Joshua 13:18
Jahaz, Kedemoth, Mephaath,
Jahaz
Jahaz is a significant location in biblical history, primarily known as the site where the Israelites, under Moses' leadership, defeated King Sihon of the Amorites (Numbers 21:23-24). This victory was crucial for the Israelites as it allowed them to gain control over the land east of the Jordan River. Jahaz is situated in the territory allocated to the tribe of Reuben, as mentioned in Joshua 13. The battle at Jahaz is a testament to God's promise to deliver the land to the Israelites, demonstrating His faithfulness and power. The site is often associated with God's judgment against the Amorites and His provision for His people.

Kedemoth
Kedemoth is another town within the territory of Reuben, mentioned alongside Jahaz and Mephaath. It was given to the Levites, specifically the Merarite clan, as a city of refuge (Joshua 21:37). The name Kedemoth means "eastern parts," indicating its geographical location. The town's inclusion as a Levitical city underscores the importance of the Levites in maintaining spiritual leadership and justice within Israel. Kedemoth's role as a city of refuge highlights the biblical theme of mercy and justice, providing a safe haven for those seeking asylum from avengers of blood, as outlined in Numbers 35.

Mephaath
Mephaath is also located in the territory of Reuben and was designated as a Levitical city for the Merarites (Joshua 21:37). Its mention in the context of Joshua 13 emphasizes the distribution of land among the tribes of Israel and the provision for the Levites. Mephaath is later referenced in the prophetic book of Jeremiah (48:21), where it is included in the pronouncement of judgment against Moab. This connection to prophecy illustrates the ongoing narrative of God's sovereignty and justice over the nations. The allocation of Mephaath to the Levites signifies the importance of spiritual oversight and the centrality of worship in the life of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jahaz
Jahaz is a location east of the Jordan River, significant as the site where the Israelites, led by Moses, defeated King Sihon of the Amorites. This victory was crucial for the Israelites as it allowed them to possess the land.

2. Kedemoth
Kedemoth is a town allocated to the tribe of Reuben. It is mentioned in the context of the cities given to the Levites, indicating its role in the religious and communal life of Israel.

3. Mephaath
Mephaath is another town in the territory of Reuben. Like Kedemoth, it was given to the Levites, highlighting the importance of supporting the priestly tribe in their service to God.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
The allocation of these towns to the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives as well.

The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
The assignment of cities like Kedemoth and Mephaath to the Levites highlights the importance of supporting spiritual leaders. Christians are encouraged to support their church leaders through prayer, encouragement, and resources.

Victory Through Obedience
The victory at Jahaz serves as a reminder that obedience to God's commands leads to victory. Believers are called to live obedient lives, trusting that God will lead them to triumph over challenges.

Inheritance and Stewardship
The distribution of land to the tribes of Israel is a reminder of the inheritance believers have in Christ. Christians are called to be good stewards of the spiritual and material blessings they receive.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the victory at Jahaz demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can this encourage us in our personal faith journey?

2. In what ways can we support our spiritual leaders today, similar to how the Levites were supported in ancient Israel?

3. Reflect on a time when obedience to God led to a personal victory. How can this experience strengthen your faith?

4. What does the concept of inheritance in the Promised Land teach us about our spiritual inheritance in Christ?

5. How can we be better stewards of the blessings and responsibilities God has entrusted to us?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 21:21-24
This passage describes the battle at Jahaz where the Israelites, under Moses' leadership, defeated King Sihon. This victory is a fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land of the Amorites.

Deuteronomy 2:26-37
Provides a detailed account of the events leading up to and including the battle at Jahaz, emphasizing God's guidance and provision for Israel.

1 Chronicles 6:78
Lists Kedemoth and Mephaath among the cities given to the Levites, underscoring their role in Israel's spiritual life.
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
Jahaz, Jahaza, Jahazah, Jahzah, Kedemoth, Ked'emoth, Mephaath, Meph'aath
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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