Joshua 13:11 describes a specific geographical area that was part of the land promised to the Israelites, but which had not yet been conquered at the time of the passage. Let's break it down:
"and Gilead": Gilead refers to the mountainous region east of the Jordan River. It was known for its rich pastures and forests.
"and the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites": The Geshurites and Maacathites were non-Israelite peoples who lived in regions bordering the Israelite territory, specifically to the northeast. This phrase implies that while some of Gilead was taken, the complete borders with these groups were not secured.
"and all Mount Hermon": Mount Hermon is a large mountain range on the northern border of Israel (present-day border of Syria, Lebanon, and Israel). It was a significant landmark and was not fully under Israelite control at this point.
"and all Bashan to Salecah;": Bashan was a fertile plateau east of the Jordan River, known for its cattle and agriculture. Salecah was a city located at the eastern edge of Bashan, marking a further extent of the territory. This indicates that the entire region of Bashan, up to the city of Salecah, was part of the designated land.
In essence, the verse outlines a specific region—east of the Jordan River, extending from Gilead northward through Bashan, reaching to Mount Hermon, and including areas bordering the Geshurites and Maacathites—that was allotted to the Israelites but had not yet been fully conquered and possessed.
The significance of this passage lies in several points:
1. Unfulfilled Promise: It highlights that the conquest of the Promised Land was incomplete during Joshua's time. There were still territories to be taken.
2. Geographical Boundaries: It provides precise geographical markers to define the extent of the land promised to Israel, particularly in the regions east of the Jordan.
3. Challenges and Conflicts: It hints at the ongoing conflicts and the presence of other nations within and around the promised territory, suggesting the challenges the Israelites faced in establishing their dominion.
4. Divine Mandate: It reinforces the idea that despite the incomplete conquest, the land was still promised by God, implying that future generations would need to continue the work of fully possessing it.
Joshua 13:11 describes a specific geographical area that was part of the land promised to the Israelites, but which had not yet been conquered at the time of the passage. Let's break it down:
"and Gilead": Gilead refers to the mountainous region east of the Jordan River. It was known for its rich pastures and forests.
"and the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites": The Geshurites and Maacathites were non-Israelite peoples who lived in regions bordering the Israelite territory, specifically to the northeast. This phrase implies that while some of Gilead was taken, the complete borders with these groups were not secured.
"and all Mount Hermon": Mount Hermon is a large mountain range on the northern border of Israel (present-day border of Syria, Lebanon, and Israel). It was a significant landmark and was not fully under Israelite control at this point.
"and all Bashan to Salecah;": Bashan was a fertile plateau east of the Jordan River, known for its cattle and agriculture. Salecah was a city located at the eastern edge of Bashan, marking a further extent of the territory. This indicates that the entire region of Bashan, up to the city of Salecah, was part of the designated land.
In essence, the verse outlines a specific region—east of the Jordan River, extending from Gilead northward through Bashan, reaching to Mount Hermon, and including areas bordering the Geshurites and Maacathites—that was allotted to the Israelites but had not yet been fully conquered and possessed.
The significance of this passage lies in several points:
1. Unfulfilled Promise: It highlights that the conquest of the Promised Land was incomplete during Joshua's time. There were still territories to be taken.
2. Geographical Boundaries: It provides precise geographical markers to define the extent of the land promised to Israel, particularly in the regions east of the Jordan.
3. Challenges and Conflicts: It hints at the ongoing conflicts and the presence of other nations within and around the promised territory, suggesting the challenges the Israelites faced in establishing their dominion.
4. Divine Mandate: It reinforces the idea that despite the incomplete conquest, the land was still promised by God, implying that future generations would need to continue the work of fully possessing it.