Joshua 13:32
These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִחַ֥ל
did distribute for inheritance
H5157
נִחַ֥ל
did distribute for inheritance
Strong's:
H5157
Word #:
3 of 10
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
These are the countries which Moses
H4872
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
These are the countries which Moses
Strong's:
H4872
Word #:
4 of 10
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
בְּעַֽרְב֣וֹת
in the plains
H6160
בְּעַֽרְב֣וֹת
in the plains
Strong's:
H6160
Word #:
5 of 10
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
מוֹאָ֑ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֑ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
6 of 10
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
מֵעֵ֛בֶר
on the other side
H5676
מֵעֵ֛בֶר
on the other side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
Historical Context
Ashtaroth and Edrei were major Bronze Age cities in Bashan. Ashtaroth (modern Tell Ashtara) was a significant cult center for goddess worship. Edrei (modern Daraa, Syria) sits at a strategic crossroads controlling trade routes. The underground city discovered there contains miles of tunnels and chambers carved from basalt, providing defensive advantages. These cities continued as important regional centers throughout Old Testament history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the transformation of Ashtaroth from a pagan cult center to a Levitical city illustrate the gospel's power to redeem?
- What does Israel's inheritance of Og's royal cities teach about believers receiving kingdom authority through Christ's victory?
- How might the underground complexes of Edrei symbolize hidden strongholds that must be conquered in spiritual warfare?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan—This verse specifies the major cities within Manasseh's territory. The northern portion of Gilead (גִּלְעָד) was divided between Gad (southern) and Manasseh (northern). Ashtaroth (עַשְׁתָּרוֹת) was named after the Canaanite goddess Astarte, indicating the pagan religious landscape. That this city became Levitical (1 Chronicles 6:71) demonstrates redemptive transformation—what was dedicated to false gods became dedicated to serving the true God.
Edrei (אֶדְרֶעִי) was Og's second capital, site of his final defeat (Numbers 21:33-35, Deuteronomy 3:1-7). Archaeological excavations have revealed extensive underground complexes at Edrei, possibly explaining how Og's forces initially seemed impregnable. The mention of these royal cities as now belonging to Manasseh illustrates complete victory: Israel didn't merely defeat Og but inherited his infrastructure, economy, and strategic positions. This previews New Testament reality where believers inherit what Satan claimed—the earth is the Lord's (Psalm 24:1), and His people shall possess it.