Joshua 13:24
This is what Moses had given to the clans of the tribe of Gad:
This is what Moses had given
The phrase highlights the continuity of leadership and divine mandate from Moses to Joshua. Moses, as the servant of God, was instrumental in the initial distribution of the land east of the Jordan. The Hebrew root for "given" is "נָתַן" (natan), which implies a deliberate and authoritative act of granting. This reflects God's sovereign will being executed through His chosen leader, Moses, emphasizing the divine origin of the land allotment.

to the tribe of Gad
The tribe of Gad was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Historically, the tribe of Gad was known for its warrior spirit and bravery, as seen in 1 Chronicles 12:8, where the Gadites are described as valiant men. The allocation of land to Gad east of the Jordan River was significant, as it provided them with ample pastureland for their flocks, aligning with their semi-nomadic lifestyle.

according to their clans
The phrase underscores the importance of family and clan structures within the Israelite community. The Hebrew word for "clans" is "מִשְׁפָּחוֹת" (mishpachot), which refers to extended family units. This distribution method ensured that each family within the tribe received its rightful inheritance, maintaining social order and fulfilling God's promise to Abraham regarding the land. It also reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where the well-being of the individual was tied to the prosperity of the family and tribe.

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 among the tribes before his death.

2. Tribe of Gad
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah. They settled on the east side of the Jordan River.

3. Land Allocation
The event of dividing the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, as instructed by God. This was a significant moment in Israel's history, marking the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
The allocation of land to the tribe of Gad is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives as well.

The Importance of Obedience and Faithfulness
The tribe of Gad received their inheritance because they obeyed Moses' instructions and fulfilled their commitments. This teaches the importance of obedience and faithfulness in receiving God's blessings.

Strategic Positioning for God's Purpose
Gad's location on the east of the Jordan was strategic for defense and trade. God places us in specific positions for His purposes, and we should seek to understand and fulfill our roles.

Community and Shared Responsibility
The division of land was done according to clans, emphasizing the importance of community and shared responsibility. In the body of Christ, each member has a role and responsibility to contribute to the whole.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the allocation of land to the tribe of Gad demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life.

2. In what ways can the obedience of the tribe of Gad to Moses' instructions inspire us in our walk with God today?

3. How does the strategic location of the tribe of Gad relate to the idea of God placing us in specific positions for His purposes? How can you discern and fulfill your role in God's plan?

4. What can we learn from the communal aspect of land division among the tribes about the importance of community and shared responsibility in the church?

5. How does the account of the tribe of Gad connect with the broader account of Israel's history and God's redemptive plan? How can understanding this context enrich our study of the Bible?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49:19
This verse contains Jacob's blessing to Gad, foretelling that Gad would be attacked but would triumph in the end. This connects to the tribe's warrior-like nature and their strategic location on the east of the Jordan.

Numbers 32
This chapter details the request of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh to settle on the east side of the Jordan, which Moses granted under certain conditions.

Deuteronomy 3:12-17
This passage describes the allocation of land to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, providing context to the division of land in Joshua 13.
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
Clan, Families, Gad, Gadites, Giveth, Heritage, Inheritance, Portion, Sons, Tribe
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 13:24

     4208   land, divine responsibility

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 13:24 NIV
Joshua 13:24 NLT
Joshua 13:24 ESV
Joshua 13:24 NASB
Joshua 13:24 KJV

Joshua 13:24 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Joshua 13:23
Top of Page
Top of Page