle outside the initial boundaries of the Promised Land.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He was responsible for dividing the land east of the Jordan among the tribes before his death.

2. Tribe of Reuben
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. They settled in the land east of the Jordan River.

3. Land Allocation
The event of dividing the land among the tribes of Israel, which was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Leadership
Moses' role in allocating the land demonstrates the importance of faithful leadership in fulfilling God's promises. Leaders today are called to be faithful stewards of God's plans.

Inheritance and Responsibility
The tribe of Reuben received their inheritance, but with it came the responsibility to honor God in their new land. Believers today are reminded that with blessings come responsibilities to live according to God's will.

God's Promises Fulfilled
The allocation of land to the tribes is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Christians can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives as well.

Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ
Just as each tribe received a specific portion of land, each believer has a unique role in the body of Christ. Embracing our individual callings contributes to the unity and effectiveness of the church.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the allocation of land to the tribe of Reuben reflect God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can we see the importance of leadership in Moses' actions, and how can we apply this to leadership roles today?

3. What responsibilities come with the blessings and inheritances we receive from God, and how can we fulfill them?

4. How does the account of Reuben's tribe settling east of the Jordan connect with the broader account of Israel's journey to the Promised Land?

5. How can understanding the unique roles of the tribes of Israel help us appreciate the diversity and unity within the body of Christ today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:3-4
This passage provides insight into the character and destiny of Reuben, as Jacob prophesied over his sons. It highlights Reuben's instability, which may have influenced the tribe's future.

Numbers 32
This chapter describes the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle in the land east of the Jordan, which Moses granted under certain conditions.

Deuteronomy 3:12-17
This passage recounts Moses' allocation of the land to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, providing context for Joshua 13:15.