Joshua 13:4 - on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the border of the Amorites;

Generated Verse: Joshua 13:4

What does "Joshua 13:4" mean?


This verse, Joshua 13:4, is part of a larger description of the land that the Israelites were meant to possess but hadn't fully conquered yet. Let's break down what it means:

"On the South": This refers to the southern boundary of the unconquered land being described.

"All the land of the Canaanites": The Canaanites were the inhabitants of the region before the Israelites. This indicates that a significant portion of Canaanite territory remained under Canaanite control at this point.

"Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians": Mearah was likely a cave or a region near Sidon (a major Phoenician city). The Sidonians were known for their maritime trade and influence.

"To Aphek": Aphek was a city located somewhere along the border. There were several cities named Aphek in ancient Israel/Canaan, and it's difficult to pinpoint this specific one.

"To the border of the Amorites": The Amorites were another powerful group of people inhabiting the region. They controlled territory further inland. This phrase marks the extent of the unconquered land as far as the border of the Amorite territory.

In summary, the verse outlines the southern extent of the territory the Israelites were supposed to possess but had not yet conquered. It included land inhabited by Canaanites, areas under the influence of Sidonians, a place called Aphek, and it extended to the border of Amorite territory.

Significance
Incomplete Conquest: This verse is part of a larger passage that highlights the fact that Joshua hadn't completed the task of conquering all the land God had promised to Israel. This is a recurring theme in the book of Joshua and the book of Judges.
Geographical Boundaries: It gives some geographical markers to help understand the boundaries of the areas still to be conquered.
Challenges Ahead: It suggests that the Israelites still faced challenges from the Canaanites, Sidonians, and Amorites, even after Joshua's leadership. This sets the stage for the events described in the book of Judges, where the Israelites struggle to maintain control of the land and face constant threats from their neighbors.

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