Joshua 13:3

From Sihor, which [is] before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, [which] is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:

From Sihor {H7883}, which is before {H6440} Egypt {H4714}, even unto the borders {H1366} of Ekron {H6138} northward {H6828}, which is counted {H2803} to the Canaanite {H3669}: five {H2568} lords {H5633} of the Philistines {H6430}; the Gazathites {H5841}, and the Ashdothites {H796}, the Eshkalonites {H832}, the Gittites {H1663}, and the Ekronites {H6139}; also the Avites {H5761}:

from the Shichor which fronts Egypt, to the border of 'Ekron (northward from there the land is considered as belonging to the Kena'ani)-that is, the territory of the rulers of the P'lishtim in 'Azah, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gat and 'Ekron; also the 'Avim

All the territory of the Philistines and the Geshurites, from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites;

from the Shihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the border of Ekron northward, which is reckoned to the Canaanites; the five lords of the Philistines; the Gazites, and the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avvim,

Commentary

Joshua 13:3 outlines a significant portion of the land that remained unconquered by the Israelites, despite the initial successful campaigns under Joshua. This verse specifically details the southern coastal regions, primarily controlled by the Philistines and other indigenous groups.

Context

This verse is part of a crucial section in the book of Joshua (chapter 13) where God instructs an aging Joshua about the division of the Promised Land among the tribes, even though much of it had not yet been fully subdued. Joshua 13:1 sets the stage, noting that "there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed." Verse 3 then specifies the territory from "Sihor, which is before Egypt," often identified as the Brook of Egypt, marking Israel's traditional southwest border, extending northward to Ekron. This area was home to the powerful Philistine city-states and the Avites.

Key Themes

  • Unconquered Territory: The verse highlights the significant portions of the land that Israel had not yet fully taken possession of, despite God's command to dispossess the inhabitants. This sets the stage for future conflicts and challenges for the Israelites.
  • The Philistine Threat: The explicit mention of the "five lords of the Philistines"—Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron—underscores the formidable presence of this confederacy. These cities formed the core of the Philistine pentapolis, which would become a persistent and powerful enemy of Israel for centuries, notably in the times of Samson and King David.
  • Divine Mandate: Even though the land was not yet conquered, God includes it in the allocation, emphasizing that it was still part of His promised inheritance for Israel, a task they were expected to complete.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Sihor" (שִׁיחוֹר, Shihor) refers to a body of water, often understood as a wadi or seasonal river that served as the traditional border between Egypt and Canaan. The phrase "counted to the Canaanite" indicates that despite being occupied by the Philistines (who were not originally Canaanites but migrated into the area), this region was considered part of the broader Canaanite territory that God had designated for Israel. The Avites were another people group residing in this coastal plain, also marked for dispossession.

Practical Application

Joshua 13:3 reminds us that even when God has given a clear promise or command, there is often a human responsibility to act and persevere. For the Israelites, it meant continuing the work of conquest. For believers today, this can be a metaphor for "unconquered territory" in our own lives—areas of sin, fear, or spiritual complacency that need to be brought under God's dominion through faith and obedience. The continued presence of the Philistines illustrates that incomplete obedience can lead to ongoing struggles and challenges.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 2:18

    And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?

  • Judges 3:3

    [Namely], five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath.

  • Deuteronomy 2:23

    And the Avims which dwelt in Hazerim, [even] unto Azzah, the Caphtorims, which came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt in their stead.)

  • Genesis 10:15

    ¶ And Canaan begat Sidon his firstborn, and Heth,

  • Genesis 10:19

    And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.

  • Joshua 13:13

    Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day.

  • Zephaniah 2:4

    ¶ For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.