Joshua 13:6

KJV

All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim, [and] all the Sidonians, them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the inhabitants {H3427} of the hill country {H2022} from Lebanon {H3844} unto Misrephothmaim {H4956}, and all the Sidonians {H6722}, them will I drive out {H3423} from before {H6440} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}: only divide thou it by lot {H5307} unto the Israelites {H3478} for an inheritance {H5159}, as I have commanded {H6680} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"As for the inhabitants of the hills between the L'vanon and Misrefot-Mayim, that is, all the Tzidonim, I myself will expel them ahead of the people of Isra'el; all you have to do is assign it to Isra'el as an inheritance, as I have ordered you.

Berean Standard Bible

All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim—all the Sidonians—I Myself will drive out before the Israelites. Be sure to divide it by lot as an inheritance to Israel, as I have commanded you.

American Standard Version

all the inhabitants of the hill-country from Lebanon unto Misrephoth-maim, even all the Sidonians; them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only allot thou it unto Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 13:6 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Israel's history, where God, addressing an aging Joshua, reiterates His unwavering commitment to complete the conquest of the Promised Land. Despite significant northern territories—including the hill country stretching to Lebanon and the coastal Sidonian regions—remaining under the control of their original inhabitants, God emphatically declares His intention to personally dispossess these peoples. Simultaneously, He commands Joshua to proceed with the division of this yet-to-be-fully-subdued land by lot among the Israelite tribes, underscoring both divine sovereignty in fulfilling promises and human responsibility in acting on them by faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 13 marks a significant transition in the book, moving from the narratives of conquest (Joshua 1-12) to the detailed accounts of land distribution (Joshua 13-21). The preceding chapters describe Israel's major victories over various Canaanite kings, establishing a strong foothold in the central and southern regions. However, [Joshua 13:1](/joshua/13-1 "Joshua 13:1 - God's Command to Divide the Land") immediately sets the stage by revealing God's reminder to Joshua that "there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed." This acknowledgment of incomplete conquest provides the backdrop for God's command to begin the division process. Verse 6 specifically addresses the unconquered northern territories, emphasizing that despite the ongoing presence of indigenous peoples, the divine promise of inheritance remains steadfast and must be acted upon. The subsequent verses detail the specific boundaries and tribes, underscoring the faith required to apportion land that was not yet fully subdued.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this divine directive, Israel had been engaged in military campaigns for several years, achieving significant victories but not total subjugation of all Canaanite inhabitants. The "hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim" refers to the rugged mountainous regions extending northward, encompassing parts of what would later become Phoenicia. "Misrephothmaim" (מִשְׂרְפוֹת מַיִם), meaning "burning of waters" or "water-burnings," was likely a key coastal site, possibly associated with industrial activities like smelting or lime kilns. The "Sidonians" were the powerful inhabitants of Sidon, a dominant Phoenician city-state renowned for its maritime trade, advanced craftsmanship, and polytheistic worship (often involving Baal and Asherah). These northern areas represented formidable, well-established peoples and territories that Israel had not yet, and in some cases would never fully, conquer. The command to divide the land by "lot" (גּוֹרָל, _goral_) was a common ancient Near Eastern practice for determining divine will or fair distribution, reinforcing the idea that the land was a divine allocation, not merely a human acquisition.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, as God reiterates His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, assuring Israel that He will personally "drive out" the remaining inhabitants. This highlights that the ultimate success of the land possession rests on God's power, not solely on Israel's military might, echoing promises made in [Exodus 23:27-30](/exodus/23-27 "Exodus 23:27-30 - God's Promise to Drive Out Inhabitants"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Human Responsibility and Faith**, as Joshua is commanded to "divide thou it by lot" even before the land is fully subdued. This requires an act of radical trust and obedience, demonstrating that while God is sovereign, human participation in faith is essential for the realization of His plans. Israel was called to claim their inheritance by faith, much like Abraham was called to walk through the land promised to him in [Genesis 13:14-17](/genesis/13-14 "Genesis 13:14-17 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). Finally, the concept of **Inheritance** is paramount, portraying the land not merely as conquered territory but as a divine gift, an "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, _nachalah_) fulfilling the ancient covenant made with Abraham and his descendants (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). This division by lot underscored God's providential hand in distributing His gift to each tribe according to His will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Misrephothmaim (Hebrew, _Misrephôt Mayim'_):** This geographical marker, meaning "burning of waters" or "water-burnings," likely refers to a specific location along the northern Phoenician coast. While its precise identification remains debated, it suggests a place where some form of industrial activity (perhaps smelting or lime kilns) occurred near a water source, indicating a developed and potentially fortified area. Its mention here signifies the northernmost extent of the unconquered territory that God still promised to deliver, highlighting the full scope of the divine intention for Israel's inheritance.
* **Sidonians (Hebrew, _Tsidonîm'_):** These were the inhabitants of Sidon, one of the oldest and most powerful Phoenician city-states, located north of Tyre on the Mediterranean coast. Renowned for their maritime trade, advanced craftsmanship (especially in purple dye and cedar), and polytheistic worship (Baal and Asherah), the Sidonians represented a formidable, culturally distinct, and militarily strong people who remained outside Israelite control. Their inclusion in God's promise highlights the vastness of the promised inheritance and the magnitude of the task that remained, yet was assured by God's sovereign power.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _nachalah'_):** This term is crucial throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the Pentateuch and Joshua. It denotes a possession, an allotted portion, or an estate, often specifically referring to the land given by God to Israel as a permanent possession. It carries strong theological connotations, emphasizing that the land was not earned by conquest but was a divine gift, a fulfillment of covenant promises. The act of dividing it by lot underscored its divine origin and distribution, making it a sacred trust rather than mere spoils of war.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim, [and] all the Sidonians":** This opening clause meticulously defines the specific northern territories and peoples that remain unconquered. It delineates a significant geographical expanse, from the formidable mountain range of Lebanon in the north, westward along the coast to the strategic point of Misrephothmaim, and encompassing the powerful city-state of Sidon and its inhabitants. This detailed enumeration underscores the scale of the remaining task and the formidable nature of the adversaries, setting the stage for God's powerful declaration.
* **"them will I drive out from before the children of Israel":** This is a powerful divine declaration, asserting God's sovereign agency in the ultimate dispossessing of the remaining inhabitants. The "I" is emphatic, emphasizing that this is not dependent on Israel's military prowess alone, but on God's direct intervention and faithfulness to His covenant promises. It reassures Israel that despite the current incomplete state of conquest, the final victory and full possession of the land are guaranteed by God Himself. This promise serves as the theological bedrock for the subsequent command, providing the foundation for Israel's faith.
* **"only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee.":** This final clause contains God's direct command to Joshua, which appears paradoxical given the preceding declaration. Despite the fact that these territories are still occupied, Joshua is instructed to proceed with their allocation to the tribes through the sacred practice of casting lots. This command requires an extraordinary act of faith and obedience from Joshua and the Israelites. They are to claim and apportion land that is not yet fully subdued, trusting implicitly in God's future action to fulfill His promise to drive out the inhabitants. The phrase "as I have commanded thee" reinforces the divine authority and unwavering nature of this directive, linking it back to earlier instructions regarding the land's distribution.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 13:6 employs several impactful literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Promise and Command**, where God's declarative "them will I drive out" stands in direct tension with the imperative "only divide thou it by lot." This juxtaposition highlights the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, a recurring motif in biblical narratives. The enumeration of specific geographical locations ("Lebanon," "Misrephothmaim," "Sidonians") serves as **Geographical Specificity**, grounding the divine promise in concrete, tangible territories and emphasizing the vastness of the yet-to-be-possessed land. Furthermore, the use of the term "inheritance" (**Thematic Repetition**) reinforces a core theological concept, reminding the audience that the land is a divine gift, not merely a military conquest, thereby elevating the significance of the division beyond mere logistical planning to a sacred act of covenant fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 13:6 stands as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering faithfulness and the nature of His covenant with Israel. It demonstrates that God's promises are not contingent upon Israel's perfect performance but are rooted in His own character and sovereign will. Even as Israel faces the daunting reality of unconquered territories, God reaffirms His commitment to complete the work He began, underscoring that the ultimate victory belongs to Him. Simultaneously, the command to divide the land by lot, despite its current occupation, calls Israel to a radical act of faith—to claim what God has promised even before its full manifestation. This tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a foundational principle of biblical theology, teaching that God's people are called to act in faith on His promises, trusting that He will accomplish what He has declared. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God's "yes" to His people is always accompanied by a call to obedient trust.

* [Deuteronomy 7:22](/deuteronomy/7-22 "Deuteronomy 7:22 - God's Gradual Dispossession")
* [Psalm 44:2-3](/psalms/44-2 "Psalm 44:2-3 - God's Hand in Conquest")
* [Hebrews 11:8](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8 - Abraham's Faith in Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 13:6 offers a powerful paradigm for the Christian life. We often find ourselves in situations where God has given us a promise or a vision, but the reality on the ground seems incomplete or overwhelming. Just as God commanded Joshua to divide land that was not yet fully conquered, we are called to step out in faith and claim the spiritual inheritance and promises God has given us, even when the "giants" of our circumstances or spiritual battles still loom large. This requires trusting in God's sovereign power to "drive out" the obstacles in our lives, recognizing that ultimate victory is His. Our role is to faithfully steward the gifts, callings, and truths He has entrusted to us, acting with courage and obedience, knowing that He will complete what He has begun. This verse challenges us to move beyond a passive waiting for God to act and instead to actively engage with His promises, living as if His word is already fully realized, because in His divine economy, it is. It encourages us to live by faith, not by sight, in every area of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "unconquered territories" or unfulfilled promises in your life is God calling you to claim by faith, even before you see their full manifestation?**
* **How does the tension between God's promise to "drive out" and Joshua's command to "divide" inform your understanding of divine sovereignty and human responsibility in your own spiritual journey?**
* **In what practical ways can you "divide by lot" your spiritual inheritance today, acting on God's promises with courageous obedience?**

### FAQ
**Why would God command Joshua to divide land that was not yet fully conquered?**

Answer: This command highlights a crucial theological principle: God's promises are sure, even if their full realization requires ongoing human faith and obedience. By commanding Joshua to divide the land by lot, God was calling Israel to an act of radical trust. They were to claim their inheritance by faith, believing that God would fulfill His promise to "drive out" the remaining inhabitants. This demonstrates that the land was a divine gift, an "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, _nachalah_), distributed by God's will, not merely a reward for military conquest. It also served to prepare the tribes for future campaigns, giving them a clear vision of their allotted territory and motivating them to complete the task of possession. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to live by faith, claiming spiritual blessings that are already theirs in Christ, even as they contend with the realities of a fallen world (e.g., [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ") and [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")).

**Who were the "Sidonians" and why were they significant in this context?**

Answer: The "Sidonians" were the inhabitants of Sidon, a powerful and ancient Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, north of Israel. Sidon was a major maritime and commercial hub, known for its wealth, advanced culture, and strong military. Their inclusion in this verse is significant because they represented a formidable, well-established, and culturally distinct people group that remained outside Israelite control. Their presence underscored the vastness of the promised land and the magnitude of the remaining task for Israel. God's promise to "drive out" the Sidonians, despite their strength, emphasized His sovereign power and His commitment to fully deliver the promised inheritance to Israel, even against seemingly insurmountable foes. While Israel never fully dispossessed the Sidonians, this verse reveals God's original intention and the full scope of the inheritance He offered.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 13:6, with its tension between an unfulfilled promise and a present command to claim an inheritance by faith, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Just as God promised to drive out the inhabitants before Israel, Christ has definitively conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His crucifixion and resurrection, becoming the ultimate "driver out" of all that opposes God's kingdom ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Believers in Christ have already received a spiritual "inheritance" that is far greater and more secure than any earthly land—an inheritance "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - The Believer's Heavenly Inheritance")). Yet, like Joshua, we are called to "divide it by lot" in the present age, meaning we are to live by faith, actively claiming and walking in the reality of what Christ has already accomplished for us, even as we await the full consummation of His kingdom. We are to live as those who have already been given "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing")), even while we still contend with spiritual battles in this world ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). Our "promised land" is not a physical territory but a spiritual reality in Christ, fully secured by His finished work, yet requiring our active faith and obedience to experience its fullness in our daily lives until His glorious return ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

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 11:8

And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining.

Judges 2:21

I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua left when he died:

Judges 2:23

Therefore the LORD left those nations, without driving them out hastily; neither delivered he them into the hand of Joshua.

Joshua 23:13

Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out [any of] these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

Exodus 23:30

By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.

Exodus 23:31

And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.

Joshua 23:4

Behold, I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward.