Joshua Chapter 13
The last chapter served as a ‘bridge’ between the conquering of the land of Canaan (chapter 1-11) and the distribution of the Promise Land on the west of River Jordan (chapter 13 onwards). Joshua now had the job of dividing the land so that each tribe could now claim their inheritance and enjoy what God has given them.
There are a few general points in this chapter:
- There is still much land to be possessed (vs 1). Although we had spoken in the previous chapter that Joshua had conquered the land of Canaan, they did not yet completely get rid of all the inhabitants.
- The first portion of land to be divided was the land on the east of River Jordan. This was for the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half tribe of Manasseh.
- Only the tribe of Levi was given no land on the east of Jordan (vs 14, 33).
Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh wanted to stay on the east side of Jordan because it was specially suited for raising cattle. They agreed to cross the Jordan so that they can help their brothers conquer the land of Canaan with the understanding that they cam return after doing so.
Now came the time for them to return to the east of Jordan.
But while it may have been a good choice for them for their livelihood and future, it brought about problems for their children in the future. Like Lot, they surveyed the land and decided what was good for them (and their cattle and herd)…. but like Lot, they were actually much nearer the enemies…
If you look at the map of the 12 tribes, Reuben took the land on the southern part on the east of Jordan, while the half tribe of Manasseh took the north with Gad in between.
Now they formed a sort of barrier between the Israelites in Canaan (west of Jordan) and the gentile countries like Moab and Ammon. And this made them vulnerable to military attacks as well as ungodly influence. And we do read that both of these issues brought about their downfall (1 Chronicles 5:25-26).
Reuben took the land from Moab. And if we remember the story of Balaam (Num 22-24), it was Balak of Moab who tried to get Balaam to curse the Israelites. When it all failed, we see in Numbers Chapter 25 that the Israelites encamped in the land of Moab accepted the invitation to the pagan worship and feasting of the Moabites. And they committed harlotry with the women of Moab.
So living in close proximity to the idol worshipping nations was not a good idea as later on as it caused them to pursue other things than God.
It also serves as an important lesson for us today. While the grass may look greener on the other side, let us also consider whether such choices put us in the midst of danger and further away from God.
We are reminded to draw near to God and not to the world. So let us keep ourselves in His grace till we see Him on that day.