Joshua 13:11

KJV

And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;

KJV (with Strong's)

And Gilead {H1568}, and the border {H1366} of the Geshurites {H1651} and Maachathites {H4602}, and all mount {H2022} Hermon {H2768}, and all Bashan {H1316} unto Salcah {H5548};

Complete Jewish Bible

and Gil'ad, the territory of the G'shuri and Ma'akhati, all Mount Hermon, all Bashan as far as Salkhah -

Berean Standard Bible

also Gilead and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites, all of Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah—

American Standard Version

and Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salecah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 13:11 meticulously details a specific segment of the land allocated to the half-tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan River. This verse, a geographical enumeration, outlines key northern and eastern boundaries, including the fertile regions of Gilead and Bashan, the prominent Mount Hermon, and the borders of the Geshurites and Maachathites extending to Salcah. It serves as a testament to God's precise fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel regarding their inheritance, while subtly highlighting the ongoing challenge of fully possessing the land due to the continued presence of unconquered peoples.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 13 marks a significant transition in the book of Joshua, shifting from the narratives of conquest (chapters 1-12) to the detailed distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel (chapters 13-21). Joshua, now "old and advanced in years," is commanded by the Lord to begin this process, even though "very much land still remains to be possessed" ([Joshua 13:1](/joshua/13-1 "Joshua 13:1 - The Land Yet to Be Possessed")). Chapter 13 specifically addresses the territories east of the Jordan River, which had already been conquered under Moses' leadership and allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh ([Numbers 32:33](/numbers/32-33 "Numbers 32:33 - Allotment of Transjordan Land")). Within this broader allocation, Joshua 13:11 provides a precise delineation of the northern and eastern reaches of Manasseh's portion, underscoring the meticulous nature of the divine promise and its tangible fulfillment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the immediate post-conquest period, as Israel transitions from a nomadic, warring people to a settled nation in the land of Canaan. Land ownership was paramount in ancient Near Eastern cultures, serving as the basis for identity, economic stability, and social structure. For Israel, the land was not merely property but the physical manifestation of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, signifying their unique relationship with Yahweh. The regions mentioned—Gilead and Bashan—were renowned for their fertility, rich pasturelands, and strategic importance. Mount Hermon, a towering peak, served as a natural northern boundary marker. The Geshurites and Maachathites were Aramean peoples, indicating Israel's proximity to unconquered, non-Israelite populations, a detail that foreshadows the challenges and failures documented later in the book of Judges ([Judges 1:27-36](/judges/1 "Judges 1 - Incomplete Conquests")).

* **Key Themes:** This verse, despite its geographical nature, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. First, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**, as the detailed division of land underscores God's unwavering commitment to His ancient promises to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abraham")) that his descendants would inherit the land of Canaan. Every boundary listed, including those in this verse, testifies to God's precise and unwavering adherence to His covenant. Second, it highlights **Geographical Precision**, emphasizing the tangibility and reality of the inheritance; these were not vague promises but real, physical territories with defined borders. Finally, the mention of the "border of the Geshurites and Maachathites" subtly introduces the theme of **Incomplete Conquest**. While their borders are noted, these peoples were not fully dispossessed, a recurring motif that points to Israel's partial obedience and the ongoing challenge of fully taking possession of what God had given, foreshadowing the struggles detailed in [Judges 2:1-5](/judges/2-1 "Judges 2:1-5 - Angel of the Lord Rebukes Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gilead (Hebrew, _Gil'ad_):** A significant and fertile region east of the Jordan River, stretching from the Yarmuk River in the north to the Arnon River in the south. It was known for its rich pasturelands, forests, and balm (Jeremiah 8:22). This area was primarily settled by the tribes of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, forming a crucial part of Israel's Transjordanian territory.
* **Bashan (Hebrew, _Bashan_):** An elevated and extremely fertile plateau located north of Gilead, east of the Sea of Galilee. It was famous for its rich soil, sturdy oak trees, and strong cattle (Psalm 22:12). Bashan was conquered by Moses from Og, its Amorite king, and was largely allotted to the half-tribe of Manasseh, making it a highly prized possession.
* **Geshurites (Hebrew, _Geshuri_):** An Aramean people who resided in a small kingdom located south of Mount Hermon, near the border of Bashan. Their territory was technically part of the promised land, but they were not fully dispossessed by Israel. Their continued presence, along with the Maachathites, highlights the limits of Israel's conquest and obedience, a recurring theme in the early history of Israel (cf. [2 Samuel 3:3](/2_samuel/3-3 "2 Samuel 3:3 - Absalom's Mother was a Geshurite Princess")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Gilead":** This phrase identifies the general region that forms the southern part of the half-tribe of Manasseh's inheritance, east of the Jordan. It signifies a substantial and productive area included in their allocation.
* **"and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites":** This specifies the northern boundary of Manasseh's territory. The mention of these unconquered peoples is crucial, indicating that Israel's possession extended only up to their borders, but did not fully encompass their lands. This detail underscores the partial nature of Israel's conquest.
* **"and all mount Hermon":** This clause marks the extreme northern geographical limit of the territory. Mount Hermon, a prominent and towering mountain range, served as a clear and unmistakable landmark for the northern extent of their inheritance.
* **"and all Bashan unto Salcah":** This delineates the eastern extent of the territory. It encompasses the entire fertile region of Bashan, stretching eastward to the city of Salcah. Salcah, located on the eastern edge of Bashan, served as a significant eastern border marker, indicating the furthest reach of Manasseh's land in that direction.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 13:11 primarily employs **Cataloging** and **Geographical Precision**. The verse is essentially a list of place names and boundaries, meticulously detailing the extent of the land. This **Cataloging** serves to underscore the literal and tangible fulfillment of God's promises, transforming abstract divine declarations into concrete, mappable territories. The **Geographical Precision** is not merely descriptive; it functions as a legal and theological statement, affirming the reality of the inheritance and the exactness of God's provision. Furthermore, the inclusion of the "border of the Geshurites and Maachathites" subtly introduces **Foreshadowing**. Their continued presence within or adjacent to Israel's designated territory hints at the future challenges Israel would face in fully obeying God's command to dispossess all the inhabitants, a theme that becomes tragically prominent in the book of Judges. The land itself, with its specified boundaries, also carries **Symbolism**, representing God's faithfulness, the covenant relationship, and the inheritance promised to His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly dry geographical listing in Joshua 13:11 is replete with profound theological significance. It serves as a tangible demonstration of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham regarding the land. The meticulous detail underscores that God's word is not vague or abstract but concrete and precisely fulfilled. The very act of dividing and naming these territories transforms a divine promise into a physical reality for the nation of Israel. However, the verse also carries a subtle but significant theological nuance in its mention of the Geshurites and Maachathites. Their continued presence, even at the border, implicitly highlights Israel's partial obedience and the ongoing spiritual battle to fully possess what God has given. This foreshadows the recurring theme of incomplete conquest and the consequences of compromising with the surrounding cultures, which would plague Israel throughout its history. Thus, the verse simultaneously celebrates God's perfect faithfulness and subtly warns of humanity's imperfect response.

* [Deuteronomy 3:13-17](/deuteronomy/3-13 "Deuteronomy 3:13-17 - Moses' Allotment of Transjordan Land")
* [Numbers 32:33](/numbers/32-33 "Numbers 32:33 - Allotment to Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh")
* [Judges 1:27](/judges/1-27 "Judges 1:27 - Manasseh's Failure to Drive Out Inhabitants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 13:11, though a list of ancient place names, offers profound insights for believers today. The meticulous detail with which God ensured the precise boundaries of Israel's inheritance should instill in us a deep trust in His faithfulness. Just as His ancient promises of land were specific and literally fulfilled, so too are His spiritual promises for us. We can be confident that His word is true, and His plans for our lives, though they may unfold over time and through challenges, are real and tangible. This verse reminds us of our own spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is far greater than any physical land. We are called to "take possession" of this inheritance, which includes not only eternal life but also the spiritual blessings, power, and freedom from sin that are ours in Christ. The subtle note of the Geshurites and Maachathites remaining in their land serves as a gentle yet firm reminder: God often gives us spiritual "territories" to conquer—areas of sin, fear, doubt, or ungodly habits—and we are called to fully possess what He has given, not settling for partial victory or incomplete obedience. Our spiritual growth requires diligent pursuit of all that Christ has secured for us, refusing to allow any "unconquered" areas to remain in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed nature of God's promises in Joshua 13:11 encourage your trust in His promises for your life today?**
* **What "territories" (areas of life, habits, or spiritual strongholds) has God called you to fully possess, but you might be settling for partial victory?**
* **In what ways can we actively pursue and "take possession" of the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why is this verse so specific about geography?**

Answer: The specificity about geography in Joshua 13:11 serves multiple crucial purposes. Theologically, it underscores the literal and tangible fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan. It demonstrates that God's word is not abstract but precise and meticulously carried out. Practically, these detailed geographical descriptions functioned as legal and administrative documents, defining the precise boundaries for each tribe. This prevented disputes over territory and ensured that each tribe knew its rightful inheritance, contributing to the orderly establishment of the nation. The precision also highlights the reality of the divine gift; this was a real land, with real mountains, rivers, and borders, given by a real God.

**What is the significance of the Geshurites and Maachathites still being present?**

Answer: The mention of the Geshurites and Maachathites at the border, implying their continued presence within or adjacent to the promised land, is highly significant. It highlights Israel's incomplete obedience to God's command to utterly dispossess all the inhabitants of the land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Command to Destroy Inhabitants")). This recurring theme throughout Joshua and Judges (e.g., [Judges 1:21](/judges/1-21 "Judges 1:21 - Benjamin's Failure in Jerusalem")) demonstrates the consequences of partial obedience. Their continued presence would later become a snare for Israel, leading to intermarriage, idolatry, and a departure from God's ways. Thus, this seemingly minor detail serves as a subtle yet powerful foreshadowing of future struggles and a testament to the dangers of compromising with sin and unbelief.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous division of the land in Joshua 13:11, representing Israel's physical inheritance, finds its ultimate and infinitely greater fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Israel received a temporal, earthly inheritance, believers in Christ receive an eternal, spiritual inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Jesus is the true "Promised Land," the ultimate rest and possession for God's people, into whom we are brought by faith ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Rest in Christ")). The incomplete conquest in Joshua, subtly alluded to by the unconquered Geshurites and Maachathites, underscores humanity's inability to fully achieve God's perfect will or secure ultimate victory on its own. This inadequacy points to the necessity of a perfect Deliverer. Jesus, through His perfect obedience, atoning sacrifice, and triumphant resurrection, fully conquers sin, death, and the powers of darkness, securing a complete and eternal inheritance for all who believe ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true Joshua, leading His people not into a physical territory, but into the spiritual kingdom of God, where every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places is ours in Him ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")). The precise boundaries of the land in Joshua foreshadow the precise and perfect plan of salvation orchestrated by Christ, who distributes spiritual gifts and roles within His eternal kingdom, ensuring the full possession of our spiritual blessings in Him ([Ephesians 4:7-8](/ephesians/4-7 "Ephesians 4:7-8 - Christ's Distribution of Gifts")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 2:23

And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, [even] threescore cities. All these [belonged to] the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.

Joshua 12:2

Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, [and] ruled from Aroer, which [is] upon the bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of the river, and from half Gilead, even unto the river Jabbok, [which is] the border of the children of Ammon;

Joshua 12:5

And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.

Deuteronomy 4:47

And they possessed his land, and the land of Og king of Bashan, two kings of the Amorites, which [were] on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;

Deuteronomy 4:48

From Aroer, which [is] by the bank of the river Arnon, even unto mount Sion, which [is] Hermon,