Josué 13
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
Josué 13
Utley on Philistines - The Philistines were apparently Greeks from the Aegean Islands. They were the only group of people in this part of the world who were uncircumcised. They were apparently a mercenary force who tried to attack Egypt in the twelfth century B.C. but were defeated. They then settled on the southern coast of Palestine. They had five major cities which are delineated in v. 3: Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gad, and Ekron. They were a major military problem throughout the period of the judges and even throughout the reign of Saul and David. The name “Palestine” comes from the word “Philistine.”
Josué 13
Utley on Lebo-hamath - This phrase is made up of the PREPOSITION and a proper name (i.e., fortress”). Hamath was a kingdom (cf. 2Sa. 8:9) and represented the northern limit of the Promised Land (cf. 1 Kgs. 8:65; 1 Chr. 8:4). Related Resources: Maps The Division of the Land Among the Tribes The Tribal Allotments of Israel GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 13 The land of the Giblites. The name of a people dwelling in Gebal, near Sidon. 1 King 5:18; Ezek. 27:9. Their land was not given to the Israelites, because it lay without the precincts of Canaan. From among this people, Solomon employed a number of artists in the erection of the temple, 1 Kings 5:18. They were also famed for ship-building, Ezek. 27:9. It is supposed by many that the modern Byblus is the same as the ancient Gebal. They were certainly situated in the same region. Joshua 13:6 "All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon as far as Misrephoth-maim, all the Sidonians, I will drive them out from before the sons of Israel; only allot it to Israel for an inheritance as I have commanded you. Misrephoth-maim: Jos 11:8 I will drive them out: Jos 23:13 Ge 15:18-21 Ex 23:30-31 Jdg 2:21-23 only allot it to Israel for an inheritance : Jos 14:1-2 Joshua 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See map of The Tribal Allotments of Israe GOD TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon as far as Misrephoth-maim, (map of probable location) all the Sidonians - Misrephoth-maim marks the southern boundary of the Sidonians, who had not been driven out by Joshua. In other words it is near the boundary between the northern territory of the Tribes of Israel and the Sidonians. Misrephoth-maim is the place to which Joshua chased the various tribes, which were confederated under Jabin, after their defeat at the waters of Merom (Joshua 11:8). Hill country - This areas is (1) north of the Negev/Negeb, (2) east of the Shephelah, (3) west of the wilderness of Judah and (4) south of Jerusalem. The hill country became home to a large number of Judahites and includes the central mountainous tract of Palestine reaching from the plain of Jezreel on the N. to the Negeb or dry country in the S.; the Shephelah or lowlands of the southwest and; the midbar or moorland, and the ’arabah or steppes of the S. E. Utley- “as far as Misrephoth-maim, all the Sidonians” This place name seems to refer to “burning water” or “hot springs” (BDB 977). From the same root come the angels called seraphim (i.e., “burning ones”). The fact that only Sidon is mentioned and not Tyre (cf. 19:29) points to the early date for this account (cf. R. K. Harrison, Introduction to the Old Testament, p. 672). See excellent maps describing the regions of the Promised Land from North to South Northern Coastal Plains - Jezreel Valley, Galilee and Bashan, Mount Hermon = most northern point Plain of Dor, Plain of Sharon, Samaria, et al. Plain of Dor, Plain of Sharon, Samaria, Jordan Valley, and Gilead. Philistine Plain, Shephelah, Judah, and the Dead Sea Arabah, Negeb, Wildernesses of Zin and Paran I will drive them out from before (paniym/paneh - in the face of) the sons of Israel - God's promise to drive out the enemies was not a "Carte Blanche" for the tribes of Israel, but a call to obey the LORD and walk in His laws (cf Dt 10:12-16+, Read Dt 6:1-5+ especially last part of Dt 6:1) However the "I will" promise clearly speaks of Yahweh's faithfulness to keep His covenant cut with Abram/Abraham. Genesis 15:18-21+ On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: 19 the Kenite and the Kenizzite and the Kadmonite 20and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Rephaim 21 and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Girgashite and the Jebusite.” Exodus 23:30-31+“I will drive them out before you little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land. 31 “I will fix your boundary from the Red Sea to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River Euphrates; for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you will drive them out before you." THOUGHT - God is a covenant keeping God so if you are in the New Covenant by grace through faith, God will keep you in that covenant forever and ever. Amen. You can have compete assurance of salvation, not because it depends on your faithfulness (for we all sin and thus are unfaithful many times in our lives), but because it depends on the faithfulness of God! YOU CANNOT LOSE YOUR SALVATION DEAR BELIEVER. ANY TEACHING THAT SAYS YOU CAN IS A FALSE TEACHING AND AN AFFRONT THE THE OMNIPOTENCE AND FAITHFULNESS OF YAHWEH! A corollary truth from God's promise to Israel is that while the believer's eternal security is sure, the experience of divine blessings in this short life on earth is contingent upon obedience, obedience that is now possible because of His indwelling Spirit Who continually energizes our heart giving us the desire to obey and the power to obey (cf Php 2:13NLT+). Utley- “I will drive them out before the sons of Israel” YHWH takes full responsibility for the conquest of Canaan (cf. Exod. 34:24; Lev. 20:24; Num. 32:21; 33:53; Deut. 1:39; 4:38; 5:31; 9:4, 5, 6; 11:23, 31; 12:1; 15:4; 16:20; 18:12; Josh. 3:10; 13:6). The VERB (BDB 439, KB 441, Hiphil IMPERFECT) basically means “take possession of” or “dispossess.” In some of Joshua's last words to Israel, he gave a sobering (AT LEAST IT SHOULD HAVE HAD THAT EFFECT!) "prophetic warning" For if you ever go back and cling to (dabaq = "stick like glue!" - Ge 2:24 - "joined") the rest of these nations, these which remain among you, and intermarry with them, so that you associate with them and they with you, 13 know with certainty that the LORD your God will not continue to drive these nations out from before you; but they will be a snare and a trap to you, and a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which the LORD your God has given you (THE NORTHERN 10 TRIBES "PERISHED" TO ASSYRIA IN 722 BC, THE SOUTHERN 2 TO BABYLON IN 586 BC). (Joshua 23:12-13) Only allot it to Israel for an inheritance as I have commanded you - In the next verse Yahweh begins to give the details of the inheritance. Joshua 14:1-2 Now these are the territories which the sons of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the households of the tribes of the sons of Israel apportioned to them for an inheritance, 2 by the lot of their inheritance, as the LORD commanded through Moses, for the nine tribes and the half-tribe. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 13 Them will I drive out. The original is emphatic; ‘It is I that will do it; I who have all power, and am ever faithful; I who have promised, and can and will perform.’ Chal. ‘I will do it by my Word;’ i. e. by my eternal Word, the Captain of the Lord’s hosts. This, however, like other similar declarations, is to be understood conditionally. God never promised to put them in possession of the whole land, but upon condition of their fidelity to him. If they failed in obedience, they would fail in becoming masters of the country. Accordingly we find that they never did actually possess the whole land here assigned to them. The Sidonians were never expelled by the Israelites, and were only brought into a state of comparative subjection in the days of David and Solomon. Joshua, however, notwithstanding the cavils of infidels, actually did all that it was promised he should do. God never said that he should conquer all the land, but simply that he should bring Israel into it, and divide it among them, both which he did, and procured them footing by his conquests sufficient to have enabled them to establish themselves in it for ever. Their failure to do so was owing wholly to themselves. So we must work out our salvation, depending upon God to work in us, and to work with us. We must resist our spiritual enemies, and look to God to trample them under our feet. Only divide thou it by lot. Heb. הפילה happilëyah, cast it, cause it to fall. See Note on Gen. 25:18. A phraseology derived from the casting of the lots by which its distribution was governed. Joshua, no doubt, supposed that the land was first to be conquered, before it was divided, but here his mistake is corrected. The great Proprietor would have his people consider the country as even now theirs, and as a pledge of his purpose to give it them, directs that without further delay it be forthwith apportioned out among the tribes. This order would not only strengthen their assurance of the final possession of the land, but serve also as an incentive to prosecute the work of conquest with fresh vigor, and to keep themselves from all leagues, and every kind of entangling connexion which might obstruct the attainment of their ultimate object. So the exercise of a lively faith puts the Christian even now in possession of the heavenly Canaan, the land of his eternal inheritance. Of all such it may be truly said;— ‘They view the triumph from afar, And seize it with their eye.’ Joshua 13:7 "Now therefore, apportion this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes, and the half-tribe of Manasseh." Nu 26:53-56 33:54 32:2-14 Eze 47:13-23 48:23-29 Joshua 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See map of The Tribal Allotments of Israe YAHWEH GIVES NEW ORDERS TO JOSHUA See map for details of The Division of the Land Among the Tribes Now (at this time) therefore - Term on conclusion and a marker for God's new orders to Joshua the servant of the LORD who is to carry out His command. Apportion this land for an inheritance (nachalah; Lxx = kleronomia) to the nine tribes, and the half-tribe of Manasseh - The command to apportion is chalaq commonly used of parceling out shares (allotments) of land (Nu 26:53), whether by lot (Nu 26:53), inheritance (Pr 17:2), or other forms of division (Pr 29:24). The Septuagint translates chalaq with the verb merizo meaning to divide, apportion out, distribute or assign. THOUGHT - Note the Hebrew word for inheritance is translated with kleronomia and in a sense the apportioning of land to Israel by Joshua (Lxx - Iesous) is a foreshadowing of the inheritance we receive in our "Joshua" Jesus (Iesous). Paul alludes to this in Ephesians describing it and praying that our eyes would be opened to the glory of our inheritance in Christ... In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation–having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 Who is given as a pledge of our inheritance (kleronomia) with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory. 15 For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance (kleronomia) in the saints,(Eph 1:13-18+, cf also Eph 1:3+) F B
Josué 13
Utley - “Ashtaroth” This is the name of the female fertility goddess of the Canaanite pantheon (BDB 800 III). We are not exactly sure of the relationship between Ba’al and Ashtaroth because in Canaanite documents they are brother and sister, not lovers. “Rephaim” This word is used three different ways in the Bible: (1) it may refer to the dead (cf. Job 26:5); (2) it may refer to a tribal group; or (3) it may refer to the giants (cf. 14:12–15). The terms “Anakim” and “Rephaim” both seem to refer to the giants. Blaikie - To the half tribe of Manasseh the kingdom of Og fell, and the northern half of Gilead. Jabesh-gilead, where Saul routed the Ammonites, was in this tribe (1 Samuel 11:1-15). Here also were some of the places on the lake of Galilee mentioned in the gospel history; here the "desert place" across the sea to which our Lord used to retire for rest; here He fed the multitude; here He cured the demoniac; and here were some of the mountains where He would spend the night in prayer. In our Lord’s time this portion of Palestine was called Perea. Under the dominion of the Romans, it was comparatively tranquil, and our Lord would sometimes select it, on account of its quiet, as his route to Jerusalem. And many of His gifts of love and mercy were doubtless scattered over its surface. Joshua 13:13 But the sons of Israel did not dispossess the Geshurites and Maacathites; for Geshur and Maacath live among Israel until this day. did not dispossess Jos 13:11 23:12,13 Nu 33:55 Jdg 2:1-3 2Sa 3:3 13:37,38 Joshua 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See map of The Tribal Allotments of Israe "______, _____ quite contrary, How does your garden grow?" (see "THOUGHT" below) ISRAELITES FAILURE TO CONQUER GESHURITES & MAACATHITES But the sons of Israel did not dispossess (yarash) the Geshurites and Maacathites; for Geshur and Maacath live among Israel until this day - This is like a sad "P.S." (postscript) indicating that for some reason the sons of Israel failed to finish the task in these two people groups. THOUGHT - When we have accomplished a significant goal in our ministry, it is sometimes tempting to "take a breather" so to speak and in so doing we often fail to finish the task the LORD has assigned to us. And it is sad! Maacath (apparently also spelled Maacah) was a small Aramean kingdom north and east of the Sea of Galilee (1Chr 19:6). It is north of the other territory the Manassehites failed to possess, the territory of Geshur (just east of Sea of Galilee). Its territory was in the region assigned to the half-tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan. Maacah, its king, became a mercenary of the Ammonites in their war against David (2Sa 10:6), but his small contingent, 1,000 men, shows the pettiness of the region. Note that the identification of the name Maacah is compounded by the fact that it is the name of up to nine people in the Bible (see note)! In Joshua 13:14 the Lxx translates yarash with the strong verb exolothreuo which means to destroy utterly, to eliminate by destruction, to root out. Instead of "rooting" them out like one does to destroy crabgrass (so to speak), Israel left a root in the land and it appears it brought up some weeds about 400 years later when the king of Maacah allied with the Ammonites in the war against King David (2Sa 10:6). THOUGHT - Do you have any "crabgrass" roots in your garden? I am speaking figuratively of the garden of your (my) heart and those stubborn, recurrent sins that just keep coming back up after being confessed and repented! If we fail to employ "divine weed killer" against these crabgrass-like sins in our heart, they will keep rearing their ugly head! You ask, "What do you mean by "divine weed killer""? I'm glad you asked! The ONLY effective "Weed Killer" of crabgrass-like sin is the Holy Spirit, Paul explaining in Romans 8:13+ (cf Col 3:5+) that "if by the Spirit (GOD'S POWER) you are putting to death (OUR RESPONSIBILITY) the deeds of the body, you will live." The garden of your heart will then grow beautiful, God glorifying Mt 5:16+ fruit (also enabled by the omnipotent Holy Spirit - Gal 5:22-23+). So dear brother/sister, how does your garden grow? Are you (am I) a bit contrary (protective of the "roots" of our pet sin), like the little girl in the nursery rhyme "Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow?" (Substitute your name - "____, _____, quite contrary...") In just in case you did not look it up the meaning of contrary, it means perversely inclined to disagree or to do the opposite of what is expected or desired. (cf Gal 5:17+) A similar principle is alluded to in Song 2:15+ "Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that are ruining the vineyards, while our vineyards are in blossom.” Believer's Study Bible has an interesting (albeit slightly speculative) comment - This is the first suggestion that the Israelites would lack the faithful obedience and courage to do everything that God had commanded (cf. Joshua 16:10; 17:12, 13; Jdg. 1:1-2:5). Donald K. Campbell on the 2.5 tribes inheritance east of the Jordan River - The two and one-half tribes chose, as Lot did, on the basis of appearance, (Genesis 13:10, 11) and their inheritance was ultimately lost to them. On the other hand the Levites, requesting no portion, were given an inheritance of abiding spiritual significance. This reminds us of the words of Jesus, 'Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Mt 6:19-21+) . (No Time for Neutrality: When You Face Your Moment of Impossibility, God Is There: Book of Joshua) The tragedy of the description before us is that these two and a half tribes are settling short of what God intended for them. One is reminded of another example of God giving the rebellious people what they wanted Psalm 106 describes the downward spiral... So He saved them from the hand of the one who hated them, And redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. 11 The waters covered their adversaries; Not one of them was left. 12 Then they believed His words; They sang His praise. 13 They quickly forgot His works; They did not wait for His counsel, 14 But craved intensely in the wilderness, And tempted God in the desert. 15 So He gave them their request, But sent a wasting disease among them. (Psalm 106:10-15+) Irving Jensen adds that "Transjordan tribes' request was obviously self-centered, stirred by the tempting sight of things, in this case , green pasturage. But they were to pay dearly for their covetousness in the days to come (ED: COVETOUSNESS MAY LOOK "FREE" BUT IT ALWAYS EXTRACTS A HIGH PRICE! cf Heb 11:25, Heb 3:13), for their land was continually exposed to invasions from the Moabites, Anunonites, Syrians, Midianites, Amalekites, and other tribes of the desert, and they were the first of Israel to be carried into captivity by the Assyrians (ca 722 BC). (Joshua- Everyman's Bible Commentary: Rest-Land Won) (Apparently even before 722 BC these eastern tribes were experiencing significant loss of territory! Look at map showing shrinking of the lands of Reuben, Gad, Manasseh by 830 BC!) Blaikie adds "though the subjugation and occupation of the eastern part of the land was thus tolerably complete (with the exceptions just mentioned), it remained in the undisturbed possession of Israel for the shortest time of any. From Moabites and Ammonites on the south, Canaanites and Syrians on the north and the east, as well as the Midianites, Amalekites, and other tribes of the desert, it was subject to continual invasions. In fact, it was the least settled and least comfortable part of all the country; and doubtless it became soon apparent that though the two tribes and a half had seemed to be very fortunate in having their wish granted to settle in this rich and beautiful region, yet on the whole they had been penny-wise and pound-foolish. Not only were they incessantly assailed and worried by their neighbours, but they were the first to be carried into captivity, when the King of Assyria directed his eyes to Palestine. They had shown somewhat of the spirit of Lot, and they suffered somewhat of his punishment. It is worthy of remark that even at this day this eastern province is the most disturbed part of Palestine. The Bedouins are ever liable to make their attacks wherever there are crops or cattle to tempt their avarice. People will not sow where they have no chance of reaping; and thus it is that much of that productive region lies waste. The moral is not far to seek: in securing wealth, look not merely at the apparent productiveness of the investment, but give heed to its security, its stability. It is not all gold that glitters either on the stock-exchange or anywhere else. And even that which is real gold partakes of the current instability. We must come back to our Saviour’s advice to investors, if we would really be safe: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust do corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." (Mt 6:19-20) Life Application Study Bible One reason the Israelites encountered so many problems as they settled the land was that they failed to fully conquer the land and drive out all its inhabitants. The cancer-like presence of the remaining pagan peoples of Canaan caused unending difficulties for the Israelites, as the book of Judges records. Just as they failed to remove completely the sin from the land, believers today often fail to remove completely the sin from their lives-also with disastrous results. As a self-test, reread the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-17. Ask yourself, Am I tolerating sinful practices or thoughts? Have I accepted half-measures as good enough? Do I condemn the faults of others but condone my own? Rod Mattoon -Verse thirteen records the failure of God’s people to defeat their enemies. Failure to conquer these enemies led to future problems. When we fail to conquer sinful habits in our life, it will lead to future problems for us. Why do God’s people fail in the first place? * Indolence or laziness. * Indifference … a contentment in being saved but the prize of God’s high calling is not attractive. * Influence of others. * Satisfaction or complacent … some are satisfied with achievements. * Unbelief * Lack of courage. Fear immobilizes faith. * Lack of spiritual power and persistence. (Treasures From Joshua) Dispossess (03423) yarash means to deprive (someone) of land, property, or other possessions, to take possession of, inherit, dispossess (to put out of possession or occupancy), to drive out. The verb yārash is an especially important word in contexts dealing with Israel's conquest of and possession of the land of Canaan. Incomplete Obedience Tony Beckett and Woodrow Kroll Joshua 13-15, Luke 1:57-80 Key Verse: Joshua 13:13 Great promises and great victories fill the pages of the Book of Joshua. Israel moved into the Promised Land and conquered it with God's help. Jericho fell, literally. Ai was ultimately defeated. The sun even stood still-all striking evidence that God was fighting for Israel (Joshua 10:14). Yet when the details of the conquest are examined beginning in Joshua 13:13, a sad fact needs to be noted. The Israelites did not drive out the people of Geshur and Maacah. The significance is not the names of the people but the fact that they were allowed to remain in the land. As you continue to read Joshua, you will find this phrase repeated: "did not drive them out completely." The account of Joshua tells us about God's promises and Israel's victories. But it does not hide the fact that sometimes the fulfillment of the promises was limited by Israel's incomplete obedience. Lack of faith and incomplete obedience allowed some of the people to remain in the land. God's instructions were clear. His promises were certain. The failure was not God's but the people's. They failed and ultimately bore the consequences. Always strive for complete obedience; never stop short of it. Whatever God gives you to do, do it completely. Unfinished tasks can be more troublesome than the effort of doing it the first time. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 13 The children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, &c. Spoken apparently by way of reflection upon the Israelites who succeeded Moses, for their remissness in driving out these nations. The failure of Moses to make a clean riddance of them at his first conquest, might be entirely excusable, as he was intent upon reaching Canaan, and could not well subject himself to the delay necessary for their complete extermination. But this plea would not hold after Canaan was entered. The tribes ought to have gone forward at once and finished the work which Moses had begun. Instead of this, it is related, to their disgrace, that they still suffered these people to dwell among them down to the time when this history was written. The spirit of inspiration discovers, if we may so speak, a wonderful tact, both in administering censure and bestowing praise. Instances of both, managed with the most consummate skill, abound in the compass of the sacred scriptures. Cities Not Conquered by the Israelites TRIBES JOSHUA JUDGES PEOPLE CITIES Israelites in General Judah Jebusites Jerusalem Benjamin Jebusites Jerusalem W. Manasseh Canaanites Beth Shan, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo, Endor,* Naphoth* Ephraim Canaanites Gezer Zebulun Canaanites Kitron, Nahalol Asher Canaanites Acco, Sidon, Ahlab, Aczib, Helbah, Aphek, Rehob Naphtali Canaanites Beth Shemesh, Beth Anath Dan Amorites Leshem Note - This is a list of the so-called “Conquest Lacunae,” consisting primarily of cities the Israelites did not conquer (see Kallai, Historical Geography, 102–11). It differs from the list of “Remaining Lands,” which are listed together in Josh 13:2–6 and consist of territories the Israelites did not conquer (in addition to Kallai, see Na’aman, Borders and Districts, 39–73). (Source: David Howard - Joshua: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture Volume 5 The New American Commentary) Joshua 13:14 Only to the tribe of Levi he did not give an inheritance; the offerings by fire to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as He spoke to him. See the Note on verse 33, Jos 14:3,4 Nu 18:20-24 De 10:9 12:12,19 18:2 Joshua 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See map of The Tribal Allotments of Israe INHERITANCE OF THE LEVITES Only to the tribe of Levi he did not give an inheritance (nachalah; Lxx = kleronomia); the offerings by fire to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance (nachalah; Lxx = kleronomia), as He spoke to him - Perhaps they did not receive a material inheritance as the other tribes (although they actually did receive some material blessings in Nu 35:1–5), but more significantly a spiritual inheritance. THOUGHT - When we ponder material blessing versus spiritual blessing, it is easy to see that the first passes, but the second endures! This begs the question of each of God's children --- Which do we desire (cf Col 3:2+)? F B
Josué 13
Utley - “Bamoth-baal and Beth-baal-meon” There was a Ba’al for every town. These two towns were named for the “high places of baal” (BDB 119 and 127, cf. Num. 22:41) and the “houses of baal” (BDB 111, cf. Num. 32:38; 1 Chr. 5:8; Jer. 48:23; Ezek. 25:9). Joshua 13:18 and Jahaz and Kedemoth and Mephaath, Jahaz : A city near Medeba and Dibon, afterwards given to the Levites. Jos 21:36,37 Nu 21:23, Jahaz, 1Ch 6:78,79, Jahzah Kedemoth : Supposed to have been situated east of the Arnon. Joshua 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See map of The Tribal Allotments of Israe and Jahaz and Kedemoth and Mephaath - Mephaath was in Reuben's allotment but was also assigned to the Levites (Joshua 21:37; 1Chr 6:79 ). In Jeremiah's time the town was in Moabite hands (Jeremiah 48:21). Mephaath was apparently situated near the desert, east of Moab and in the time of Eusebius, he describes a Roman garrison there. See map of The Tribal Allotments of Israel Jahaz - Moabite place name perhaps meaning, “landsite.” As they journeyed from the wilderness to the Promised Land, Israel defeated King Sihon there (Numbers 21:23-24; Deuteronomy 2:32-33; Judges 11:20-21). Isaiah's oracle against Moab described the isolated city of Jahaz as hearing the mourning of Heshbon and Elealeh (Isaiah 15:4). Jeremiah issued a similar warning (Jeremiah 48:34; compare Jeremiah 48:21). The name also appears with the Hebrew locative ah ending, thus being spelled Jahaza or Jahazah. Jahzah is also a variant spelling. It became part of the tribal territory of Reuben ( Joshua 13:18 ) and a city of the Levites (Joshua 21:36; compare 1Chr 6:78 ). On the Moabite stone, King Mesha of Moab claims an Israelite king (perhaps Jehu) built Jahaz and used it as a base in his unsuccessful fight against Mesha, Chemosh, the Moabite god driving the Israelites out. Mesha then annexed the city to Dibon. It has been variously located at Libb, six miles north of Dibon; Aleiyan; khirbet el-Medeiyineh; and khirbet Iskander, four miles north of Dibon, being the most popular suggestions Joshua 13:19 and Kiriathaim and Sibmah and Zereth-Shahar on the hill of the valley, Joshua 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See map of The Tribal Allotments of Israel and Kiriathaim and Sibmah and Zereth-Shahar on the hill of the valley - Kiriathaim This city, according to Eusebius, was situated ten miles west of Medeba. Numbers 32:37; Joshua 13:19. A town of Reuben. Belonged first to the Emim (Genesis 14:5 Shaveh Kiriathaim. "the plain of Kiriathaim," or of the two cities) whom the Moabites dispossessed before the Exodus (Deuteronomy 2:10-11). It was in the hands of Moab in Mesha's time, and he claims to have fortified it (M S, l.10). Moab lost and recovered Kiriathaim when the trans-jordanic tribes were carried captive (Jeremiah 48:1-23; Ezekiel 25:9). Celebrated for its vines Jer 48:32. Isa 16:8, 9; Sibmah Place name meaning, “cold” or “high.” City tribe of Reuben rebuilt in Transjordan (Numbers 32:38 ). It became part of their tribal inheritance (Joshua 13:19 ). Isaiah mentioned it in his lament over Moab (Joshua 16:8-9; compare Jeremiah 48:32 ). Zereth-Shahar Place name meaning, “splendor of the dawn.” The city located “on the hill of the [Dead Sea] valley” Site is uncertain. Joshua 13:20 and Beth-Peor and the slopes of Pisgah and Beth-Jeshimoth Beth-Peor Nu 25:3 De 4:46 Ashdothpisgah: or, springs of Pisgah, or, the hill, Jos 12:3 De 3:17 Bethjeshimoth: Nu 33:49 Eze 25:9 Joshua 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See map of The Tribal Allotments of Israel and Beth-Peor and the slopes of Pisgah and Beth-Jeshimoth - Beth-Peor (4X IN OT - Deut. 3:29; Deut. 4:46; Deut. 34:6; Jos. 13:20) Place name meaning, “house of Peor.” A temple for the god Peor or Baal Peor probably stood there. See Baal Peor. Town in whose valley Israel camped as Moses delivered the sermons of the Book of Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 3:29, 4:46, 34:6). It had belonged to Sihon, king of the Amorites (Deuteronomy 4:46 ). Moses died and was buried near there (Deuteronomy 34:6 ). It belonged to tribe of Reuben (Joshua 13:20 ). It was located at modern khirbet Uyun Musa, twenty miles east of the north end of the Dead Sea. Numbers does not use the place name, but evidently at least part of the shameful worship of Baal Peor (Numbers 25:1-5 ) occurred at Beth-peor. Hosea described the actions of Peor as a turning point in Israel's blissful honeymoon with God (Hosea 9:10 ). (See also Peor and Baal of Peor) Pisgah - (8x - Nu 21:20; Nu 23:14; Dt. 3:17; Dt. 3:27; Dt. 4:49; Dt. 34:1; Jos. 12:3; Jos. 13:20) Mountain in the Abarim range across the Jordan River from Jericho. Some Bible scholars believe it was part of Mount Nebo; others think it could have been a separate rise, either en-Neba or near modern Khirbet Tsijaga. God allowed Moses to view the Promised Land from the heights of Pisgah (Deuteronomy 34:1 ) but would not let him cross into Canaan. Israel had camped near Pisgah (Numbers 21:20 ). Balak took Balaam to its height so the prophet could see Israel and curse them (Numbers 23:14 ). It was a limit of Sihon's kingdom (Joshua 12:23 ); Ashdoth-pisgah in KJV) and also for the tribe of Reuben (Joshua 13:20 ). Beth-Jeshimoth or BETH-JESIMOTH (KJV spelling at Numbers 33:49 ) (4x in OT - Num. 33:49; Jos. 12:3; Jos. 13:20; Ezek. 25:9). Place name meaning, “house of deserts.” A town in Moab where Israel camped just before Moses died and Joshua led them across the Jordan (Numbers 33:49 ). Joshua 12:3 lists it as land Israel took from Sihon, king of the Amorites. Moses gave it to the tribe of Reuben ( Joshua 13:20 ). Ezekiel described it as one of three frontier cities of Moab, these being “the glory of the country” (Ezekiel 25:9 ), but one facing God's judgment. It is usually located at modern tell el-Azeme, twelve miles southeast of Jericho. Joshua 13:21 even all the cities of the plain and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses struck with the chiefs of Midian, Evi and Rekem and Zur and Hur and Reba, the princes of Sihon, who lived in the land. even all the cities of the plain: De 3:10 whom Moses struck : Nu 21:24-35 De 2:30-36 with the chiefs of Midian: Nu 31:8 Joshua 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See map of The Tribal Allotments of Israel Related Passage: Numbers 31:8 They killed the kings of Midian along with the rest of their slain: Evi and Rekem and Zur and Hur and Reba, the five kings of Midian; they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword. even all the cities of the plain and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses struck with the chiefs of Midian Evi and Rekem and Zur and Hur and Reba, the princes of Sihon, who lived in the land- GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 13 21. Dukes of Sihon. Probably so called because they had been his tributaries, subject to his jurisdiction. They are indeed called ‘kings of Midian’ in Num 31:8, but by ‘kings’ in the sacred writings we are often to understand no more than mere petty chieftains, who might be at the same time subject to some more potent sovereign. See Gen. 14:1, 2. Joshua 13:22 The sons of Israel also killed Balaam the son of Beor, the diviner, with the sword among the rest of their slain. Balaam: Nu 22:5-7, 24:1 31:8 2Pe 2:15 Jude 1:11 Rev 2:14 19:20 Joshua 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See map of The Tribal Allotments of Israe Related Passage: Numbers 31:8+ They killed the kings of Midian along with the rest of their slain: Evi and Rekem and Zur and Hur and Reba, the five kings of Midian; they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword. Joshua 24:9-10+ Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and fought against Israel, and he sent and summoned Balaam the son of Beor to curse you. 10 ‘But I was not willing to listen to Balaam. So he had to bless you, and I delivered you from his hand. 2 Peter 2:15-16+ forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet. Jude 1:11+ Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. Revelation 2:14+ ‘But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block (skandalon) before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality (See this rotten fruit below) Numbers 25:1-3+ While Israel remained at Shittim, the people began to play the harlot with the daughters of Moab. 2 For they invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. 3So Israel joined themselves to Baal of Peor, and the LORD was angry against Israel. BAALAM BITES THE DUST! The sons of Israel also killed Balaam the son of Beor, the diviner, with the sword among the rest of their slain - This is when Balaam bites the dust! The Septuagint translates diviner (qasam ) Utley “diviner” This PARTICIPLE (qal PARTICIPLE) means “trying to know and control the future.” Several different methods were used casting lots, consulting idols, examining sheep livers, necromancy, cloud reading, flight and perching of birds. Some typical texts are Num. 22:7; 23:23; Deut. 18:10, 14; Josh. 13:22; 1 Sam. 6:5; 15:23; 28:8; 2 Kgs. 17:17; Isa. 2:6; 3:2; 44:25; Jer. 14:14; 27:9; 29:8; Ezek. 12:24; 13:6, 7, 9, 23; 21:21, 22, 23, 29; 22:28. It is based on the pagan world-view that there is information about the future hidden in natural events and that gifted humans (i.e., false prophets, e.g., Jer. 27:9; 29:8; Ezek. 13:9; 22:28) can know and influence this future. Related Resource: What does the Bible say about enchantment? | GotQuestions.org)