Joshua 13:1-7 | The Way of Scripture

Joshua 13:1-7

Why must Joshua begin allotting land while much remains unoccupied?

Berean Standard Bible

1 Now Joshua was old and well along in years, and the LORD said to him, “You are old and well along in years, but very much of the land remains to be possessed. 2 This is the land that remains: All the territory of the Philistines and the Geshurites, 3 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; 4 to the south, all the land of the Canaanites, from Mearah of the Sidonians to Aphek, as far as the border of the Amorites; 5 the land of the Gebalites; and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath. 6 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. 7 Now therefore divide this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.”

What is the context?

The Lord tells the aging Joshua that much land still remains to be possessed. The following list names coastal and northern regions, including Philistine territories and lands toward Lebanon.

Joshua must nevertheless divide the land by lot among the nine and a half tribes awaiting their western inheritance. The Lord’s promise of driving out inhabitants is joined to Joshua’s responsibility to make the assignment.

This opening qualifies a careless reading of the earlier conquest summaries. The main campaigns have ended, but the book itself does not claim that every promised district is already fully occupied.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley emphasizes that Joshua’s age makes the remaining work urgent. The USCCB notes distinguish the Geshur in this coastal list from the northeastern district of the same name. That geographical explanation differs from Wesley’s placement of the name. The list should not be converted into an exact modern boundary map by silently resolving every repeated place-name.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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