Joshua Chapter 13

Joshua 13 Summary: Meaning, Themes & Reflection

Explore this passage of Scripture with its full text and meaning. Read these 33 Bible verses from Joshua and discover their timeless wisdom.

ShareTweetShare
Verse card
Ask AI about this chapter
Size

Select text within one numbered verse, then choose Compare Versions.

1. Now Joshua was old and well along in years, and the LORD said to him, “You are old and well along in years, but very much of the land remains to be possessed. 2. This is the land that remains: 3. All the territory of the Philistines and the Geshurites, from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites; 4. to the south, all the land of the Canaanites, from Mearah of the Sidonians to Aphek, as far as the border of the Amorites; 5. the land of the Gebalites; and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath. 6. All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim—all the Sidonians—I Myself will drive out before the Israelites. Be sure to divide it by lot as an inheritance to Israel, as I have commanded you. 7. Now therefore divide this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.” 8. The other half of Manasseh, along with the Reubenites and Gadites, had received the inheritance Moses had given them beyond the Jordan to the east, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had assigned to them: 9. The area from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, the whole plateau of Medeba as far as Dibon, 10. and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites who reigned in Heshbon, as far as the border of the Ammonites; 11. also Gilead and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites, all of Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah— 12. the whole kingdom of Og in Bashan, who had reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei and had remained as a remnant of the Rephaim. Moses had struck them down and dispossessed them, 13. but the Israelites did not drive out the Geshurites or the Maacathites. So Geshur and Maacath dwell among the Israelites to this day. 14. To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The offerings made by fire to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, just as He had promised them. 15. This is what Moses had given to the clans of the tribe of Reuben: 16. The territory from Aroer on the rim of the Arnon Valley, along with the city in the middle of the valley, to the whole plateau beyond Medeba, 17. to Heshbon and all its cities on the plateau, including Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon, 18. Jahaz, Kedemoth, Mephaath, 19. Kiriathaim, Sibmah, Zereth-shahar on the hill in the valley, 20. Beth-peor, the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth— 21. all the cities of the plateau and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon until Moses killed him and the chiefs of Midian (Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba), the princes of Sihon who lived in the land. 22. The Israelites also killed the diviner Balaam son of Beor along with the others they put to the sword. 23. And the border of the Reubenites was the bank of the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the clans of the Reubenites, including the cities and villages. 24. This is what Moses had given to the clans of the tribe of Gad: 25. The territory of Jazer, all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites as far as Aroer, near Rabbah; 26. the territory from Heshbon to Ramath-mizpeh and Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir; 27. and in the valley, Beth-haram, Beth-nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, with the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon (the territory on the east side of the Jordan up to the edge of the Sea of Chinnereth). 28. This was the inheritance of the clans of the Gadites, including the cities and villages. 29. This is what Moses had given to the clans of the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, to half the tribe of the descendants of Manasseh: 30. The territory from Mahanaim through all Bashan—all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, including all the towns of Jair that are in Bashan, sixty cities; 31. half of Gilead; and Ashtaroth and Edrei, the royal cities of Og in Bashan. All this was for the clans of the descendants of Machir son of Manasseh, that is, half of the descendants of Machir. 32. These were the portions Moses had given them on the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho. 33. To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, just as He had promised them.

Jump to a verse

33 verses
Joshua 13:1Joshua 13:2Joshua 13:3Joshua 13:4Joshua 13:5Joshua 13:6Joshua 13:7Joshua 13:8Joshua 13:9Joshua 13:10Joshua 13:11Joshua 13:12Joshua 13:13Joshua 13:14Joshua 13:15Joshua 13:16Joshua 13:17Joshua 13:18Joshua 13:19Joshua 13:20Joshua 13:21Joshua 13:22Joshua 13:23Joshua 13:24Joshua 13:25Joshua 13:26Joshua 13:27Joshua 13:28Joshua 13:29Joshua 13:30Joshua 13:31Joshua 13:32Joshua 13:33

Today's verse of the day

When you want one passage to carry out of this chapter, read the daily Bible verse with its reflection and prayer.

Today's verse of the day

Key Themes and Application

Background

This chapter of Scripture reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. The 33 Bible verses in this passage offer wisdom that applies to our daily lives.

Main Message

This passage contains timeless wisdom that speaks to believers across generations.

Life Application

  • Read these verses slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you
  • Consider how this passage applies to your current circumstances
  • Journal about what God is teaching you through this Scripture
  • Share these insights with friends or in a small group setting

Reflection Questions

  • What stands out to you most in these 33 Bible verses?
  • How does this passage challenge or encourage you today?
  • What is God inviting you to do or believe through this Scripture?
  • Who in your life needs to hear the message of these verses?

About These 33 Bible Verses

Reading the Bible is more than just checking off a task on your list. When you open these 33 Bible verses from Joshua, you are entering into a conversation with God that has spanned thousands of years.

This chapter of Scripture invites you to slow down and listen. The words on these pages have comforted, challenged, and guided countless believers throughout history. As you read this passage, remember that God speaks through His Word to meet you right where you are.

Many people find it helpful to read these verses multiple times. First, read to understand the overall message. Then read again to notice specific words or phrases that stand out. Finally, read once more asking God to show you how this Scripture applies to your life today.

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

These 33 Bible verses offer wisdom for your journey. As you meditate on this passage, God uses His Word to shape your character, deepen your faith, and guide your decisions.

For Group Study

This chapter provides rich material for discussion. Reading these Bible verses with others allows you to gain new perspectives and encourage one another in faith.

For Teaching and Preaching

Pastors and teachers find in this passage timeless truths to share. The themes in these verses speak to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Prayer and Worship

Let these words become your prayer. As you read, turn the verses into conversations with God, thanking Him for His promises and seeking His guidance.

Verse-by-verse Study
Get detailed AI breakdown
Pray this Chapter
Guided prayer session
Previous
Chapter 12
All Chapters
Next
Chapter 14

Related Guides from the Hub

View all

10 Powerful Opening Prayers for Bible Study: Simple Examples & Group Templates

Need help starting your Bible study? Discover 10 powerful opening prayers for Bible study, including simple examples, group templates, and quick guides.

PrayerBible Study

From Tool to Companion: Why the Future of Bible Study is Conversational

Discover why an AI spiritual companion changes how you connect with Scripture. Move from basic keyword search to deep, personalized conversations.

AIBible Study

5 Biblical Prayers for Anxiety: Finding Peace When You're Overwhelmed

Anxiety can feel paralyzing. Here are 5 scripture-based prayers to help you trade panic for God's peace today.

AnxietyPrayer

Related Topics to Explore

View all

Anxiety & Peace

Comforting scriptures and prayers for worry, fear, and stress.

Sleep & Rest

Bedtime verses and calming prayers to quiet your mind.

Gratitude

Build a thankful heart with verses and simple practices.

Popular Chapters

Psalms 23
The Lord is My Shepherd
John 3
For God So Loved the World
Romans 8
More Than Conquerors
1 Corinthians 13
The Love Chapter
Philippians 4
Rejoice in the Lord
Proverbs 3
Trust in the Lord