Explore Joshua 13 and the land that remained. Learn how God's ongoing promises and the Levites' inheritance teach lessons of faith and perseverance.
The conquest of Canaan had been extensive and decisive. Joshua had led Israel to victory over thirty-one kings. The major military campaigns were complete. The people had secured a vast territory that stretched across the land of promise. Yet the work was not finished.
The Lord spoke to Joshua with a sobering assessment. Joshua was old and advanced in years. Much land still remained to be possessed. The conquest was not complete. The promise to Abraham had not yet reached its full fulfillment. The task ahead would require faith, obedience, and continued trust in God's power.
The account of Joshua 13 reveals that God's promises are not exhausted by partial fulfillment. The land that remained represented God's continuing commitment to His people. The unfinished work was not a sign of failure but of ongoing faithfulness. The lesson from Joshua 13 challenges believers to press forward and claim all that God has promised. The chapter demonstrates that spiritual growth and inheritance are progressive, requiring persistent faith and action.
The Assessment of the Remaining Land
The Word to Joshua
Joshua 13:1 records the Lord's direct word to Israel's leader: "Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed." The Lord acknowledged Joshua's age and service. Yet He also called attention to the unfinished work.
This word served multiple purposes. It reminded Joshua of his limitations, but it also emphasized that God's work would continue. Joshua's age did not mean that God's promises had failed. The remaining land represented what God would yet give to His people.
The Territory That Remained
Joshua 13:2-6 provides a detailed description of the remaining territory. The list includes the regions of the Philistines, the Geshurites, and the Sidonians. The boundaries extended from the Shihor River east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron. The land of the Canaanites, all Lebanon, and the territory toward the rising of the sun were still to be possessed.
The specific listing of these regions emphasized that God had not forgotten His promise. The land that remained was part of the inheritance that God had sworn to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The detailed description also served as a reminder of the task that still lay ahead.
The Promise of Divine Assistance
God did not leave Joshua with only a description of the difficulty. He also gave a promise of assistance. Joshua 13:6 declares: "I will drive them out from before the children of Israel." The Lord would act on behalf of His people. The remaining land would be conquered through God's power.
The promise was both a comfort and a challenge. Joshua could trust that God would be faithful. Yet the people also had a responsibility to act. They were to divide the land and possess their inheritance. God's promise required human obedience and faith.
The Inheritance East of the Jordan
The Land Assigned by Moses
Joshua 13:8-14 summarizes the inheritance that Moses had given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This land was on the east side of the Jordan River. Moses had defeated Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan and had given their territory to these tribes.
The assignment of this land was a fulfillment of the request made in Numbers 32. The tribes had asked for this land because it was suitable for their livestock. Moses had granted their request on the condition that they would help conquer the land west of the Jordan. These tribes had fulfilled their obligation and were now receiving their inheritance.
The Specific Boundaries
The boundaries of the eastern tribes were described in detail. Joshua 13:15-23 lists the territory of Reuben, extending from Aroer on the edge of the Arnon Valley to the bank of the Jordan. The cities included Heshbon, Dibon, Bamoth-baal, and many others.
Joshua 13:24-28 describes the territory of Gad. Their land extended from Jazer and all the cities of Gilead to the Sea of Chinnereth. The territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh included all of Bashan, the realm of Og, and the sixty cities of Jair (Joshua 13:29-31). The detailed record of these boundaries confirms the accuracy of the biblical account.
The Failure to Drive Out the Inhabitants
Joshua 13:13 records a significant failure: "Nevertheless the children of Israel drove not out the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day." These people groups continued to live within Israel's territory.
This failure would have consequences. The presence of these peoples would become a source of trouble for Israel. The incomplete obedience would lead to compromise and conflict. The failure to drive out the inhabitants was a warning of the dangers of partial obedience.
The Inheritance of the Levites
No Land as an Inheritance
Joshua 13:14 and 33 both emphasize a crucial exception. The tribe of Levi received no land as an inheritance. While the other tribes received territories and cities, the Levites were given something different. Their inheritance was the Lord God of Israel.
The Levites were set apart for service in the tabernacle. They were to minister before the Lord and serve the people in spiritual matters. Their inheritance was not a portion of land but the offerings and sacrifices that Israel would bring to God. The Lord Himself was their portion.
The Lord as Their Inheritance
The statement that the Lord was the Levites' inheritance is repeated for emphasis. This repetition highlights the unique relationship that the Levites had with God. They were called to a life of faith and dependence on Him. Their provision would come through the offerings of the people and the direct provision of God.
This principle applies to believers as well. The Lord Himself is the greatest inheritance. The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 1:11 that believers have obtained an inheritance in Christ. The spiritual inheritance is more valuable than any earthly possession. The Levites serve as a model of those who find their sufficiency in God alone.
The Role of the Levites
The Levites had specific responsibilities in Israel. They were to teach the law, offer sacrifices, and lead worship. Their service was essential to the spiritual life of the nation. The people were to support the Levites through tithes and offerings.
The provision for the Levites taught a lesson to all Israel. God is the source of all blessing. Those who serve Him faithfully will be provided for. The Levites were a reminder that spiritual priorities should be placed above material concerns.
Lessons from Joshua 13
The Danger of Partial Obedience
The failure to drive out the Geshurites and Maachathites demonstrates the danger of partial obedience. Israel did not complete the work that God had commanded. The presence of these peoples would lead to compromise and conflict. The incomplete obedience would have lasting consequences.
The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6:14: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?" The failure of Israel to separate from the inhabitants of the land is a warning to believers. Compromise with sin leads to trouble and heartache.
The Need for Perseverance
Joshua 13 emphasizes the need for perseverance. The conquest was not complete. Much land still remained to be possessed. The people could not rest on their past victories. They had to continue pressing forward.
The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3:13-14: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." The lesson from Joshua 13 calls believers to persevere in their spiritual journey.
The Necessity of Faith
The remaining land required faith. The people could not see how they would possess the territory that remained. Yet God had promised to drive out the inhabitants. The people had to trust God's promise and act in faith.
Joshua 13:6 records God's assurance: "I will drive them out from before the children of Israel." The promise was certain, but the people had to participate. Faith requires action. The people had to divide the land and take possession of it. Faith that does not act is not faith at all.
The Sufficiency of God
The inheritance of the Levites demonstrates the sufficiency of God. The Levites had no land as an inheritance. They had to trust God to provide for their needs. The Lord Himself was their portion. This truth is a comfort to all who serve God.
Psalm 16:5 declares: "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot." Those who have God as their inheritance have everything they need. The Levites were a testimony to the sufficiency of God. Their example encourages believers to trust in God alone.
Connections to Scripture
The Promise to Abraham
The remaining land in Joshua 13 connects to the promise to Abraham. Genesis 15:18-21 had specified the boundaries of the land that God would give to Abraham's descendants. The territory that remained was part of that original promise. The conquest was not complete, but the promise was still valid.
The fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise was progressive. It required time, obedience, and faith. The remaining land was evidence that God's promises are not exhausted by partial fulfillment. The same principle applies to the promises that God has given to believers.
The Typology of the Land
The land of Canaan serves as a type of the believer's spiritual inheritance. The physical land that Israel possessed foreshadows the spiritual blessings that believers have in Christ. The remaining land represents the spiritual growth that believers should pursue.
The Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 1:12: "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." The inheritance that believers have in Christ is greater than any earthly possession. The lesson from Joshua 13 encourages believers to press forward and claim all that God has promised.
The Warning of Incomplete Obedience
The failure to drive out the Geshurites and Maachathites is a warning that echoes through Scripture. The book of Judges records the consequences of incomplete obedience. The people failed to complete the conquest, and the inhabitants became a source of trouble.
The Apostle Paul writes in Hebrews 4:11: "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." The warning of incomplete obedience applies to believers. Partial obedience leads to spiritual compromise. The lesson from Joshua 13 calls believers to complete the work that God has given them.
The Inheritance of the Levites and the Priesthood of Believers
The Levites were set apart for service to God. Their inheritance was the Lord Himself. This principle foreshadows the priesthood of believers in the New Testament. 1 Peter 2:9 declares: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light."
Believers have a spiritual inheritance that is far greater than any earthly possession. The Lord is their portion. The example of the Levites encourages believers to find their sufficiency in God and to serve Him with their whole hearts.
Conclusion
The account of Joshua 13 marks a transition in the book of Joshua. The military conquest was complete, but the work of taking possession of the land had just begun. The remaining land represented the ongoing promises of God. The division of the land was an act of faith, trusting that God would fulfill His word.
The lesson from Joshua 13 is that God's promises require continuing faith and obedience. The people could not rest on their past victories. They had to press forward and possess the land that remained. The same principle applies to believers. Spiritual growth is progressive. Believers must continue to trust God and obey His commands.
The inheritance of the Levites teaches that God Himself is the greatest possession. The Lord was their inheritance, and He is the inheritance of all who trust in Him. The promise of divine assistance in Joshua 13:6 reminds believers that God will complete what He has begun. The God who fought for Israel continues to fight for His people today. The account of Joshua 13 calls believers to trust in God's ongoing promises and to press forward in faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did God tell Joshua that much land still remained to be possessed?
God told Joshua that much land remained to challenge Joshua and Israel to continue pressing forward. The remaining land was evidence that God's promises were not exhausted by partial fulfillment. The people were not to rest on their past victories but to continue trusting God for future success. The reminder also emphasized the need for perseverance and faith.
2. What were the boundaries of the land that remained unconquered?
The remaining land included the regions of the Philistines and Geshurites, the territory of the Canaanites, the land of the Sidonians, all of Lebanon, and the area from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to the entrance of Hamath. The territory represented significant portions of the land that God had promised to Abraham's descendants.
3. Why did the tribe of Levi not receive a land inheritance?
The tribe of Levi did not receive a land inheritance because the Lord was their inheritance. They were set apart for service in the tabernacle and temple. Their provision came from the offerings and sacrifices that Israel brought to God. The Lord Himself was their portion, demonstrating that spiritual priorities are greater than material possessions.
4. What was the significance of the failure to drive out the Geshurites and Maachathites?
The failure to drive out these peoples demonstrated partial obedience. The Israelites had not completed the work that God had commanded. The presence of these peoples would later lead to compromise and conflict. The failure served as a warning of the dangers of incomplete obedience.
5. How does Joshua 13 apply to believers today?
Joshua 13 applies to believers by teaching the importance of perseverance and faith. Believers are called to continue pressing forward in their spiritual journey. The inheritance of the Levites reminds believers that God Himself is the greatest possession. The promise of divine assistance encourages believers to trust God to complete what He has begun.
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