Joshua 13:5
the land of the Gebalites; and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath.
the land of the Gebalites
The Gebalites were inhabitants of the city of Gebal, known today as Byblos, located in modern-day Lebanon. This city was a significant center of trade and culture in the ancient Near East. The Hebrew root for Gebal is "גבל" (Gebel), which can mean "boundary" or "mountain," reflecting the city's geographical features. Historically, Gebal was known for its skilled craftsmen and its role in the production of papyrus, which was crucial for writing and record-keeping. The inclusion of the Gebalites' land in the inheritance of Israel signifies the extent of the territory promised to them, emphasizing God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises.

and all Lebanon to the east
Lebanon, with its majestic cedar trees, was renowned in the ancient world. The Hebrew word for Lebanon is "לְבָנוֹן" (Levanon), which is derived from "לָבָן" (lavan), meaning "white," possibly referring to the snow-capped peaks of the Lebanon mountain range. This phrase indicates the vastness of the land that God intended for Israel, stretching beyond the immediate borders of Canaan. The cedars of Lebanon were highly prized for their quality and were used in the construction of Solomon's Temple, symbolizing strength and durability.

from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon
Baal-gad was a city located at the foot of Mount Hermon, a significant landmark in the northern part of Israel's promised territory. The name "Baal-gad" combines "Baal," a Canaanite deity, with "Gad," meaning "fortune" or "troop." This reflects the syncretism present in the region, where local deities were often worshipped alongside the God of Israel. Mount Hermon, known in Hebrew as "חֶרְמוֹן" (Hermon), is a prominent mountain that served as a northern boundary marker. Its height and visibility made it a natural point of reference, symbolizing the grandeur and majesty of God's creation.

to Lebo-hamath
Lebo-hamath marks the northernmost boundary of the land described in this passage. The term "Lebo" is derived from the Hebrew "לְבוֹא" (Levo), meaning "entrance" or "approach," indicating a gateway or entry point into the region of Hamath. Hamath was an ancient city-state located in what is now western Syria. This boundary signifies the extent of the land that God promised to the Israelites, stretching from the southern deserts to the northern reaches of the fertile crescent. It underscores the vastness of God's promise and His intention to establish Israel as a nation with significant influence and reach.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gebalites
The inhabitants of Gebal, an ancient city known today as Byblos, located in modern-day Lebanon. It was a significant center for trade and culture in the ancient Near East.

2. Lebanon
A region known for its majestic cedar trees, Lebanon was a significant area in biblical times, often associated with beauty and strength.

3. Baal-gad
A location at the foot of Mount Hermon, Baal-gad was a place of worship for the Canaanite god Baal. It marked the northern boundary of the land that Israel was to inherit.

4. Mount Hermon
A prominent mountain in the Anti-Lebanon range, Mount Hermon was a landmark in the northern boundary of the Promised Land.

5. Lebo-hamath
A location marking the northern extent of the land promised to Israel, often associated with the entrance to Hamath, a significant city-state in ancient Syria.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Promises
The specific boundaries mentioned in Joshua 13:5 remind us of God's detailed promises to His people. Just as God was faithful to Israel, He is faithful to fulfill His promises to us today.

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites were tasked with taking possession of the land. This required obedience and action. In our lives, we must also act in obedience to God's commands to fully experience His blessings.

Recognizing God's Sovereignty
The inclusion of regions like Lebanon and Mount Hermon highlights God's sovereignty over all creation. We are reminded that God is in control of all nations and lands.

Spiritual Inheritance
Just as Israel had a physical inheritance, believers have a spiritual inheritance in Christ. We should seek to understand and live in the fullness of what God has provided for us.

Cultural and Historical Context
Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical passages enriches our comprehension of Scripture and its application to our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the mention of specific geographical locations in Joshua 13:5 teach us about the nature of God's promises?

2. How can the Israelites' task of taking possession of the land inspire us in our spiritual journey today?

3. In what ways does recognizing God's sovereignty over all lands and nations impact our faith and trust in Him?

4. How can we apply the concept of spiritual inheritance in our daily lives, drawing from the example of Israel's physical inheritance?

5. How does understanding the cultural and historical context of biblical passages enhance our study and application of Scripture?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 3:8-9
This passage describes the conquest of the land east of the Jordan, including Mount Hermon, providing context for the territorial boundaries mentioned in Joshua 13:5.

1 Kings 5:6
This verse highlights the significance of Lebanon's cedars, which were used in the construction of Solomon's Temple, emphasizing the importance of the region.

Psalm 29:5
This psalm references the cedars of Lebanon, symbolizing God's power and majesty, which can be connected to the significance of the land described in Joshua 13:5.
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 Land Allotted, Though not Yet SecuredR. Glover Joshua 13:2, 7
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, Baalgad, Baal-gad, Ba'al-gad, Below, East, Entering, Entrance, Foot, Gad, Gebalite, Gebalites, Geb'alites, Giblite, Giblites, Hamath, Hermon, Lebanon, Lebo, Lebo-hamath, Mount, Sunrise, Sunrising, Sun-rising, Towards
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 13:1-6

     4207   land, divine gift

Joshua 13:1-33

     5235   boundary

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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