Joshua 13:11
And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;
Original Language Analysis
וְהַגִּלְעָ֞ד
And Gilead
H1568
וְהַגִּלְעָ֞ד
And Gilead
Strong's:
H1568
Word #:
1 of 11
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
וּגְב֧וּל
and the border
H1366
וּגְב֧וּל
and the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
הַגְּשׁוּרִ֣י
of the Geshurites
H1651
הַגְּשׁוּרִ֣י
of the Geshurites
Strong's:
H1651
Word #:
3 of 11
a geshurite (also collectively) or inhabitants of geshur
וְהַמַּֽעֲכָתִ֗י
and Maachathites
H4602
וְהַמַּֽעֲכָתִ֗י
and Maachathites
Strong's:
H4602
Word #:
4 of 11
a maakathite, or inhabitant of maakah
וְכֹ֨ל
H3605
וְכֹ֨ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַ֥ר
and all mount
H2022
הַ֥ר
and all mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
6 of 11
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַבָּשָׁ֖ן
and all Bashan
H1316
הַבָּשָׁ֖ן
and all Bashan
Strong's:
H1316
Word #:
9 of 11
bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan
Historical Context
Gilead became associated with the tribes of Gad and Reuben (Numbers 32). The region was culturally and geographically distinct from Canaan proper, separated by the Jordan River. Mount Hermon marked the northern boundary of Israel's conquest under Moses. Archaeological evidence shows the Geshurites maintained independent city-states in this region throughout Israel's history—Absalom later fled to Geshur after murdering Amnon (2 Samuel 13:37-38).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the incomplete conquest of regions like Geshur and Maachath illustrate the consequences of partial obedience?
- What spiritual parallels exist between physical boundary territories and the 'borderlands' of compromise in the Christian life?
- Why might God allow Israel to receive territorial promises while permitting enemies to remain in the land?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon—this verse details the territorial boundaries of the Transjordan inheritance. Gilead (גִּלְעָד, Gil'ad) means 'heap of witness' or 'rocky region,' referring to the mountainous territory east of the Jordan known for balm (Jeremiah 8:22). Mount Hermon (הַר חֶרְמוֹן, har Chermon) rises 9,232 feet, the highest peak in the region, whose melting snows feed the Jordan River.
The mention of Geshurites and Maachathites alongside Israelite territory reveals incomplete conquest—these peoples would remain (v. 13). Hermon held religious significance: its Canaanite name was Baal-Hermon (Judges 3:3), and later tradition associated it with the transfiguration (though uncertain). The region's fertility and strategic importance made it highly desirable, yet Israel's failure to fully possess it resulted in ongoing conflict.