Joshua 13:25
And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that is before Rabbah;
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֤י
H1961
וַיְהִ֤י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַגְּב֔וּל
And their coast
H1366
הַגְּב֔וּל
And their coast
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עָרֵ֣י
and all the cities
H5892
עָרֵ֣י
and all the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
6 of 17
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
הַגִּלְעָ֔ד
of Gilead
H1568
הַגִּלְעָ֔ד
of Gilead
Strong's:
H1568
Word #:
7 of 17
gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַמּ֑וֹן
of Ammon
H5983
עַמּ֑וֹן
of Ammon
Strong's:
H5983
Word #:
11 of 17
ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
12 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עֲרוֹעֵ֕ר
unto Aroer
H6177
עֲרוֹעֵ֕ר
unto Aroer
Strong's:
H6177
Word #:
13 of 17
aror, the name of three places in or near palestine
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
15 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Deuteronomy 3:11For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead was a bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.Numbers 32:35And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah,2 Samuel 12:26And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.2 Samuel 11:1And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.
Historical Context
Gilead was prized for its balm (Jeremiah 8:22, 46:11), a medicinal resin exported throughout the ancient world. The region's oak forests and pasture lands made it economically valuable. Jazer controlled important springs and agricultural land. The territory described formed a buffer zone between Israelite settlements and Ammonite territory, though boundaries remained contested throughout Israel's history, leading to conflicts recorded in Judges 10-11.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's provision of Ammonite land through Sihon's prior conquest demonstrate His sovereignty in fulfilling promises without violating His commands?
- What does the name 'Gilead' (heap of witness) suggest about the purpose of inherited blessings as testimonies to God's faithfulness?
- How can Christians navigate situations where God's blessings come through complex historical circumstances without direct confrontation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead—Jazer (יַעְזֵר) was a fortified Amorite city conquered by Israel (Numbers 21:32), located in a fertile region suitable for livestock (Numbers 32:1). Gilead (גִּלְעָד) refers here specifically to the southern portion, though the name could designate the entire Transjordan highlands. The Hebrew word derives from gal (גַּל, "heap") and ed (עֵד, "witness"), recalling the memorial heap between Jacob and Laban (Genesis 31:47-48)—a fitting name for territory marked by covenant witness.
And half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that is before Rabbah—This phrase requires careful reading. Israel was forbidden to attack Ammon directly (Deuteronomy 2:19), yet Sihon had previously conquered Ammonite territory. Israel inherited what Sihon had taken, thus possessing "half the land of the children of Ammon" without violating God's command. This demonstrates divine precision: God's prohibitions don't prevent His provision. Rabbah (רַבָּה, "great") was Ammon's capital (modern Amman, Jordan).