Joshua 13:21 - all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses struck with the chiefs of Midian, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the princes of Sihon, who lived in the land.
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What does "Joshua 13:21" mean?
This verse from Joshua 13:21 is part of a larger description of the land allocated to the tribe of Reuben. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
"All the cities of the plain": This refers to the cities located in the Jordan River valley, specifically the area south of the Sea of Galilee (also known as the Sea of Chinnereth or Lake Tiberias). These cities were known for their fertility and prosperity but were also associated with sin and destruction in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah.
"and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon": Sihon was a powerful Amorite king who controlled a significant territory east of the Jordan River. Heshbon was his capital city. The Israelites, under Moses, had conquered Sihon and his land as they journeyed to the Promised Land (see Numbers 21:21-31).
"whom Moses struck": This reiterates that Moses and the Israelites defeated Sihon in battle.
"with the chiefs of Midian, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the princes of Sihon, who lived in the land.": This part is more complex.
It indicates that these Midianite chiefs were allied with or under the rule of Sihon.
The phrase "princes of Sihon, who lived in the land" may be a gloss that explains that the Midianite chiefs were under Sihon's rule.
Moses had also defeated these Midianite chiefs at some point (see Numbers 31:8). This is confirmed in Numbers 31, where these five chiefs are listed as kings or chiefs slain during a conflict in which Midianites tempted the Israelites to sin.
In essence, the verse highlights the extent of the land conquered by Moses and the Israelites that was now being assigned to the tribe of Reuben. It emphasizes:
The geographical area: The fertile plain of the Jordan Valley and the former kingdom of Sihon.
The military victories: Moses's successful campaigns against powerful Amorite and Midianite rulers.
The divine promise: The fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to the Israelites.
Significance:
This verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. It also underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites were able to conquer the land because they trusted in Him and followed His instructions. The verse underscores the thoroughness of the Israelite victory and the complete transfer of power in the region.
Joshua 13:21 - all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses struck with the chiefs of Midian, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the princes of Sihon, who lived in the land.
What does "Joshua 13:21" mean?
This verse from Joshua 13:21 is part of a larger description of the land allocated to the tribe of Reuben. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
"All the cities of the plain": This refers to the cities located in the Jordan River valley, specifically the area south of the Sea of Galilee (also known as the Sea of Chinnereth or Lake Tiberias). These cities were known for their fertility and prosperity but were also associated with sin and destruction in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah.
"and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon": Sihon was a powerful Amorite king who controlled a significant territory east of the Jordan River. Heshbon was his capital city. The Israelites, under Moses, had conquered Sihon and his land as they journeyed to the Promised Land (see Numbers 21:21-31).
"whom Moses struck": This reiterates that Moses and the Israelites defeated Sihon in battle.
"with the chiefs of Midian, Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the princes of Sihon, who lived in the land.": This part is more complex.
It indicates that these Midianite chiefs were allied with or under the rule of Sihon.
The phrase "princes of Sihon, who lived in the land" may be a gloss that explains that the Midianite chiefs were under Sihon's rule.
Moses had also defeated these Midianite chiefs at some point (see Numbers 31:8). This is confirmed in Numbers 31, where these five chiefs are listed as kings or chiefs slain during a conflict in which Midianites tempted the Israelites to sin.
In essence, the verse highlights the extent of the land conquered by Moses and the Israelites that was now being assigned to the tribe of Reuben. It emphasizes:
The geographical area: The fertile plain of the Jordan Valley and the former kingdom of Sihon.
The military victories: Moses's successful campaigns against powerful Amorite and Midianite rulers.
The divine promise: The fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to the Israelites.
Significance:
This verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. It also underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, as the Israelites were able to conquer the land because they trusted in Him and followed His instructions. The verse underscores the thoroughness of the Israelite victory and the complete transfer of power in the region.