Joshua Chapter 13 · Verse 27
And in the valley, Beth-aram, and Beth-nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border, even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.
Original Language Analysis
וְסֻכּ֣וֹת
and Succoth
H5523
וְסֻכּ֣וֹת
and Succoth
Strong's:
H5523
Word #:
6 of 21
succoth, the name of a place in egypt and of three in palestine
יֶ֚תֶר
the rest
H3499
יֶ֚תֶר
the rest
Strong's:
H3499
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
מַמְלְכ֗וּת
of the kingdom
H4468
מַמְלְכ֗וּת
of the kingdom
Strong's:
H4468
Word #:
9 of 21
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
וּגְבֻ֑ל
and his border
H1366
וּגְבֻ֑ל
and his border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
15 of 21
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
יָם
of the sea
H3220
יָם
of the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
17 of 21
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
כִּנֶּ֔רֶת
of Chinnereth
H3672
כִּנֶּ֔רֶת
of Chinnereth
Strong's:
H3672
Word #:
18 of 21
kinneroth or kinnereth, a place in palestine
עֵ֥בֶר
on the other side
H5676
עֵ֥בֶר
on the other side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
Cross References
Genesis 33:17And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.Numbers 32:36And Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran, fenced cities: and folds for sheep.Numbers 34:11And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward:Deuteronomy 3:17The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdoth-pisgah eastward.Joshua 11:2And to the kings that were on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west,
Historical Context
The Jordan Valley cities were located in the ghor (rift valley) east of the Jordan River, benefiting from the Jabbok River and other water sources flowing from the Gilead highlands. These settlements controlled fords across the Jordan and trade routes running north-south through the valley. The lower altitude and water access made them agricultural centers, though the same accessibility that brought prosperity also brought vulnerability to raiders.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Gad's possession of both valley (productivity) and highland (defense) territories illustrate the balanced Christian life?
- What does Succoth's history (Jacob's peaceful dwelling, later Gideon's judgment) teach about how places can witness both blessing and judgment?
- How might the need to fortify even prosperous valley cities speak to the reality that material blessing doesn't eliminate spiritual warfare?
Analysis & Commentary
And in the valley, Beth-aram, and Beth-nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon—The Hebrew ba'emeq (בָּעֵמֶק, "in the valley") refers to the Jordan Valley portion of Gad's territory, contrasting with the highland cities previously mentioned. Beth-aram (בֵית הָרָם) and Beth-nimrah (בֵית נִמְרָה, "house of leopard") were fortified cities with good water sources. Succoth (סֻכּוֹת, "booths") was where Jacob built shelters after returning from Paddan-aram (Genesis 33:17) and where Gideon later punished the men who refused to help him (Judges 8:5-16).
Zaphon (צָפוֹן, "north") served as a royal city in Sihon's kingdom. These valley cities provided agricultural richness and trade route control but required fortification against raids. The contrast between valley and highland holdings in Gad's inheritance mirrors Christian experience: we occupy both lowland places of productivity and fruitfulness, and highland places of vision and defense. Both require faithful stewardship, yet each presents unique challenges and opportunities.