Joshua 13:20
And Beth-peor, and Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth,
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Deuteronomy 4:46On this side Jordan, in the valley over against Beth-peor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel smote, after they were come forth out of Egypt:Joshua 12:3And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Beth-jeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdoth-pisgah:
Historical Context
Beth-peor was located in the Abarim mountain range east of the Jordan, opposite Jericho. Mount Pisgah (also called Nebo) rises 2,680 feet, offering panoramic views westward across the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem's hill country. Moses died and was buried nearby (Deuteronomy 34:5-6). Beth-jeshimoth lay in the Plains of Moab near the Jordan. These locations were Israel's last stops before entering Canaan, heavy with anticipation and memory.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's redemption of Beth-peor (site of judgment) into inherited blessing illustrate the gospel's transforming power?
- What can we learn from God giving Reuben territory associated with Moses' death—blessing mixed with solemn remembrance?
- How might living in places marked by both failure (Beth-peor) and faithfulness (Pisgah) shape spiritual formation?
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Analysis & Commentary
And Beth-peor, and Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth—Beth-peor (בֵּית פְּעוֹר, "house of Peor") was the infamous site where Israel committed fornication and idolatry with Moabite women, worshiping Baal-peor (Numbers 25:1-9). That 24,000 Israelites died there in divine judgment, yet the location became part of Reuben's inheritance, demonstrates redemptive transformation. Ashdoth-pisgah (אַשְׁדֹּת הַפִּסְגָּה, "slopes of Pisgah") refers to the ridge where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death (Deuteronomy 3:27, 34:1).
Beth-jeshimoth (בֵּית הַיְשִׁמוֹת, "house of the deserts") was Israel's final camp before crossing Jordan (Numbers 33:49). These three sites carry profound theological weight: Beth-peor speaks of sin and judgment redeemed; Pisgah of unfulfilled longing transformed into inheritance for the next generation; Beth-jeshimoth of wilderness wandering ending in covenant fulfillment. God gave Reuben not neutral territory but places dense with redemptive history, constant reminders of judgment, grace, and faithfulness.