Joshua 13:20

KJV

And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth,

KJV (with Strong's)

And Bethpeor {H1047}, and Ashdothpisgah {H798}{H794}, and Bethjeshimoth {H1020},

Complete Jewish Bible

Beit-P'or, the slopes of Pisgah, Beit-Yeshimot,

Berean Standard Bible

Beth-peor, the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth—

American Standard Version

and Beth-peor, and the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 13:20 meticulously lists three significant geographical locations—Bethpeor, Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth—as integral parts of the tribal inheritance allocated to the Reubenites. This verse, seemingly a mere catalog of place names, underscores the divine precision and faithfulness in the fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises, meticulously detailing the boundaries of the Promised Land for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua chapter 13 marks a pivotal transition in the book of Joshua. Having largely completed the initial conquest of Canaan, the narrative shifts from warfare to the detailed division of the land among the Israelite tribes. The chapter opens with God instructing an aged Joshua to distribute the remaining unconquered territory, emphasizing that the land, though not fully subdued, was already given by divine decree. Verses 8-33 specifically detail the inheritance of the tribes east of the Jordan River—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—a distribution initiated by Moses before his death, as recorded in [Deuteronomy 3:12-17](/deuteronomy/3-12 "Deuteronomy 3:12-17 - Moses' Distribution of Land East of Jordan"). Within this larger section, [Joshua 13:15-23](/joshua/13-15 "Joshua 13:15-23 - The Inheritance of Reuben") focuses specifically on Reuben's portion. Verse 20, therefore, is a precise geographical marker within the detailed inventory of Reuben's tribal boundaries, contributing to the comprehensive record of Israel's divinely ordained land tenure.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of land was a foundational act for the nascent Israelite nation, transitioning them from nomadic wanderers to settled inhabitants with defined territorial identities. This process was not merely administrative but deeply theological, rooted in God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising them the land of Canaan as an eternal possession ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). The specific locations mentioned in [Joshua 13:20](/joshua/13-20 "Joshua 13:20 - Reuben's Inheritance") carry significant historical weight. Bethpeor, for instance, is infamous as the site of Israel's idolatry and sexual immorality with the Moabites, involving the worship of Baal-peor, which led to a devastating plague ([Numbers 25:1-9](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1-9 - The Sin at Baal-Peor")). Ashdothpisgah refers to the "slopes of Pisgah," a prominent peak in the Abarim mountain range from which Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death ([Deuteronomy 34:1-4](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1-4 - Moses Views the Promised Land from Pisgah")). These names are not arbitrary but serve as historical anchors, connecting Reuben's inheritance to key moments in Israel's wilderness journey and early history.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of towns and boundaries in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land East of Jordan") and specifically in [Joshua 13:20](/joshua/13-20 "Joshua 13:20 - Reuben's Inheritance") powerfully reinforces several overarching themes of the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of God's Promises**, demonstrating Yahweh's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant word, as the land promised generations ago is now being physically apportioned. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Order and Specificity**, revealing God's precise and orderly nature in orchestrating the division of the land, ensuring each tribe received its designated portion with clear, divinely appointed boundaries. This reflects a God who is intimately involved in the details of His people's lives and destiny. Thirdly, the emphasis on **Tribal Inheritance** establishes the distinct identity and territorial security of each tribe within the Promised Land, laying the groundwork for their future national and religious life. The inclusion of places with significant past events also subtly introduces the theme of **Remembering History**, serving as a reminder of both divine faithfulness and human failure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bethpeor (Hebrew, _Bēth Peʿôr'_):** Meaning "house of Peor," this location is primarily remembered for its association with the idolatrous worship of Baal-peor and the subsequent plague that afflicted Israel in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-Peor"). Its inclusion here is a stark reminder of past national sin and the consequences of compromising with pagan practices. The name itself, linking "house" (place) with "Peor" (a deity or mountain associated with the deity), signifies a place of cultic significance, now claimed by Israel.
* **Ashdothpisgah (Hebrew, _ʾAšdōth ha-Pisgāh'_):** Translating to "slopes of Pisgah," this refers to the foothills or lower slopes of Mount Pisgah, a prominent peak within the Abarim mountain range. Mount Pisgah holds immense significance as the vantage point from which Moses was granted a panoramic view of the entire Promised Land before his death, as recounted in [Deuteronomy 34:1](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1 - Moses on Pisgah"). Its inclusion links Reuben's territory to a site of profound prophetic vision and the end of the Mosaic era.
* **Bethjeshimoth (Hebrew, _Bēth ha-Yəšîmōth'_):** Meaning "house of deserts" or "house of desolations," this name likely describes the geographical character of the area—a more arid or desolate region, possibly bordering the wilderness or the Dead Sea. Its name suggests a less fertile, perhaps more remote, part of the inheritance, highlighting the diversity of the land allotted to Reuben.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Bethpeor":** This marks the first of three specific towns or regions listed as part of Reuben's inheritance. Its particular historical notoriety (as the site of the Baal-peor incident) adds a layer of theological weight to its inclusion, serving as a silent, yet potent, reminder of Israel's past failures and God's judgment, even as they inherit the land.
* **"and Ashdothpisgah":** This second geographical marker points to the slopes of Mount Pisgah, a site deeply significant in Israelite history as the place where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. Its inclusion connects Reuben's territory to the culmination of the wilderness journey and the fulfillment of God's promise to Moses, even if he could not enter.
* **"and Bethjeshimoth":** The final location in this list, "house of deserts," likely indicates a town situated in a more desolate or wilderness-adjacent area. This detail contributes to the precise delineation of Reuben's boundaries, showing the extent and varied nature of their allotted land, from more fertile areas to the fringes of the wilderness.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Joshua 13:20](/joshua/13-20 "Joshua 13:20 - Reuben's Inheritance"), and indeed throughout the detailed land allotments in Joshua, is **Cataloging** or **Listing**. This meticulous enumeration of places serves to emphasize the precision and completeness of the divine promise's fulfillment. Each name, though seemingly mundane, acts as a **Toponym** (a place name) that carries historical, geographical, and often theological significance, transforming a simple list into a rich tapestry of Israel's past and future. The repetition of the conjunction "and" (**Polysyndeton**) before each location creates a sense of exhaustive detail and methodical progression, reinforcing the idea that every part of the promised land, down to its specific towns, was divinely ordained and meticulously accounted for. This detailed listing also functions as a form of **Verisimilitude**, lending an air of historical accuracy and authenticity to the narrative, assuring the reader of the tangible reality of God's covenant faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 13:20, though a simple list of place names, is profoundly theological. It testifies to God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, demonstrating that His word is not vague but precise and tangible. The detailed allocation of land, down to specific towns, underscores God's divine order and sovereignty over the earth and the destiny of nations. Furthermore, the inclusion of places like Bethpeor, a site of national apostasy, serves as a subtle, yet powerful, reminder of Israel's past failures and the enduring consequences of sin, even as they enter into their inheritance. This juxtaposition highlights God's grace in still granting the land despite their unfaithfulness, while simultaneously providing a historical marker for future generations to learn from.

* [Numbers 25:1-9](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1-9 - The Sin at Baal-Peor")
* [Deuteronomy 34:1-4](/deuteronomy/34-1 "Deuteronomy 34:1-4 - Moses Views the Promised Land")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalm/105-8 "Psalm 105:8-11 - God's Enduring Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list of names in Joshua 13:20 offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God meticulously fulfilled His promises to Israel, providing them with a tangible inheritance down to the specific towns, so too does He work with precision and faithfulness in our lives. This verse reminds us that God's promises are not abstract but are concretely realized, often in specific and tailored ways that meet our deepest needs. It encourages us to trust in His detailed providence, knowing that He oversees every aspect of our lives and has a specific "inheritance" for us, whether it be spiritual blessings, a particular calling, or the assurance of eternal life. Moreover, the historical markers within Reuben's territory serve as a reminder to learn from both the triumphs and failures of those who came before us. We are called to remember God's faithfulness through generations and to guard against the temptations that led Israel astray, such as idolatry and disobedience. Our spiritual journey is also marked by specific "places" of encounter, challenge, and growth, each contributing to our divinely appointed path.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land distribution in Joshua 13:20 encourage your trust in His precise and faithful care for your own life?**
* **What "historical markers" in your own spiritual journey—moments of failure or triumph—can serve as reminders for future growth and obedience?**
* **In what ways do you perceive your spiritual "inheritance" in Christ to be as specific and tangible as the physical land inheritance was for Israel?**

### FAQ

**Why is a verse listing place names important for understanding the Bible?**

Answer: A verse like [Joshua 13:20](/joshua/13-20 "Joshua 13:20 - Reuben's Inheritance"), though seemingly just a list of names, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides concrete evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants to give them the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). The meticulous detail underscores the tangible reality of this divine promise. Secondly, these place names often carry significant historical and theological weight. For instance, Bethpeor recalls a major incident of Israelite apostasy ([Numbers 25:1-9](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1-9 - The Sin at Baal-Peor")), serving as a reminder of past lessons. Thirdly, the detailed geographical delineation establishes the tribal identities and boundaries, which were foundational for the social, political, and religious structure of ancient Israel. It shows God's orderly nature in establishing His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 13:20 details a physical land inheritance for the tribe of Reuben, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the spiritual inheritance believers receive through Christ. Just as Israel received a specific, tangible portion of the Promised Land, believers in Christ are granted an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The meticulous detail of the land division foreshadows the precision of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ, who is the ultimate "Promised Land" and the source of all spiritual blessings ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The historical markers within Reuben's territory also point to Christ: the sin at Bethpeor, where idolatry led to death, is overcome by Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing true atonement and cleansing. Moses viewing the land from Pisgah, unable to enter due to sin, foreshadows Christ, the greater Moses and ultimate High Priest, who not only leads His people into the true rest but also enters the heavenly sanctuary on their behalf ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Rest in Christ") and [Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ Enters the Heavenly Sanctuary")). Thus, the specific land allotments in Joshua ultimately direct our gaze to the comprehensive and eternal inheritance found only in Jesus Christ.

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 12:3

And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah:

Deuteronomy 4:46

On this side Jordan, in the valley over against Bethpeor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel smote, after they were come forth out of Egypt:

Ezekiel 25:9

Therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities [which are] on his frontiers, the glory of the country, Bethjeshimoth, Baalmeon, and Kiriathaim,

Numbers 25:3

And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.

Deuteronomy 3:17

The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast [thereof], from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.

Numbers 33:49

And they pitched by Jordan, from Bethjesimoth [even] unto Abelshittim in the plains of Moab.