Joshua 13:25

And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that [is] before Rabbah;

And their coast {H1366} was Jazer {H3270}, and all the cities {H5892} of Gilead {H1568}, and half {H2677} the land {H776} of the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983}, unto Aroer {H6177} that is before {H6440} Rabbah {H7237};

Their territory included Ya'zer; all the cities of Gil'ad; half the land of the people of 'Amon, as far as 'Aro'er fronting Rabbah -

The territory of Jazer, all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites as far as Aroer, near Rabbah;

And their border was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that is before Rabbah;

Commentary

Context

Joshua 13 marks a pivotal point in the Book of Joshua, transitioning from conquest to the detailed distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel. This chapter specifically outlines the territories given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who had chosen to settle on the east side of the Jordan River. Verse 25 precisely describes a portion of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Gad, highlighting its geographical extent and the specific locations that defined its borders. This allocation was part of the land that Moses had already apportioned before his death, as recorded in Numbers 32:33, underscoring the continuity of God's plan and the meticulous nature of its fulfillment.

Geographical Description

This verse provides key geographical markers delineating the southern and eastern boundaries of Gad's territory:

  • Jazer: A significant city known for its pasturelands, located in the region of Gilead. Its inclusion emphasizes the agricultural and pastoral nature of the land, which was ideal for the livestock-rich tribes like Gad.
  • All the cities of Gilead: Gilead was a large, fertile region east of the Jordan, famous for its balm and rich pastures. Its cities formed a substantial part of Gad's inheritance, indicating a wide and well-defined territory.
  • Half the land of the children of Ammon: This phrase indicates that Gad's territory extended into what was historically Ammonite land. This shared or claimed border often led to future conflicts and disputes between Israel and the Ammonites, as seen in Jephthah's interactions with the Ammonites.
  • Unto Aroer that is before Rabbah: Aroer frequently marks a southern border point for Israelite territories east of the Jordan. Rabbah was the capital city of the Ammonites. The phrase "before Rabbah" signifies Aroer's strategic location in relation to this major Ammonite center, further defining the easternmost extent of Gad's claim.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Divine Promise: The detailed description of these specific boundaries underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants. Every geographical detail serves as a testament to His precise execution of His word.
  • Divine Order and Provision: The meticulous division of land, even for tribes settled east of the Jordan, highlights God's orderly nature and His comprehensive provision for His people. He ensures that each tribe receives its designated inheritance.
  • Tribal Identity and Borders: These defined territories were crucial for establishing the unique identity and boundaries of each tribe within the emerging nation of Israel. They provided a clear sense of belonging and responsibility for the land.

Linguistic Insight

The King James Version's use of "coast" in "their coast was Jazer" does not refer to a shoreline, but rather to the border or territory of the land. It emphasizes the extent and boundaries of the tribal allotment, defining the precise geographical limits of the tribe of Gad's inheritance.

Practical Application

Just as God meticulously apportioned land to the tribes of Israel, He has a specific place, purpose, and sphere of influence for each believer today. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of:

  • God's Faithfulness: He is faithful to fulfill His promises, no matter how detailed or seemingly insignificant they may appear. We can trust Him with the specifics of our lives.
  • Understanding Our "Territory": It's important for us to understand and operate within the "boundaries" or callings God has set for us, recognizing our unique gifts and responsibilities within His kingdom.
  • Receiving Our Inheritance: While the Israelites received a physical land, believers today receive a spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is far greater and eternal, as described in Ephesians 1:11. This verse encourages us to claim and live out that inheritance.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 3:11

    For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead [was] a bedstead of iron; [is] it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits [was] the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.

  • 2 Samuel 12:26

    ¶ And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.

  • Numbers 32:35

    And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah,

  • 2 Samuel 11:1

    ¶ And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth [to battle], that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.

  • 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.

  • Numbers 21:30

    We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which [reacheth] unto Medeba.

  • Deuteronomy 2:19

    And [when] thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon [any] possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot [for] a possession.
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