Joshua 13:10

And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon;

And all the cities {H5892} of Sihon {H5511} king {H4428} of the Amorites {H567}, which reigned {H4427} in Heshbon {H2809}, unto the border {H1366} of the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983};

and all the cities of Sichon king of the Emori who ruled in Heshbon to the border with the people of 'Amon;

and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites who reigned in Heshbon, as far as the border of the Ammonites;

and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon;

Commentary

Context

Joshua chapter 13 marks a significant transition point in the book of Joshua. After the main campaigns of conquest in Canaan (west of the Jordan River) have largely concluded, this chapter shifts focus to the division of the land among the Israelite tribes. Before detailing the territories yet to be conquered, verses 8-12 summarize the land already subdued by Moses on the east side of the Jordan River and allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Joshua 13:10 specifically pinpoints a crucial part of this conquered territory: "And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon." This refers to the kingdom of Sihon, a powerful Amorite ruler whose capital was the strategically important city of Heshbon. This verse highlights the successful Israelite conquest of this Transjordanian region under Moses, a foundational victory that preceded Joshua's campaigns in the west.

Key Themes

  • Divine Fulfillment of Promise: This verse serves as a concrete reminder of God's faithfulness in delivering on His promise to give Israel the land. The defeat of Sihon, a formidable Amorite king, and the subsequent possession of his territory were direct results of God fighting for His people, just as He had declared He would.
  • God's Sovereignty in Conquest: The detailed geographical description of "all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites" emphasizes that this vast Amorite territory was not taken by Israel's might alone, but through divine intervention and clear direction from God. This victory was a testament to God's hand in Israel's history.
  • Orderly Allotment: Even before the full land distribution in Canaan, the boundaries of the Transjordanian inheritance were precisely defined. This meticulous detail demonstrates God's orderly and intentional planning for the settlement of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Linguistic Insights

The names "Sihon" and "Heshbon" are significant not for complex linguistic nuances, but for their historical and geographical weight. Sihon was a well-known and powerful king in the ancient Near East, and Heshbon was his capital city, known for its strategic location. The mention of "the children of Ammon" establishes a clear eastern boundary for Sihon's former kingdom, indicating a distinct, defined territory that Israel now possessed.

Practical Application

Joshua 13:10 offers a powerful lesson in God's unwavering faithfulness. Just as He meticulously planned and executed the Israelite inheritance and secured victories like the defeat of Sihon, so too does He work providentially in the lives of believers today. This verse encourages us to remember God's past faithfulness in our own lives and in the history of His people. Reflecting on His past victories can strengthen our faith to face new challenges, knowing that the Lord who fulfilled His promises to Israel is the same God who is with us, providing, guiding, and delivering according to His perfect plan.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 21:24

    And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon [was] strong.

  • Numbers 21:26

    For Heshbon [was] the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto Arnon.
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