Joshua 13:30

KJV

And their coast was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which [are] in Bashan, threescore cities:

KJV (with Strong's)

And their coast {H1366} was from Mahanaim {H4266}, all Bashan {H1316}, all the kingdom {H4468} of Og {H5747} king {H4428} of Bashan {H1316}, and all the towns {H2333} of Jair {H2971}, which are in Bashan {H1316}, threescore {H8346} cities {H5892}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Their territory included Machanayim and all of Bashan - that is, all the kingdom of 'Og king of Bashan; all the villages of Ya'ir in Bashan, sixty cities;

Berean Standard Bible

The territory from Mahanaim through all Bashan—all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, including all the towns of Jair that are in Bashan, sixty cities;

American Standard Version

And their border was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which are in Bashan, threescore cities:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 13:30 meticulously outlines a significant portion of the tribal inheritance granted to the half-tribe of Manasseh on the eastern side of the Jordan River. This verse precisely defines the northern extent of their territory, commencing from Mahanaim and encompassing the entirety of Bashan, a fertile region that once constituted the formidable kingdom of Og, and specifically enumerating the sixty cities known as the towns of Jair. This detailed geographical description underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by providing them with a tangible, specific inheritance in the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 13 marks a pivotal transition in the book of Joshua, shifting from the narratives of conquest (Joshua 1-12) to the meticulous and divinely ordained division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel (Joshua 13-21). Specifically, Joshua 13 focuses on the territories allotted to the tribes who had already received their inheritance east of the Jordan River: Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This section, therefore, serves as a detailed administrative record, ensuring that the promises of God regarding the land are concretely realized. Verse 30, in particular, specifies the northern boundary and key features of the territory assigned to the eastern half of Manasseh, demonstrating the careful and precise nature of the land distribution, even for those tribes who settled outside the main land of Canaan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The region of Bashan, mentioned prominently in this verse, was renowned in the ancient Near East for its exceptional fertility, rich pastures, and strong oxen, making it highly desirable agricultural and pastoral land. Before the Israelite conquest, Bashan was ruled by Og, one of the two formidable Amorite kings defeated by Moses on the eastern side of the Jordan (the other being Sihon, king of Heshbon). The defeat of Og, detailed in [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - Defeat of Og"), was a significant victory that paved the way for the Transjordanian tribes to settle there. The "towns of Jair" refer to a specific set of sixty cities within Bashan that were conquered by Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, during the initial conquest under Moses, as recorded in [Numbers 32:41](/numbers/32-41 "Numbers 32:41 - Jair's Conquest"). This historical background highlights that the inheritance described in Joshua 13:30 was not merely an allocation but a possession secured through divine power and previous military victories, fulfilling long-standing promises.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, powerfully illustrates several key theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")). The precise delineation of boundaries and cities serves as tangible proof of God's reliability. Secondly, it highlights **Order and Precision** in God's divine administration. The meticulous listing of geographical markers and the exact number of cities ("threescore cities") reveal that the distribution of the land was not haphazard but a carefully orchestrated act of divine providence, ensuring each tribe received its designated portion. Finally, the mention of "all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan" and "all the towns of Jair" emphasizes the theme of **Conquest's Fruit**, reminding the Israelites that their inheritance was secured through hard-fought battles, enabled by God's miraculous intervention and power, and building upon earlier victories achieved before Joshua's leadership, such as those detailed in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Transjordanian Tribes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mahanaim (Hebrew, _Maḥănayim'_):** Meaning "two camps" or "double camp." This was a significant geographical and historical landmark, first mentioned in [Genesis 32:2](/genesis/32-2 "Genesis 32:2 - Jacob's Encounter with Angels") where Jacob encountered angels. Later, it served as a refuge for Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, and David during Absalom's rebellion ([2 Samuel 2:8](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8 - Ish-bosheth in Mahanaim"); [2 Samuel 17:24](/2_samuel/17-24 "2 Samuel 17:24 - David Flees to Mahanaim")). Its inclusion here as a boundary marker indicates its well-known status and strategic importance on the eastern side of the Jordan.
* **Bashan (Hebrew, _Bāšān'_):** A fertile, elevated plateau region east of the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River. It was renowned for its rich pastures, sturdy oaks, and strong cattle (e.g., [Psalm 22:12](/psalms/22-12 "Psalm 22:12 - Bulls of Bashan")). Its mention signifies a large, valuable, and well-defined territory, emphasizing the substantial inheritance granted to Manasseh. It was the kingdom of Og, a powerful Amorite king.
* **Threescore cities (Hebrew, _šīššîm' ʿārîm'_):** Literally "sixty cities." This precise numerical detail underscores the vastness and completeness of the territory given to the half-tribe of Manasseh. It is a specific reference to the "towns of Jair," which were sixty fortified cities and villages within Bashan that Jair, a Manassite, had conquered and named after himself, as recorded in [Deuteronomy 3:14](/deuteronomy/3-14 "Deuteronomy 3:14 - Jair's Conquests"). This detail highlights the tangible, measurable extent of their inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And their coast was from Mahanaim, all Bashan,"**: This clause establishes the initial boundary and primary geographical scope of the half-tribe of Manasseh's inheritance. "Coast" here refers to their border or territory. Mahanaim serves as a southern or western starting point, from which their land extended northward and eastward to encompass the entire region of Bashan, known for its fertility and strategic importance.
* **"all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan,"**: This specifies the nature and origin of the territory. It clarifies that the land granted was not merely a geographical region but the entire domain previously ruled by Og, a powerful Amorite king who was decisively defeated by Moses. This phrase serves as a powerful reminder of God's prior victories and the divine enablement that secured this land for Israel.
* **"and all the towns of Jair, which [are] in Bashan, threescore cities:"**: This final clause provides a specific, detailed enumeration of a significant part of Manasseh's inheritance within Bashan. The "towns of Jair" (Hebrew: _Ḥavvoth Ya'ir'_) were sixty specific cities and villages that had been conquered by Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, during the initial Transjordanian campaigns. This detail not only quantifies the extent of their possession but also links the current distribution to earlier acts of conquest and the tribal history of Manasseh, demonstrating continuity in God's plan and Israel's occupation of the land.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 13:30 primarily employs **Topographical Listing** or **Catalogue**, a common literary device in biblical texts, particularly in historical and legal sections. This involves the systematic enumeration of places, boundaries, and specific geographical features to define territory. The precise listing of "Mahanaim," "Bashan," "kingdom of Og," and "towns of Jair" serves to meticulously delineate the inheritance, leaving no ambiguity about the extent of the land. The **Repetition** of "Bashan" further emphasizes the centrality and significance of this fertile region to the Manassite inheritance. Additionally, the phrase "all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the "kingdom" stands in for the land itself, simultaneously recalling the historical victory over Og. The exact numerical detail of "threescore cities" adds a layer of **Precision** and factual grounding to the description, reinforcing the meticulous nature of the divine land distribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 13:30, though a seemingly dry geographical description, is deeply imbued with theological significance, serving as a tangible testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and meticulous providence. The precise delineation of boundaries and the enumeration of cities underscore that God's promises are not vague generalities but specific, measurable realities. This verse exemplifies the fulfillment of centuries-old promises made to Abraham regarding the land, demonstrating that God is true to His word, even in the minute details of His plan. It also highlights the principle of divine inheritance, where God graciously provides for His people, securing their future and well-being through His power and foresight. The fact that this land was once the "kingdom of Og" further reminds us that God's provision often comes through the overthrow of formidable obstacles, showcasing His sovereign power over all earthly kingdoms.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")
* [Deuteronomy 3:1-17](/deuteronomy/3-1 "Deuteronomy 3 - Conquest of Og and Sihon, Division of Land")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalms/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Allotment of Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed geographical descriptions in Joshua 13:30, while historical, offer profound spiritual insights for contemporary believers. Just as God meticulously planned and precisely allocated the inheritance for the half-tribe of Manasseh, down to the number of cities, so too does He have a precise and intentional plan for each of our lives. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order, detail, and faithfulness, who does not leave His children without a heritage. Our "inheritance" today may not be a physical plot of land, but it encompasses the spiritual blessings, gifts, and purposes He has prepared for us in Christ. This passage encourages us to trust in God's meticulous provision, knowing that He has secured our spiritual territory through past victories (Christ's work on the cross) and will lead us into the fullness of His prepared blessings. It calls us to live with confidence in His sovereign plan, knowing that every detail of our lives, like the boundaries of Manasseh, is within His loving and precise design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of this geographical description strengthen your trust in God's faithfulness and precision in your own life?**
* **In what ways do you see God's "past victories" (like the defeat of Og) as foundational for the "inheritance" or blessings you experience today?**
* **What "territory" or area of life do you believe God is calling you to possess or steward, and how might you rely on His provision to do so?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed geographical description important in the Bible?**

Answer: Detailed geographical descriptions like Joshua 13:30 are crucial for several reasons. First, they provide historical veracity and authenticity, grounding the biblical narrative in real-world locations and events. This demonstrates that the events described are not mythical but occurred in specific places at specific times. Second, they underscore God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises; the land was a central component of His promise to Abraham, and its meticulous division shows that God delivered on His word precisely. Third, these details served as legal and administrative records for the tribes, defining their boundaries and preventing future disputes. Finally, they highlight God's meticulous care and order in His dealings with His people, revealing His sovereign hand in every detail of their lives and national identity.

**Who was Og, and why is his kingdom mentioned here?**

Answer: Og was the formidable Amorite king of Bashan, one of the two powerful Transjordanian kings (the other being Sihon of Heshbon) defeated by Moses and the Israelites before their entry into Canaan. His defeat is recorded in [Numbers 21:33-35](/numbers/21-33 "Numbers 21:33-35 - Defeat of Og") and [Deuteronomy 3:1-7](/deuteronomy/3-1 "Deuteronomy 3:1-7 - Conquest of Og"). Og was known for his immense stature and strength, even having an iron bedstead ([Deuteronomy 3:11](/deuteronomy/3-11 "Deuteronomy 3:11 - Og's Iron Bedstead")). His kingdom is mentioned here because the land allocated to the half-tribe of Manasseh was precisely the territory that had been conquered from him. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's mighty acts of deliverance and His ability to overcome any enemy to secure the inheritance for His people. It emphasizes that the land was not merely given but was secured through divine power and victory.

**What are the "towns of Jair," and why are they specifically counted as "threescore cities"?**

Answer: The "towns of Jair" (Hebrew: _Ḥavvoth Ya'ir'_) refer to a group of sixty cities and villages within the region of Bashan that were conquered by Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, during the initial Israelite conquest under Moses. This event is detailed in [Numbers 32:41](/numbers/32-41 "Numbers 32:41 - Jair's Conquest of Towns") and [Deuteronomy 3:14](/deuteronomy/3-14 "Deuteronomy 3:14 - Jair Takes All the Region of Argob"). Jair took these towns and named them after himself. The specific count of "threescore cities" (sixty cities) highlights the substantial size and wealth of this part of Manasseh's inheritance. It provides a precise, measurable detail of the land's extent, reinforcing the meticulous nature of the land distribution and the tangible fulfillment of God's promises. It also connects the current allocation to the earlier efforts and victories of individual tribal members.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 13:30 describes a physical inheritance of land, it powerfully foreshadows the spiritual inheritance and rest that believers receive in Christ. Just as the land of Bashan was secured through the decisive victory over Og, a formidable enemy, so too our ultimate spiritual inheritance is secured through Christ's decisive victory over sin, death, and the devil on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The meticulous detail of the land division in Joshua points to the precision and certainty of God's plan of salvation, where every promise finds its "Yes" and "Amen" in Jesus ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Christ Himself is our true "Promised Land," the ultimate rest and inheritance into which we enter by faith ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest Remains for the People of God")). Through Him, we are granted not merely physical territory but spiritual blessings "in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"))—a vast, eternal, and secure possession that far surpasses any earthly domain. The "towns of Jair" and the "kingdom of Og" become types of the spiritual strongholds and territories that Christ has conquered, enabling His people to inherit a spiritual kingdom that is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World")) but is eternal and incorruptible ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")).

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 13:26

And from Heshbon unto Ramathmizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim unto the border of Debir;

1 Chronicles 2:21

And afterward Hezron went in to the daughter of Machir the father of Gilead, whom he married when he [was] threescore years old; and she bare him Segub.

1 Chronicles 2:23

And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, [even] threescore cities. All these [belonged to] the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.

Deuteronomy 3:13

And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, [being] the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants.

Deuteronomy 3:15

And I gave Gilead unto Machir.

Numbers 32:39

And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite which [was] in it.

Numbers 32:41

And Jair the son of Manasseh went and took the small towns thereof, and called them Havothjair.