Joshua 13:21

KJV

And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, [which were] dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the cities {H5892} of the plain {H4334}, and all the kingdom {H4468} of Sihon {H5511} king {H4428} of the Amorites {H567}, which reigned {H4427} in Heshbon {H2809}, whom Moses {H4872} smote {H5221} with the princes {H5387} of Midian {H4080}, Evi {H189}, and Rekem {H7552}, and Zur {H6698}, and Hur {H2354}, and Reba {H7254}, which were dukes {H5257} of Sihon {H5511}, dwelling {H3427} in the country {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

all the cities of the plateau - all the kingdom of Sichon king of the Emori, who ruled in Heshbon. Moshe defeated him with the chiefs of Midyan, along with Evi, Rekem, Tzur, Hur and Reva the princes of Sichon who lived in the land.

Berean Standard Bible

all the cities of the plateau and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon until Moses killed him and the chiefs of Midian (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba), the princes of Sihon who lived in the land.

American Standard Version

and all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the chiefs of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the princes of Sihon, that dwelt in the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 13:21 meticulously recounts the territory east of the Jordan River already secured under Moses' leadership, providing a crucial historical and geographical anchor within the broader narrative of Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land. It specifically details the cities of the plain and the kingdom of Sihon, king of the Amorites, whose capital was Heshbon, along with the Midianite princes (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba) who were allied with Sihon and decisively defeated. This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises through past victories, thereby establishing the divine legitimacy for the subsequent meticulous division of the land among the tribes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 13 marks a significant transition in the book, shifting from the intense period of conquest to the detailed, divinely ordained division of the land. Joshua, now "old and advanced in years," receives a direct command from God, acknowledging that "much land remains to be possessed" [Joshua 13:1](/joshua/13-1 "Joshua 13:1 - The Land Yet to Be Possessed"). Despite this remaining task, the chapter immediately pivots to the meticulous allocation of territory. Verse 21 is specifically embedded within the description of the land allotted to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who had chosen to settle on the east side of the Jordan. This verse serves as a vital historical reference, affirming the legitimacy and divine sanction of their inheritance by recalling the decisive victories achieved under Moses' leadership before Israel even crossed into Canaan proper. It highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan and His consistent faithfulness across generations of leadership, from Moses to Joshua.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The defeat of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and his capital Heshbon, along with his Midianite allies, was a foundational event preceding Israel's entry into the main land of Canaan. The Amorites were a formidable Semitic people who had established powerful kingdoms in the Transjordan region. Sihon's refusal to grant Israel peaceful passage through his territory, as detailed in [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21-35 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Israel Defeats Sihon and Og"), led to a divinely ordained confrontation and his complete defeat. Heshbon was a strategically vital city, controlling key trade routes and access points, making its capture a significant military and political triumph. The mention of the Midianite princes (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba) as "dukes of Sihon" suggests a political alliance or vassalage, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against those who opposed Israel. This detailed enumeration of names and places was crucial for legal and historical documentation in the ancient Near East, establishing clear boundaries and legitimate claims to conquered territory, a practice common in treaties and land grants of the period.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes evident throughout Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reiterates the theme of **Divine Fulfillment of Promise**, showcasing God's unwavering faithfulness in delivering on His covenant to give Israel the land, a promise first made to Abraham [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"). The fact that significant portions of the land were already secured under Moses underscores that God's work precedes and enables human effort, laying the groundwork for future success. Secondly, it emphasizes **Historical Continuity and Precedent**, reminding the new generation of Israelites under Joshua that the same God who granted victory to Moses against formidable foes would continue to fight for them. This historical precedent served as a powerful source of encouragement and a basis for trust in God's ongoing power and presence, particularly as they faced new challenges. Lastly, the meticulous detail in naming cities, kings, and princes highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Administration**. The land division was not a vague occupation but a precise, divinely sanctioned inheritance, ensuring each tribe received its designated portion, reflecting God's meticulous care for His people and His orderly establishment of their nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sihon (Hebrew, _Sîḥōn'_):** King of the Amorites, whose capital was Heshbon. His name, meaning "tempestuous," reflects his formidable nature. His refusal to allow Israel passage through his territory led to his decisive defeat by Moses, a foundational victory that secured the Transjordan region for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh. His defeat became a significant historical marker, often cited in later biblical texts as a testament to God's power and faithfulness (e.g., [Psalm 135:11](/psalms/135-11 "Psalm 135:11 - God Smote Sihon and Og")).
* **Amorites (Hebrew, _ʾĔmōrī'_):** A prominent Semitic people group in the ancient Near East, often depicted as formidable inhabitants of Canaan and the Transjordan. The term likely means "mountaineer" or "prominent one," reflecting their strength and widespread presence. Their defeat by Israel, particularly Sihon and Og, represented a significant step in the conquest, demonstrating God's judgment against the wicked nations and His faithfulness to His covenant people.
* **Dukes (Hebrew, _nᵉçîyk'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to pour out" (as in a libation or anointing), refers to a prince or chieftain, often implying one who is "anointed" or established in authority. In this context, it signifies the high-ranking status of the Midianite leaders (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba) and their political connection to Sihon. Their defeat alongside Sihon underscores the comprehensive nature of the victory and the extent of the judgment against those who opposed Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon":** This clause precisely defines the geographical and political scope of the conquered territory that forms the subject of this verse. "The cities of the plain" refers to the fertile plateau region east of the Jordan River, specifically within the domain of Sihon. The explicit mention of "Sihon king of the Amorites" and his capital "Heshbon" grounds the historical event in specific, verifiable details, emphasizing the totality of the victory over a significant regional power and establishing a clear boundary for the subsequent land allocation.
* **"whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, [which were] dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country":** This part attributes the decisive victory directly to Moses, acting as God's chosen instrument, thereby reinforcing the continuity of divine leadership and power from the wilderness generation to the conquest. The enumeration of the five Midianite princes (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba), explicitly stated as "dukes of Sihon," clarifies their political affiliation and shared fate with Sihon, indicating a coalition that was comprehensively defeated. This detailed account serves to confirm the thoroughness of the conquest and the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against Israel's enemies, linking this specific victory to broader narratives of divine justice and the establishment of Israel's inheritance. The phrase "dwelling in the country" further emphasizes that these leaders, along with Sihon, were deeply entrenched in the land, making their defeat all the more significant.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 13:21 primarily employs **Enumeration**, a literary device where a list of names and places is provided (Sihon, Heshbon, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, Reba; "cities of the plain," "kingdom of Sihon"). This detailed listing serves a crucial purpose: to establish the historical accuracy, legal legitimacy, and comprehensive nature of the land distribution. It functions as a precise record, affirming the boundaries and ownership of the territories already secured. Coupled with enumeration is **Historical Recapitulation**, as the verse succinctly summarizes a past, pivotal event—Moses' decisive defeat of Sihon and the Midianite princes. This recapitulation serves not only as a factual reminder but also as a theological statement, underscoring God's consistent faithfulness and power demonstrated through past victories, thereby bolstering the faith and confidence of the present generation undertaking the land division. The phrase "whom Moses smote" also subtly utilizes **Metonymy**, where "Moses" stands for the divine power and authority operating through him, emphasizing that the victory was ultimately God's work accomplished through His chosen leader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 13:21 stands as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and the comprehensive nature of His covenant promises. It serves as a historical anchor, reminding Israel that their present inheritance is rooted in past divine victories. The meticulous recounting of conquered territories and defeated kings underscores that God is sovereign over nations and history, orchestrating events to fulfill His redemptive purposes. This verse highlights that even before the main campaigns under Joshua, God had already secured significant portions of the land, demonstrating His proactive and unfailing provision for His people. It reinforces the theological truth that God's promises are concrete, tangible, and meticulously fulfilled, providing a secure foundation for Israel's identity and future as a divinely established nation.

* [Numbers 21:21-35](/numbers/21-21-35 "Numbers 21:21-35 - Israel Defeats Sihon and Og")
* [Deuteronomy 2:26-37](/deuteronomy/2-26-37 "Deuteronomy 2:26-37 - The Defeat of Sihon")
* [Psalm 135:10-12](/psalms/135-10-12 "Psalm 135:10-12 - God's Mighty Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 13:21, though a historical detail, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of remembering God's past faithfulness. Just as the Israelites were reminded of Moses' victories to strengthen their resolve for future challenges, we too are called to recall how God has intervened, provided, and delivered us in our own lives and throughout history. This act of remembrance builds trust and confidence, assuring us that the same God who was faithful in the past remains faithful today and forever. It teaches us to trust in God's meticulous and sovereign plan, even when our "promised land" still has "much land to be possessed." We can rest in the knowledge that God's promises are not vague aspirations but concrete realities that He will bring to fruition, often through human instruments, but always by His divine power. This verse reminds us that our inheritance, both spiritual and temporal, is secured by God's prior work and ongoing provision, prompting us to live in gratitude and confident expectation, knowing that His plans for us are good and will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness in your life or in biblical history strengthen your faith for present challenges?**
* **In what areas of your life do you feel there is "much land to be possessed," and how does the detailed account of God's provision in Joshua 13:21 encourage you to trust in God's ongoing work?**
* **How does the sovereignty of God over nations and rulers, as seen in the defeat of Sihon and the Midianite princes, inform your perspective on current global events and your trust in His ultimate control?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important for Joshua 13:21 to list these specific kings and cities, especially since the defeat of Sihon and the Midianite princes already happened under Moses?**

Answer: The meticulous listing in Joshua 13:21 serves several critical purposes within the narrative of Israel's inheritance. Firstly, it provides **legal and historical validation** for the land allotments to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. By explicitly stating that Moses had already conquered this territory, it establishes a clear, undeniable claim for these tribes, preventing future disputes over their designated inheritance. Secondly, it emphasizes **divine continuity and faithfulness**. It reminds the new generation under Joshua that God's covenant promises are being fulfilled consistently, from Moses' leadership to Joshua's. The victories were not random but part of God's overarching plan to give Israel their inheritance, showcasing His unwavering commitment. Thirdly, it highlights the **completeness of the initial conquest east of the Jordan**. The detailed enumeration of "all the cities of the plain" and the specific mention of Sihon and his allied Midianite princes underscores that this region was thoroughly subdued, laying a secure foundation for the tribes settling there. This detailed record reinforces the truth that God's work is thorough and precise, ensuring that every aspect of His promise is brought to fruition, as seen in the later summary of God's faithfulness in [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Promises Fulfilled").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 13:21, while detailing a historical land conquest, powerfully points forward to the ultimate and spiritual inheritance secured by Christ. The decisive defeat of Sihon and the Midianite princes by Moses, God's chosen leader, foreshadows Christ's even more profound and comprehensive victory over the spiritual enemies of God's people. Just as Moses, a significant type of Christ, led Israel to conquer earthly kingdoms and secure a physical inheritance, so Jesus, our greater Moses ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")), has conquered sin, death, and the demonic powers, securing an eternal and spiritual inheritance for all who believe ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The meticulous detail of land allotment in Joshua prefigures the precise and secure spiritual blessings and inheritance we receive in Christ, which are described as "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - The Living Hope")). Our "Promised Land" is not merely a geographical location but a spiritual reality in the kingdom of God, fully realized through the atoning work and resurrection of our Lord. The victories under Moses and Joshua, though significant in their time, were but shadows of the ultimate triumph achieved by the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), granting us access to the true and everlasting inheritance of salvation and eternal life.

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

Numbers 31:8

And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; [namely], Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.

Deuteronomy 3:10

All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.

Deuteronomy 2:30

But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as [appeareth] this day.

Deuteronomy 2:36

From Aroer, which [is] by the brink of the river of Arnon, and [from] the city that [is] by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:

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 21:35

So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.