Joshua 13:16

KJV

And their coast was from Aroer, that [is] on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that [is] in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;

KJV (with Strong's)

And their coast {H1366} was from Aroer {H6177}, that is on the bank {H8193} of the river {H5158} Arnon {H769}, and the city {H5892} that is in the midst {H8432} of the river {H5158}, and all the plain {H4334} by Medeba {H4311};

Complete Jewish Bible

Their territory included 'Aro'er on the edge of the Arnon Valley, the city in the middle of the valley, all the plateau near Meidva,

Berean Standard Bible

The territory from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, to the whole plateau beyond Medeba,

American Standard Version

And their border was from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain by Medeba;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 13:16 provides a precise geographical description of the southern boundary of the territory allotted to the tribe of Reuben, one of the Israelite tribes settling east of the Jordan River. This verse, part of an extensive record of land distribution, meticulously details key landmarks such as Aroer, the Arnon River, and the plain by Medeba, underscoring God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by granting them their designated inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 13:16 is situated within the lengthy section of Joshua chapters 13-19, which meticulously records the division of the promised land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Specifically, Joshua 13 focuses on the territories assigned to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who had chosen to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River before the main conquest of Canaan (as detailed in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - Settlement of the Transjordan Tribes")). This verse, therefore, is not an isolated geographical note but a crucial part of the detailed legal and historical documentation of God's precise fulfillment of His covenant promises, demonstrating the tangible reality of Israel's inheritance. It follows the general introduction to Reuben's inheritance in [Joshua 13:15](/joshua/13-15 "Joshua 13:15 - Reuben's Inheritance Begins"), providing the specific southern border.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of land in ancient Israel was a monumental event, rooted in God's covenant with Abraham (see [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The Arnon River served as a significant natural boundary in the Transjordan region, historically separating the territory of Moab to the south from the Amorite kingdom of Sihon to the north, which Israel had conquered (as recounted in [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21 "Numbers 21 - Israel's Conquests")). Aroer, mentioned here, was a strategically important city often marking the northern border of Moabite territory and the southern extent of Israelite influence in Transjordan. The "plain by Medeba" refers to the fertile plateau region north of the Arnon, a contested area historically, but now firmly within Reuben's designated inheritance, bordering the Moabite lands. This detailed mapping reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of defining precise boundaries to prevent future disputes and establish clear ownership.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording of geographical markers and tribal boundaries in Joshua 13:16 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Primarily, it highlights the **Fulfillment of God's Promises**, demonstrating God's absolute faithfulness in granting the promised land to His people, down to every specific detail. This precision underscores God's **Order and Specificity** in His divine plan; the land was not merely conquered but divinely apportioned, emphasizing God's ultimate sovereignty over nations and territories. Furthermore, the concept of **Divine Allotment** is central, affirming that each tribe received its designated portion as a gift from God, reinforcing the idea of inheritance as a blessing and a tangible expression of God's covenant loyalty (compare with [Genesis 49:28](/genesis/49-28 "Genesis 49:28 - Jacob's Blessings to His Sons")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Coast (Hebrew, _gevul'_):** The King James Version's use of "coast" here does not refer to a shoreline, but accurately translates the Hebrew word גְּבוּל (_gevul_), which consistently means "boundary," "border," "territory," or "limit." This emphasizes that the verse is meticulously defining the precise frontier of Reuben's inherited land.
* **Aroer (Hebrew, _‘Aro‘er'_):** This city (עֲרוֹעֵר) was a significant landmark, often mentioned in connection with the Arnon River. Its strategic location on the northern bank of the Arnon made it a crucial point for defining the southern border of Israelite territory in Transjordan, particularly for Reuben.
* **Arnon (Hebrew, _‘Arnon'_):** The Arnon (אַרְנוֹן) is a prominent wadi or riverbed that served as a major natural and political boundary in the Transjordan region. Its mention here signifies a clear, recognizable, and enduring geographical marker for Reuben's southern limit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And their coast was from Aroer":** This clause establishes the starting point of the southern boundary for the tribe of Reuben. "Coast" here means their defined territory or border. Aroer serves as the initial landmark from which the boundary extends.
* **"that [is] on the bank of the river Arnon":** This phrase further specifies the exact location of Aroer, situating it precisely on the northern edge of the Arnon River. This detail provides clarity and precision to the boundary description, anchoring it to a major geographical feature.
* **"and the city that [is] in the midst of the river":** This unique detail likely refers to a specific part of Aroer, or a related settlement, that was built on an island or within the riverbed itself. This highlights the strategic and defensible nature of the location, potentially indicating a fortified outpost within the Arnon's natural defenses.
* **"and all the plain by Medeba":** This final phrase extends the description of Reuben's territory beyond the immediate riverbank. "The plain by Medeba" refers to the fertile plateau region stretching northward and eastward from the Arnon towards the significant city of Medeba, indicating the broader expanse of land allotted to Reuben.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 13:16 primarily employs **Topographical Listing**, a common literary device in ancient Near Eastern land grants and historical records. This technique involves the meticulous enumeration of geographical features, cities, and natural landmarks to define precise boundaries. The verse also demonstrates **Precision** and **Specificity**, using detailed spatial references to leave no ambiguity regarding the extent of Reuben's inheritance. This meticulous detail, repeated across the tribal allotments in Joshua 13-19, functions as a form of **Legal Documentation**, serving as a permanent record of God's fulfillment of His promises and the divinely ordained order of the land's distribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 13:16, though a seemingly dry geographical listing, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a tangible demonstration of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, specifically the Abrahamic covenant to give the land of Canaan to Abraham's descendants. The meticulous detail in outlining the boundaries underscores God's precision and orderliness, revealing that His plans are not vague but intricately designed and perfectly executed. This verse reminds us that God's promises are not mere generalities but specific, concrete realities that He brings to pass with exactitude. It also highlights the concept of divine inheritance, where God Himself apportions and defines the boundaries of His people's blessings.

* [Deuteronomy 2:36](/deuteronomy/2-36 "Deuteronomy 2:36 - Aroer and the Arnon as a Border")
* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34:1-12 - God's Instructions for Land Division")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalm/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God Dividing the Land by Lot")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed geographical description in Joshua 13:16, while focusing on ancient territorial boundaries, offers timeless principles for our lives. It powerfully illustrates God's meticulous care and faithfulness in fulfilling His word, even in what might seem like mundane details. Just as God precisely defined the inheritance for Reuben, He also defines the "boundaries" and "territories" of our lives—whether they are our gifts, callings, relationships, or even the limits of our circumstances. This verse invites us to trust in God's sovereign hand, recognizing that His plans for us are not haphazard but are marked by divine order and precision. Embracing the boundaries God sets, and understanding that our "inheritance" in Him is secure and clearly defined, can bring profound peace and clarity, freeing us to live within the specific purposes He has for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land distribution in Joshua 13:16 affirm His faithfulness to His promises in your life?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be defining "boundaries" or "territories" for you, and how can you embrace His specific plan?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of order and precision in God's divine will, even in seemingly mundane details?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed geographical listing included in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of such detailed geographical listings, as seen in Joshua 13:16 and throughout the book, serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides a **legal and historical record** of the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Abrahamic Covenant and Land Promise")). These precise boundaries demonstrate that God's word is not vague but concrete and tangible. Secondly, it acted as a **deed of ownership** for each tribe, preventing future disputes over territory and establishing clear possession. Thirdly, it underscores God's **sovereignty and meticulous care** in His dealings with His people. Every detail, no matter how small, is part of His divine plan, highlighting His orderly nature and His active involvement in the lives of His chosen nation. It transforms what might appear as a dry list into a powerful testimony of divine faithfulness and precision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 13:16 details a physical inheritance in a specific land, its deeper theological resonance points to the spiritual inheritance and fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous division of the promised land foreshadows the perfect and secure inheritance that believers receive in Christ, not a geographical territory but a spiritual reality within the Kingdom of God. Just as Reuben received a defined "coast" or boundary, believers are given a secure and eternal inheritance through Christ's redemptive work (see [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, providing not just a land but an eternal "rest" (as hinted at in [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")) and a dwelling place in His Father's house (as promised in [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). The precision of the land allotment in Joshua prefigures the certainty and immutability of the spiritual blessings and heavenly citizenship that are ours by grace through faith in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Joshua 13:9

From Aroer, that [is] upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that [is] in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon;

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;

Deuteronomy 3:12

¶ And this land, [which] we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which [is] by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.

Jeremiah 48:21

And judgment is come upon the plain country; upon Holon, and upon Jahazah, and upon Mephaath,

Jeremiah 48:24

And upon Kerioth, and upon Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near.

Isaiah 15:4

And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh: their voice shall be heard [even] unto Jahaz: therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; his life shall be grievous unto him.

Isaiah 16:7

Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely [they are] stricken.