Joshua 13:25 Study Bible: Their border was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, to Aroer that is before Rabbah;

◄ Joshua 13:25 ►

The territory of Jazer, all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites as far as Aroer, near Rabbah;

The territory of Jazer
Jazer was a significant city located east of the Jordan River. It was initially conquered by the Israelites under Moses (Numbers 21:32) and allotted to the tribe of Gad (Numbers 32:1-3). The city was known for its fertile land, suitable for livestock, which was a primary reason the tribe of Gad desired it. Jazer's location made it a strategic point for trade and military defense. The city is mentioned in Isaiah 16:8-9 and Jeremiah 48:32, indicating its continued importance and eventual downfall.

all the cities of Gilead
Gilead was a region known for its balm, a valuable resin used for medicinal purposes (Jeremiah 8:22). It was a mountainous area east of the Jordan River, extending from the northern part of the Dead Sea to the Sea of Galilee. The cities of Gilead were part of the inheritance given to the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This region was often a battleground due to its strategic location and fertile land. Gilead is also associated with several biblical figures, including Jephthah (Judges 11) and Elijah the Tishbite (1 Kings 17:1).

and half the land of the Ammonites
The Ammonites were descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:38) and often in conflict with Israel. The land of the Ammonites was east of Gilead, and although Israel did not initially conquer Ammonite territory, they did gain control over some areas during the time of Moses (Deuteronomy 2:19). The reference to "half the land" suggests a partial occupation or influence over the region, possibly due to treaties or military campaigns. The Ammonites continued to be adversaries of Israel throughout the Old Testament (Judges 11, 1 Samuel 11).

as far as Aroer, near Rabbah
Aroer was a city located on the northern edge of the Arnon River, marking the southern boundary of the territory described. It was a significant landmark in defining the borders of the land given to the tribes east of the Jordan. Rabbah, also known as Rabbath-Ammon, was the capital city of the Ammonites, located near modern-day Amman, Jordan. This city was a major urban center and often mentioned in the context of military campaigns (2 Samuel 11:1). The proximity of Aroer to Rabbah highlights the extent of Israelite influence and the ongoing tension with the Ammonites.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jazer
A city located in the territory of Gilead, known for its fertile land and vineyards. It was initially conquered by the Israelites under Moses' leadership.

2. Gilead
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It was divided among the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

3. Ammonites
A people descended from Lot, often in conflict with Israel. The land mentioned here was part of the territory taken from them.

4. Aroer
A city on the edge of the Arnon Gorge, marking the boundary of the territory given to the tribe of Gad.

5. Rabbah
The capital city of the Ammonites, located near the territory described in this passage.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment of Promises
The allocation of land to the tribes of Israel demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Believers can trust in God's promises for their lives.

The Importance of Obedience
The tribes of Reuben and Gad received their inheritance because they obeyed God's command to assist in the conquest of Canaan. Obedience to God's commands is crucial for receiving His blessings.

The Role of Heritage and Legacy
The division of the land among the tribes underscores the importance of heritage and legacy. Christians are called to consider the spiritual legacy they leave for future generations.

Conflict and Resolution
The historical conflicts over this land remind believers of the importance of seeking God's guidance in resolving disputes and maintaining peace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the allocation of land in Joshua 13:25 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises? Can you identify a promise from God that you have seen fulfilled in your life?

2. In what ways does the obedience of the tribes of Reuben and Gad serve as a model for us today? How can we apply this principle of obedience in our daily walk with God?

3. Considering the historical conflicts over the land of Gilead, how can we seek God's wisdom in resolving conflicts in our own lives?

4. What spiritual legacy are you building for future generations? How can the division of land among the tribes inspire you to think about your own spiritual heritage?

5. How do the connections between Joshua 13:25 and other scriptures enhance your understanding of God's plan for His people? Can you find another scripture that reinforces this understanding?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 32
This chapter details the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad to settle in the land of Gilead, which is part of the territory described in Joshua 13:25.

Deuteronomy 3
Provides background on the conquest of the land east of the Jordan, including the defeat of King Sihon and the allocation of his territory to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Judges 11
Jephthah's conflict with the Ammonites highlights the historical tension over this region, emphasizing the importance of the land described in Joshua 13:25.

Sermons

God Takes Note of Our ,Failing Strength	J. Parker, D.D.	Joshua 13:1-33
Joshua's Old Age	W. G. Blaikie, D. D.	Joshua 13:1-33
More Beyond		Joshua 13:1-33
On Progress in Religion	W. Jay.	Joshua 13:1-33
Territory Yet to be Taken by the Church	W. Seaton.	Joshua 13:1-33
The Christian's Work	T. Guthrie, D. D.	Joshua 13:1-33
The Uncompleted Work	F. B. Meyer, B. A.	Joshua 13:1-33
Unconquered Territory	Charles Vince.	Joshua 13:1-33
The Inheritance of Levi	W.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

Ammon, Ammonite, Ammonites, Aroer, Aro'er, Bene-ammon, Border, Cities, Coast, East, Front, Gilead, Half, Jaazer, Jazer, Limit, Rabbah, Sons, Territory, Towns

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

Links

Joshua 13:25 NIV
Joshua 13:25 NLT
Joshua 13:25 ESV
Joshua 13:25 NASB
Joshua 13:25 KJV

Joshua 13:25 Commentaries

Bible Hub