Joshua 13:2, "“This is the land that still remains: all the regions of the Philistines, and all the Geshurites;" is part of a larger context where God is instructing Joshua about the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes. This verse specifically highlights land that was not yet conquered and was therefore still considered to be within the inheritance allotted to Israel.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"This is the land that still remains:" This phrase emphasizes that the conquest of Canaan was incomplete. While the Israelites had achieved significant victories, large portions of the promised land were still under the control of other peoples.
"all the regions of the Philistines," This refers to the area controlled by the Philistines. They were a powerful and well-organized group who inhabited the coastal plains of Canaan. They had a sophisticated military and posed a significant threat to Israel for many years. The Philistines had five major city-states: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath.
"and all the Geshurites;" The Geshurites were a smaller, less well-known group living in the region of Geshur, which was located north and east of the Sea of Galilee. They were considered among those nations that Israel was supposed to dispossess.
In essence, this verse conveys that:
A significant portion of the land promised to Israel remained unconquered.
The Philistines and Geshurites, specifically, were still occupying their territories.
The task of fully possessing the land was still incomplete and lay ahead for the Israelites.
Significance:
It highlights the incomplete nature of the Israelite conquest, even after Joshua's leadership.
It sets the stage for the challenges faced by the subsequent generations of Israelites in securing their inheritance.
It underscores the ongoing need for faith and obedience in claiming the promises of God.
The continuing presence of these unconquered peoples would lead to future conflicts and temptations for Israel.
The verse emphasizes that God's promise of the land was real, but the Israelites had to actively claim it. Their failure to fully conquer the land had consequences that would resonate throughout their history.
Joshua 13:2, "“This is the land that still remains: all the regions of the Philistines, and all the Geshurites;" is part of a larger context where God is instructing Joshua about the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes. This verse specifically highlights land that was not yet conquered and was therefore still considered to be within the inheritance allotted to Israel.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"This is the land that still remains:" This phrase emphasizes that the conquest of Canaan was incomplete. While the Israelites had achieved significant victories, large portions of the promised land were still under the control of other peoples.
"all the regions of the Philistines," This refers to the area controlled by the Philistines. They were a powerful and well-organized group who inhabited the coastal plains of Canaan. They had a sophisticated military and posed a significant threat to Israel for many years. The Philistines had five major city-states: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath.
"and all the Geshurites;" The Geshurites were a smaller, less well-known group living in the region of Geshur, which was located north and east of the Sea of Galilee. They were considered among those nations that Israel was supposed to dispossess.
In essence, this verse conveys that:
A significant portion of the land promised to Israel remained unconquered.
The Philistines and Geshurites, specifically, were still occupying their territories.
The task of fully possessing the land was still incomplete and lay ahead for the Israelites.
Significance:
It highlights the incomplete nature of the Israelite conquest, even after Joshua's leadership.
It sets the stage for the challenges faced by the subsequent generations of Israelites in securing their inheritance.
It underscores the ongoing need for faith and obedience in claiming the promises of God.
The continuing presence of these unconquered peoples would lead to future conflicts and temptations for Israel.
The verse emphasizes that God's promise of the land was real, but the Israelites had to actively claim it. Their failure to fully conquer the land had consequences that would resonate throughout their history.