Joshua 13:20
Beth-peor, the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth--
Beth-peor
This location is significant in the biblical narrative as it is associated with the worship of Baal-peor, a Moabite deity. The Hebrew root "Beth" means "house," indicating that this was a place dedicated to the worship of Peor. Historically, Beth-peor is where the Israelites fell into idolatry and immorality, as recorded in Numbers 25. This serves as a reminder of the dangers of turning away from God and the importance of faithfulness. The site is a testament to the spiritual battles faced by the Israelites and the need for vigilance in maintaining one's devotion to God.

the slopes of Pisgah
Pisgah is a mountain range in the region of Moab, and its slopes are significant as the place where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death (Deuteronomy 34:1). The Hebrew word "Pisgah" can mean "summit" or "peak," symbolizing a place of revelation and transition. This location represents a pivotal moment in Israel's history, where the fulfillment of God's promises was in sight, yet also a reminder of the consequences of disobedience, as Moses was not permitted to enter the land. The slopes of Pisgah thus serve as a metaphor for the heights of spiritual insight and the bittersweet nature of unfulfilled potential due to human frailty.

Beth-jeshimoth
The name "Beth-jeshimoth" translates to "house of the deserts" or "house of the wastes," indicating its geographical and symbolic significance. Located near the Dead Sea, this area was part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben. The mention of Beth-jeshimoth highlights the transformation of desolate places into areas of inheritance and blessing for God's people. It underscores the theme of redemption and the divine ability to bring life and purpose to barren places. This transformation is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His plans to prosper His people, even in seemingly desolate circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Beth-peor
A location east of the Jordan River, associated with the worship of Baal-peor. It is significant in Israel's history as a place where the Israelites fell into idolatry and immorality (Numbers 25).

2. Slopes of Pisgah
A region near Mount Nebo, from which Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. It represents a place of transition and revelation.

3. Beth-jeshimoth
A town located in the plains of Moab, near the Dead Sea. It served as a boundary marker for the land allotted to the tribe of Reuben.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Idolatry
Beth-peor serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. Believers must guard their hearts against modern forms of idolatry, such as materialism or self-worship.

The Importance of Obedience
The events at Pisgah underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands. Moses' inability to enter the Promised Land due to disobedience serves as a cautionary tale.

God's Faithfulness in Boundaries
The mention of Beth-jeshimoth as a boundary marker reflects God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the tribes of Israel. Believers can trust God to establish and maintain the boundaries of their lives.

Transition and Revelation
The slopes of Pisgah symbolize moments of transition and revelation in our spiritual journey. Believers should seek God's guidance during times of change.

Community and Accountability
The collective experiences of the Israelites in these locations highlight the importance of community and accountability in maintaining faithfulness to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can the events at Beth-peor serve as a warning against idolatry in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we ensure obedience to God's commands, as illustrated by the lessons from the slopes of Pisgah?

3. How does the concept of God establishing boundaries, as seen with Beth-jeshimoth, apply to our personal and spiritual lives?

4. What are some modern "slopes of Pisgah" moments where God has provided revelation or transition in your life?

5. How can we foster a sense of community and accountability to prevent spiritual downfalls similar to those experienced by the Israelites?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 25
This chapter details the events at Beth-peor, where the Israelites were led astray by Moabite women and worshiped Baal-peor, resulting in God's judgment.

Deuteronomy 34
Describes Moses viewing the Promised Land from the slopes of Pisgah, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise to show him the land, even though he would not enter it.

Ezekiel 25
Mentions God's judgment on Moab, which includes the region of Beth-jeshimoth, emphasizing the consequences of opposing God's people.
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
Ashdothpisgah, Ashdoth-pisgah, Beth, Bethjeshimoth, Beth-jeshimoth, Beth-jesh'imoth, Bethpeor, Beth-peor, Beth-pe'or, Jeshimoth, Peor, Pisgah, Slopes, Springs
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

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