Joshua 13:5

KJV

And the land of the Giblites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising, from Baalgad under mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the land {H776} of the Giblites {H1382}, and all Lebanon {H3844}, toward the sunrising {H4217}{H8121}, from Baalgad {H1171} under mount {H2022} Hermon {H2768} unto the entering {H935} into Hamath {H2574}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the land of the Givli; all the L'vanon eastward, from Ba'al-Gad at the foot of Mount Hermon to the entrance of Hamat.

Berean Standard Bible

the land of the Gebalites; and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath.

American Standard Version

and the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrising, from Baal-gad under mount Hermon unto the entrance of Hamath;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 13:5 details a significant portion of the Promised Land that remained unconquered by Israel at the time of its division: the territory of the Giblites and the entirety of Lebanon, stretching from Baalgad under Mount Hermon to the entrance of Hamath. This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, directing Joshua to distribute the land even before its full possession, while simultaneously highlighting the ongoing responsibility of the Israelite tribes to complete the divine mandate. It paints a picture of the vast ideal boundaries of Israel's inheritance, contrasting with the immediate reality of their partial conquest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 13 marks a pivotal transition in the book of Joshua, shifting the narrative focus from active military conquest (chapters 1-12) to the division and inheritance of the land among the tribes of Israel (chapters 13-21). The opening verses of [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land") explicitly state God's command to an aged Joshua: "There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed" (Joshua 13:1). This verse, Joshua 13:5, is part of a detailed geographical inventory of these remaining unconquered territories, specifically delineating the northernmost regions. It serves as a stark reminder that despite significant victories, Israel's task was far from complete, setting the stage for the tribal inheritances and the subsequent accounts of their varying success in possessing their allotted lands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Joshua is the late Bronze Age, a time when the land of Canaan was a mosaic of independent city-states, often under Egyptian suzerainty or influence. The "Giblites" were inhabitants of Gebal (modern Byblos), a prominent Phoenician city-state on the Mediterranean coast, renowned for its maritime trade and cedar exports. "Lebanon" refers to the formidable mountain range, famous for its invaluable cedar forests, which formed a natural northern boundary. "Baalgad under Mount Hermon" points to the region south of the majestic Mount Hermon, a key landmark marking the northern extent of Israel's actual conquest. "Hamath" was a powerful Aramean kingdom situated on the Orontes River, far to the north, representing the ideal, expansive northern border of the Promised Land as envisioned by God. The challenge of conquering these well-established, often fortified, and culturally distinct regions was immense, requiring sustained effort beyond the initial, unified campaigns under Joshua.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 13:5 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Foremost is **God's Faithfulness and Covenant Promise**. Despite Israel's incomplete obedience, God remains true to His word, commanding the division of the land as if it were fully possessed, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to the Abrahamic covenant (as seen in [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). This highlights that God's plans are not thwarted by human imperfection. Another theme is **Divine Command and Human Responsibility**. God gives the land, but Israel must "possess" it. This verse underscores the "unfinished work" and the shifting responsibility from a centralized military effort to the individual tribes, each tasked with dispossessing the inhabitants within their inheritance. This tension between God's sovereign gift and human active appropriation is central. Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Vastness of the Promised Inheritance**, outlining the full geographical scope of God's intention for His people, which extended far beyond the territories Israel immediately occupied, as also described in [Numbers 34:7-9](/numbers/34-7 "Numbers 34:7-9 - Northern Border of the Promised Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Giblites (Hebrew: גִּבְלִי, _Giblî_):** Refers to the inhabitants of Gebal, an ancient Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast, north of modern Beirut (also known as Byblos). This city was a significant center of trade, known for its skilled artisans, particularly in shipbuilding and stone masonry (cf. [1 Kings 5:18](/1_kings/5-18 "1 Kings 5:18 - Hiram's Builders and Giblites")). Their inclusion here highlights the coastal and northern territories that remained outside Israelite control, representing a formidable and sophisticated non-Israelite presence within the ideal boundaries of the Promised Land.
* **Lebanon (Hebrew: לְבָנוֹן, _Ləḇānôn_):** This refers to the prominent mountain range that forms the backbone of modern-day Lebanon, famous for its majestic cedar forests (cf. [Psalm 29:5](/psalm/29-5 "Psalm 29:5 - The Voice of the Lord Breaks the Cedars of Lebanon")). Its inclusion signifies the vast northern extent of the promised territory, encompassing a significant natural and economic resource. The phrase "all Lebanon" emphasizes the entirety of this region as part of God's intended inheritance for Israel.
* **Hamath (Hebrew: חֲמָת, _Ḥămāṯ_):** An important Aramean kingdom located on the Orontes River, far to the north of Israel's actual settlements. "The entering into Hamath" (לְבוֹא חֲמָת, _ləḇô’ Ḥămāṯ_) was a common geographical marker for the extreme northern boundary of the ideal Promised Land, as seen in other biblical texts (e.g., [Numbers 34:8](/numbers/34-8 "Numbers 34:8 - Northern Border of the Promised Land")). Its mention here underscores the expansive vision of God's promise, extending well beyond the immediate reach of Israel's military campaigns.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the land of the Giblites,"**: This clause immediately identifies a specific, unconquered territory on the Mediterranean coast, north of Israel's settled lands. It points to a powerful, non-Israelite entity that God had intended for Israel to dispossess, yet which remained outside their control.
* **"and all Lebanon,"**: This broad phrase indicates the entire mountain range and its associated territories, signifying a vast, resource-rich region to the north that was part of the divine promise but not yet secured.
* **"toward the sunrising,"**: This directional phrase clarifies the orientation of the described territory, indicating the eastern side of Lebanon, extending eastward from the coastal Giblite land. It helps to define the geographical sweep of the unconquered northern frontier.
* **"from Baalgad under mount Hermon"**: This marks the southern anchor of the unconquered northern region. Baalgad was likely a place of Baal worship, located in the vicinity of Mount Hermon, the highest peak in the Anti-Lebanon range, which served as a significant natural landmark at the northernmost point of Israel's actual conquest.
* **"unto the entering into Hamath."**: This final phrase defines the extreme northern limit of the ideal Promised Land, stretching far beyond Mount Hermon to the distant Aramean kingdom of Hamath. It emphasizes the full, expansive scope of the inheritance God had promised, a territory far larger than what Israel had currently possessed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Topographical Description** is central, as the verse meticulously lists geographical markers (Giblites, Lebanon, Baalgad, Mount Hermon, Hamath) to precisely delineate the boundaries of the unconquered land. This detailed enumeration emphasizes the vastness and specific nature of God's promise. **Merism** is evident in the phrase "from Baalgad under Mount Hermon unto the entering into Hamath," which uses two extreme points to encompass the entire northern expanse of the territory. This device effectively communicates the comprehensive scope of the land. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** between the ideal, divinely promised territory (as described by these far-reaching boundaries) and the current, incomplete reality of Israel's possession. This highlights the tension between God's perfect plan and the partial fulfillment by His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 13:5 profoundly illustrates the "already but not yet" dynamic inherent in God's redemptive plan. God's command to divide the land, even when much of it remained unconquered, is a powerful testament to His sovereign faithfulness. He acts on the certainty of His promises, not on the completeness of human performance. This divine initiative underscores that the inheritance is fundamentally a gift, secured by God's word, yet it simultaneously demands human participation in its full realization. Israel was called to step into their inheritance by faith, trusting that God would empower them to possess what He had already declared theirs. This principle resonates throughout biblical history, revealing that God's covenant blessings often require ongoing, active appropriation by His people, even as His faithfulness remains the ultimate guarantor.

* [Deuteronomy 11:24](/deuteronomy/11-24 "Deuteronomy 11:24 - Every Place Your Foot Treads Shall Be Yours")
* [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - Not One Word of God's Promise Failed")
* [Judges 1:27-36](/judges/1-27 "Judges 1:27-36 - Israel's Failure to Dispossess")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 13:5 offers a profound spiritual lesson for believers today. Just as God commanded Joshua to distribute the land despite significant portions remaining unconquered, we are often called to step out in faith and claim the spiritual inheritance God has given us in Christ, even when the full manifestation of His promises or the complete removal of obstacles is not yet visible. This verse reminds us that God's faithfulness is the bedrock of our confidence; His promises are true regardless of our current circumstances or perceived limitations. It challenges us to identify the "unconquered territories" in our own lives—areas of sin, fear, doubt, unforgiveness, or unfulfilled potential—and to actively, by faith, begin the process of "possessing" them through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is a lifelong journey of sanctification and obedience, trusting that as we step out, God will equip and enable us to experience the fullness of His provision and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's command to divide unconquered land challenge our understanding of faith and action in our own lives?**
* **What "unconquered territories" (e.g., areas of sin, fear, unforgiveness, or unfulfilled potential) might God be calling you to "possess" through faith and obedience today?**
* **In what ways can we maintain faith in God's promises even when their full manifestation seems distant or incomplete, drawing strength from His unwavering faithfulness?**

### FAQ

**Why did God command Joshua to divide the land if it wasn't fully conquered?**

Answer: God commanded Joshua to divide the land despite its incomplete conquest for several profound reasons. Firstly, it underscored God's absolute sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promises. The land was a divine gift, and its distribution was a declaration that God's word was sufficient, regardless of Israel's current military success. Secondly, it shifted the responsibility for future conquest from a centralized, unified campaign under Joshua to the individual tribes. Each tribe was now tasked with dispossessing the inhabitants within their allotted inheritance, fostering a sense of ownership and ongoing obedience. This also served as a test of their faith and perseverance. Finally, it demonstrated that God's plans proceed even when human effort is incomplete. The "unconquered territories" served as a constant reminder of the ongoing work and the need for continued reliance on God, as seen in the subsequent struggles documented in [Judges 1](/judges/1 "Judges 1 - Israel's Failure to Dispossess").

**What was the significance of the "Giblites" and "Hamath" as boundaries in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of the "Giblites" and "Hamath" is highly significant because they represent the extreme northern and northwestern ideal boundaries of the Promised Land, far beyond what Israel had actually conquered or settled. The Giblites (from Gebal/Byblos) were a powerful Phoenician maritime people, indicating that God's promise included the strategic and wealthy coastal regions. "The entering into Hamath" was a well-known geographical marker for the northernmost extent of the land, signifying a vast territory that stretched deep into what is modern-day Syria. By specifying these distant and unconquered regions, the verse highlights the immense scope of God's original intention for Israel's inheritance, emphasizing the generosity of His promise and the vastness of what remained to be possessed by faith and obedience. It contrasts the ideal with the reality of Israel's partial fulfillment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 13:5, with its theme of promised inheritance and unconquered territory, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Just as Israel was given a physical land to inherit and possess, believers in Christ have received a spiritual inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" for them ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope, an Incorruptible Inheritance")). This inheritance is not earned by conquest but is freely given through faith in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate "possessor" and fulfiller of all God's promises. Through His atoning work, Christ has already secured our victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). However, much like the "unconquered land" in Joshua, there remains an "already but not yet" dynamic in the Christian life. While we are seated with Christ in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places")), we are called to actively "possess" our spiritual inheritance by living out our new identity in Christ, walking in obedience, and bringing the transforming power of the Gospel into every area of our lives and the world. The Holy Spirit is given as the "guarantee of our inheritance" ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Seal of the Holy Spirit")), empowering us to overcome the remaining "unconquered territories" of sin, fear, and unbelief, and to advance God's kingdom until Christ returns to fully establish His reign ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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 12:7

¶ And these [are] the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel [for] a possession according to their divisions;

1 Kings 5:18

And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew [them], and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.

Psalms 83:7

Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;

Ezekiel 27:9

The ancients of Gebal and the wise [men] thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupy thy merchandise.

Numbers 34:8

From mount Hor ye shall point out [your border] unto the entrance of Hamath; and the goings forth of the border shall be to Zedad:

Joshua 11:17

[Even] from the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir, even unto Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon under mount Hermon: and all their kings he took, and smote them, and slew them.

Isaiah 10:9

[Is] not Calno as Carchemish? [is] not Hamath as Arpad? [is] not Samaria as Damascus?