This verse, Joshua 13:17, is part of a larger description of the land that was allocated to the tribe of Reuben after the Israelites conquered the land of Canaan. It specifically lists several cities and their surrounding territories within the "plain" (likely referring to the Mishor plateau, a flat region east of the Dead Sea and the Jordan River).
Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Heshbon: This was the capital city of the Amorite king Sihon, whom the Israelites defeated. It was a significant and important city in the region.
All its cities that are in the plain: This clarifies that the allocation included not only Heshbon itself but also all the surrounding towns and villages located in the Mishor plateau that were under Heshbon's control.
Dibon: Another important city in the region, located south of Heshbon. It was later a Moabite city and is famous for the Mesha Stele (also known as the Moabite Stone), which corroborates some biblical accounts.
Bamoth Baal: The name suggests a "high place" (Bamoth) dedicated to the Canaanite deity Baal. These high places were often used for religious rituals and sacrifices. This indicates that Canaanite religious practices were prevalent in the area before the Israelite conquest.
Beth Baal Meon: This translates to "house of Baal Meon" or "temple of Baal Meon." It was another city associated with Baal worship. The "Meon" part of the name is likely a specific attribute or aspect of Baal.
In Summary:
The verse provides a geographical snapshot of the region allocated to the tribe of Reuben. It names key cities, highlighting the inclusion of surrounding areas and their association with Canaanite religious practices. This description serves a few purposes:
1. Establishes Boundaries: The list of cities helped to define the borders of the Reubenite territory.
2. Indicates Importance: The mention of cities like Heshbon and Dibon shows the significance of the region.
3. Implies Canaanite Influence: The presence of cities dedicated to Baal suggests the cultural and religious landscape that the Israelites were inheriting and, according to other parts of the Bible, were instructed to eradicate.
4. Historical Record: The verse serves as a historical record of the Israelite conquest and settlement, documenting the names and locations of cities and their surrounding areas.
Essentially, this verse is a detailed property description, outlining what the tribe of Reuben received as their inheritance in the Promised Land. It is important to remember that the historicity of these events is debated by modern scholars.
This verse, Joshua 13:17, is part of a larger description of the land that was allocated to the tribe of Reuben after the Israelites conquered the land of Canaan. It specifically lists several cities and their surrounding territories within the "plain" (likely referring to the Mishor plateau, a flat region east of the Dead Sea and the Jordan River).
Here's a breakdown of what it means:
Heshbon: This was the capital city of the Amorite king Sihon, whom the Israelites defeated. It was a significant and important city in the region.
All its cities that are in the plain: This clarifies that the allocation included not only Heshbon itself but also all the surrounding towns and villages located in the Mishor plateau that were under Heshbon's control.
Dibon: Another important city in the region, located south of Heshbon. It was later a Moabite city and is famous for the Mesha Stele (also known as the Moabite Stone), which corroborates some biblical accounts.
Bamoth Baal: The name suggests a "high place" (Bamoth) dedicated to the Canaanite deity Baal. These high places were often used for religious rituals and sacrifices. This indicates that Canaanite religious practices were prevalent in the area before the Israelite conquest.
Beth Baal Meon: This translates to "house of Baal Meon" or "temple of Baal Meon." It was another city associated with Baal worship. The "Meon" part of the name is likely a specific attribute or aspect of Baal.
In Summary:
The verse provides a geographical snapshot of the region allocated to the tribe of Reuben. It names key cities, highlighting the inclusion of surrounding areas and their association with Canaanite religious practices. This description serves a few purposes:
1. Establishes Boundaries: The list of cities helped to define the borders of the Reubenite territory.
2. Indicates Importance: The mention of cities like Heshbon and Dibon shows the significance of the region.
3. Implies Canaanite Influence: The presence of cities dedicated to Baal suggests the cultural and religious landscape that the Israelites were inheriting and, according to other parts of the Bible, were instructed to eradicate.
4. Historical Record: The verse serves as a historical record of the Israelite conquest and settlement, documenting the names and locations of cities and their surrounding areas.
Essentially, this verse is a detailed property description, outlining what the tribe of Reuben received as their inheritance in the Promised Land. It is important to remember that the historicity of these events is debated by modern scholars.