Allotments East of the Jordan
Joshua 13:8-33
Jos.13.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- הראובני: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והגדי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- לקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- נחלתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בעבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מזרחה: ADV,dir
- כאשר: CONJ
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 32:33 (verbal): Directly states that Moses gave the land east of the Jordan to the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh — language closely parallels Joshua 13:8's attribution to Moses.
- Deuteronomy 3:12-13 (allusion): Describes the allocation of Og's territory east of the Jordan to Reuben, Gad, and half Manasseh and explicitly attributes the grant to Moses, echoing Joshua 13:8.
- Numbers 32:1-5 (thematic): Records the initial request of the Reubenites and Gadites to settle east of the Jordan and Moses' response — provides the narrative background for the territorial grant mentioned in Joshua 13:8.
- Joshua 22:4-5 (structural): Joshua reiterates Moses' grant to these tribes as he commissions them to return to their inheritance east of the Jordan, echoing the formula 'as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them' found in Joshua 13:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Reubenites and the Gadites took their inheritance which Moses had given them beyond the Jordan eastward, as Moses the servant of the LORD had given them.
- Now the Reubenites and the Gadites had received the inheritance that Moses had given them beyond the Jordan eastward, as Moses the servant of the LORD had assigned to them.
Jos.13.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מערוער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- שפת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- נחל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארנון: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- והעיר: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בתוך: PREP
- הנחל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- המישר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מידבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- דיבון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 12:2 (structural): Lists the same eastern-Jordan boundary places (Aroer on the Arnon, the city in the ravine, the plain by Medeba to Dibon); Joshua 13:9 repeats this territorial/boundary language in the allotment material.
- Numbers 21:14 (verbal): Cites the Arnon in an early tradition (Book of the Wars) and locates movements along the Arnon valley—verbal/toponymic overlap with Joshua 13:9's mention of the Arnon.
- Deuteronomy 2:24 (thematic): God commands Israel to 'set out and pass over the Arnon' and to take Sihon's land; connects the Arnon as a territorial boundary and travel/possession theme found in Joshua 13:9.
- Isaiah 15:2 (thematic): An oracle naming Moabite towns (including Dibon and Medeba); parallels Joshua 13:9's listing of the same Transjordan place-names and highlights their continued regional significance.
Alternative generated candidates
- From Aroer, which is on the edge of the ravine of the Arnon, and the city that is in the ravine, and all the plain on the border of Medeba as far as Dibon.
- From Aroer, which is on the edge of the Arnon ravine, and the city that is in the ravine, and all the plateau on the slope of Medeba to Dibon.
Jos.13.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- סיחון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בחשבון: PREP
- עד: PREP
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 21:21-31 (verbal): Narrative account of Israel’s defeat of Sihon king of the Amorites, listing his cities and stating the conquest reached Heshbon and to the border of the Ammonites—same events and geographic scope referenced in Josh 13:10.
- Deuteronomy 2:32-37 (verbal): Retells God’s command and Israel’s victory over Sihon, taking his land and cities 'to the border of the sons of Ammon,' closely paralleling the wording and territorial outcome in Joshua 13:10.
- Joshua 12:2 (structural): Part of Joshua’s summary list of kings defeated by Moses and Joshua; includes 'Sihon king of Heshbon,' paralleling Josh 13:10’s reference to Sihon and his cities.
- Judges 11:19-20 (thematic): Jephthah’s speech recounts Israel’s earlier defeat of Sihon at Heshbon and occupation of the land up to the Ammonite border—echoing the historical-theological point behind Joshua 13:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, to the border of the people of Ammon.
- And all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned at Heshbon, as far as the border of the children of Ammon.
Jos.13.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והגלעד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- וגבול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגשורי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- והמעכתי: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הר: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- חרמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הבשן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- סלכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 3:10-13 (verbal): Uses essentially the same territorial language about Og king of Bashan, 'all Bashan,' Mount Hermon, and the extent 'to Salcah,' closely paralleling Joshua’s listing of Gilead, Bashan and Salcah.
- Numbers 21:33-35 (thematic): Narrates Israel’s defeat of Og king of Bashan and the conquest of Bashan, providing the conquest-history background for Joshua’s listing of Bashan and Mount Hermon.
- Numbers 32:1-5 (thematic): Describes the Reubenites and Gadites viewing and requesting the land of Jazer and Gilead for their settlements, connecting to Joshua’s mention of Gilead as tribal/settlement territory.
- 1 Chronicles 5:18-22 (allusion): Retells the eastern tribes’ campaigns and possession of territories in Gilead and Bashan, echoing the same geographic scope named in Joshua 13:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and all Mount Hermon and all Bashan as far as Salcah.
- And Gilead, and the border of Geshur and Maacah, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan to Salcah.
Jos.13.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- ממלכות: NOUN,f,pl,cs
- עוג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בבשן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בעשתרות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,prop
- ובאדרעי: CONJ+PREP+PN
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- נשאר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מיתר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרפאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויכם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וירשם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 21:33-35 (quotation): Records the Israelite defeat of Og king of Bashan at Edrei—the same event alluded to in Joshua 13:12 (Moses struck Og and took his land).
- Deuteronomy 3:1-7 (thematic): Retells the campaign against Og in Bashan and the capture of his cities, providing a fuller narrative parallel to the brief mention in Joshua 13:12.
- Deuteronomy 3:11-13 (verbal): Uses similar language about Og, the remnant of the Rephaim, and the extent of his territory (Ashtaroth and Edrei), echoing key phrases found in Joshua 13:12.
- Joshua 12:4 (structural): Earlier summary list in Joshua that names Og king of Bashan among the defeated kings—parallels Joshua 13:12's reference to his remaining territory and prior defeat.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the kingdoms of Og in Bashan, who reigned at Ashtaroth and at Edrei—he was the remnant of the Rephaim; Moses struck them and dispossessed them.
- All the kingdoms of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and Edrei—he was the remnant of the Rephaim; Moses struck him and dispossessed him.
Jos.13.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- הורישו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הגשורי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- המעכתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גשור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומעכת: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בקרב: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- Judges 1:21 (verbal): Similar wording and situation — a people (the Jebusites) were not driven out and 'dwell with the children of Benjamin... unto this day,' paralleling the formula in Josh 13:13.
- Judges 1:27 (thematic): Records another instance of Israel failing to dispossess Canaanite inhabitants (Manasseh and Beth-shean), echoing the theme of incomplete conquest found in Josh 13:13.
- Joshua 17:12-13 (thematic): Describes Canaanite populations remaining in the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh and living among Israel — a direct parallel in theme of indigenous groups not being expelled.
- 2 Samuel 13:37 (verbal): Mentions Geshur explicitly as the place Absalom fled to, attesting to Geshur's separate identity and continued existence outside full Israelite control, which underlies Josh 13:13's note that the Geshurites remained.
- Deuteronomy 7:1-2 (thematic): States the divine command to dispossess and destroy the nations of Canaan; provides the legal/ideological background against which Joshua's note of failure to remove the Geshurites and Maacathites becomes significant.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the Israelites did not dislodge the Geshurites and the Maachathites; Geshur and Maacah remain among Israel to this day.
- But the Israelites did not dispossess the Geshurites and the Maachathites; Geshur and Maacah remain among Israel to this day.
Jos.13.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- רק: PRT
- לשבט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלוי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נחלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשי: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- נחלתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,suff:3,m
- כאשר: CONJ
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 18:20 (verbal): Explicit statement that the Levites receive no land inheritance because the LORD is their inheritance—very close verbal parallel and source tradition for Joshua's claim.
- Deuteronomy 10:9 (quotation): Declares that the Levite shall have no portion or inheritance with his brothers, for the LORD is his inheritance—language echoed directly in Joshua 13:14.
- Deuteronomy 18:1-2 (thematic): Assigns priestly/Levitical rights and support (tithes, offerings) and reiterates that they have no territorial inheritance, explaining the social-religious basis for Joshua's statement.
- Joshua 21:1-3 (structural): Records the later allocation of Levitical cities and pasturelands rather than a contiguous tribal territory, showing how the Levites were provided for without a tribal inheritance.
- Psalm 16:5 (thematic): Uses the motif of the LORD as one's portion/inheritance ('The LORD is the portion of my inheritance'), a theological echo of the claim that God is the Levites' inheritance.
Alternative generated candidates
- Only to the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance; the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he had spoken to them.
- Only to the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance; the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he had spoken to them.
Jos.13.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ראובן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 32:33 (verbal): Same tradition that Moses gave inheritance east of the Jordan to the tribes of Reuben (and Gad and half‑Manasseh); wording parallels the granting of land to Reuben's families.
- Deuteronomy 3:12-13 (verbal): Moses' retrospective summary of the Transjordan allotment: he reports giving the land of Argob and Bashan to Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh—echoes the grant described in Josh 13:15.
- Joshua 13:15-23 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the following verses enumerate the specific towns and boundaries given to the tribe of Reuben, expanding on the brief statement in v.15 about Moses' grant.
- 1 Chronicles 5:10-17 (thematic): Chronicles recounts the settlement and territorial possessions of the Transjordan tribes (including Reuben), reflecting the same tradition of tribal allotment east of the Jordan.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Moses gave to the tribe of the sons of Reuben, according to their clans.
- And Moses allotted to the tribe of the sons of Reuben according to their families:
Jos.13.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- הגבול: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מערוער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- שפת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- נחל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארנון: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- והעיר: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בתוך: PREP
- הנחל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- המישר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- מידבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 32:34 (quotation): Nearly identical listing of the border: 'from Aroer, which is by the brink of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the river, and the plain of Medeba' — same territorial description for the Transjordan allotments.
- Deuteronomy 2:36 (verbal): Repeats the geographic marker 'from Aroer which is by the brink of the river Arnon' in recounting Israel's advance and locations along the Arnon/Medeba region.
- Judges 11:26 (thematic): Jephthah’s speech lists Israelite occupation of towns including Aroer and Medeba (with Heshbon), echoing the same Transjordan settlements and claims described in Joshua 13:16.
- 1 Chronicles 5:8 (structural): Chronicles’ summary of Gad/Reuben tribal settlements enumerates territories and towns on the eastern side of the Jordan (including Aroer/adjacent sites), paralleling Joshua’s territorial catalogue.
Alternative generated candidates
- Their border was from Aroer, which is on the edge of the ravine of the Arnon, and the city that is in the ravine, and all the plain on the border of Medeba.
- Their border ran from Aroer, which is on the edge of the Arnon, and the city that is in the ravine, and all the plateau on the slope of Medeba.
Jos.13.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- חשבון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- עריה: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3f
- אשר: PRON,rel
- במישר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דיבון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובמות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובית: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cs
- בעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 21:25–26 (verbal): Uses the same place‑names (Heshbon, Dibon) in the conquest narrative — verbal overlap with Joshua’s town list.
- Deuteronomy 2:30–36 (thematic): Recounts Israel’s defeat of Sihon and the seizure of Heshbon and its cities, providing the historical background for the towns enumerated in Joshua 13.
- Joshua 12:2–3 (structural): Catalogues the kings and territories defeated east of the Jordan (including Sihon of Heshbon); structurally parallels Joshua 13’s geographic/administrative listing.
- Jeremiah 48:23–29 (allusion): Oracle against Moab naming many of the same towns (Heshbon, Dibon, Bamoth‑Baal, etc.), echoing the toponymy found in Joshua 13:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- Heshbon and all its cities that are in the plain, Dibon, and Bamoth‑baal, and Beth‑baal‑meon.
- Heshbon and all its cities that are in the plain, Dibon, Bamoth-baal, and Beth-baal-meon.
Jos.13.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהצה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וקדמת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומפעת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 13:17 (verbal): Immediate context — verse 17 is part of the same place-name list and directly connects with v.18 as a continuation of the territorial/city enumeration.
- Joshua 13:24–33 (structural): Same chapter and section: a series of city and boundary lists describing lands not yet subdued and the allotments east and west of the Jordan, paralleling the cataloguing function of v.18.
- Numbers 32:34–38 (thematic): Numbers records lists of towns given to the tribes of Reuben and Gad on the east of the Jordan; thematically parallels Joshua’s cataloging of specific towns and territorial assignments.
- Deuteronomy 3:13 (thematic): Deuteronomy summarizes the allotment of lands of Og and Bashan to the half-tribe of Manasseh — a thematic parallel concerning territorial distribution and place-names east of the Jordan, like the lists in Joshua 13.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jahaz, Kedemoth, and Mephaath.
- Jahazah, Kedemoth, and Mephaath.
Jos.13.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וקריתים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושבמה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וצרת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- השחר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בהר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- העמק: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Joshua 13:15-33 (structural): Immediate context: the larger catalogue of towns and boundaries in the Transjordan/Gilead assigned to Reuben, Gad, and half‑Manasseh; Josh 13:19 is one item in this list.
- Numbers 32:34-42 (verbal): Lists towns and settlements established by the Reubenites and Gadites in the Transjordan (e.g., Dibon, Ataroth, Jazer), paralleling Joshua's inventory of towns in the same region.
- Deuteronomy 3:12-13 (thematic): Describes the allotment of the land of Og (Bashan) to the Reubenites and Gadites and half the tribe of Manasseh—background for the territorial listings found in Joshua 13.
- Numbers 21:33-35 (allusion): Records the conquest of Og king of Bashan and the seizure of his cities—a prerequisite event for the later distribution of those towns to Israel noted in Joshua 13:19.
- 1 Chronicles 5:10-18 (thematic): Genealogical and territorial summary of the Transjordan tribes (Reuben, Gad, half‑Manasseh) mentioning their dwelling places and military actions, offering a later retelling of the same settlement realities reflected in Joshua 13.
Alternative generated candidates
- Kirjathaim, Sibmah, and Zareth‑shahar in the hill country.
- Kerioth, Sibmah, and Zareth-shahar on the summit of the valley.
Jos.13.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובית: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cs
- פעור: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואשדות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,cons
- הפסגה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ובית: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cs
- הישמות: NOUN,f,pl,def
Parallels
- Numbers 23:14 (verbal): Balaam is taken to ‘the top of Pisgah’ (the same Pisgah element found in Ashdot‑Pisgah), a direct verbal echo of the place name.
- Numbers 25:1–5 (thematic): The Baal‑of‑Peor episode at Peor connects thematically to Beth Peor named here (the town associated with the cult/incident).
- Joshua 12:4–5 (structural): A parallel summary in Joshua that lists the kings and cities of Bashan (including Ashtaroth/Edrei), providing the same regional/city roster context as Josh. 13.
- Deuteronomy 3:10–13 (thematic): Deuteronomy’s account of Og king of Bashan and the allotment of Bashan’s towns (Ashtaroth, Edrei and the rest) parallels the naming of Bashan localities such as Ashdot‑Pisgah and Beth‑Jeshimoth.
Alternative generated candidates
- Beth‑peor, Ashdoth‑pisgah, and Beth‑jeshimoth.
- Beth-peor, Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth.
Jos.13.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- המישר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ממלכות: NOUN,f,pl,cs
- סיחון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בחשבון: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- ואת: CONJ
- נשיאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אוי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- רקם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- צור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- חור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- רבע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נסיכי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- סיחון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישבי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 21:21-35 (verbal): Narrative account of Moses defeating Sihon king of the Amorites and taking Heshbon and his cities—the same conquest referenced in Joshua 13:21.
- Deuteronomy 2:24-37 (thematic): Deuteronomy retells the command and victory over Sihon and the transfer of his land to Israel, paralleling the account of Sihon’s cities and defeat.
- Numbers 31:8 (verbal): Lists the princes of Midian—'Evi/אוי, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba'—the same names echoed in Joshua 13:21.
- Joshua 12:2-4 (structural): A summary list of the kings defeated by Moses east of the Jordan (including Sihon and the Amorite territories), corresponding to Joshua 13:21’s recap of those conquests.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the cities of the plain and all the kingdoms of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon—whom Moses struck—and the princes of Midian: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, princes of Sihon who dwelt in the land.
- All the cities of the plain and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned at Heshbon—whom Moses struck—together with the princes of Midian: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the princes of Sihon who lived in the land.
Jos.13.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- בלעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הקוסם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הרגו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחרב: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- חלליהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 31:8 (verbal): Explicit parallel — this verse also reports that Israelites killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword (same event and wording).
- Numbers 31:16 (thematic): Connects Balaam to the Midianite/Peor episode: it accuses Balaam of advising Midian to lead Israel into sin, providing motive for Midianite punishment and Balaam’s death.
- Joshua 24:9-10 (allusion): Retells Balak’s hiring of Balaam and Balaam’s striking of Israel, summarizing the Balaam episode and its outcome in Israelite memory (background to Balaam’s fate).
- Revelation 2:14 (allusion): New Testament reference to the 'teaching of Balaam' that led Israel into idolatry and immorality — draws on Balaam’s negative legacy rather than the killing itself.
- 2 Peter 2:15 (allusion): Pauline/post‑apostolic warning using Balaam as an example of greed and false teaching; echoes the OT tradition that links Balaam with wrongdoing and condemnation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Balaam son of Beor, the diviner, they put to the sword among their slain.
- And the Israelites struck Balaam son of Beor the diviner with the sword and killed him.
Jos.13.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ראובן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וגבול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- נחלת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ראובן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- וחצריהן: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss:3,pl
Parallels
- Joshua 13:15-23 (structural): Immediate context: the section listing the allotments east of the Jordan, including the full description of the inheritance given to the tribe of Reuben.
- Numbers 32:34-42 (verbal): Provides a parallel catalogue of towns and villages assigned to Reuben (and Gad), closely matching the territorial details of the east-Jordan inheritance.
- Deuteronomy 3:12-13 (thematic): Reports the earlier grant of the Bashan and Argob region to Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh—background for the tribal borders east of the Jordan.
- Numbers 32:1-5 (thematic): Narrates Reuben and Gad's request to settle on the east side of the Jordan and the initial agreement—explains the origin of their inheritance there.
- 1 Chronicles 5:10-18 (verbal): Later genealogical/territorial summary describing where the Reubenites (with Gad and half-Manasseh) lived and their cities east of the Jordan, echoing Joshua’s allotment.
Alternative generated candidates
- The Jordan was the boundary of the sons of Reuben; this was the inheritance of the sons of Reuben by their clans—the cities and their villages.
- The Jordan was the border of the sons of Reuben; such was the inheritance of the sons of Reuben according to their families—the cities and their villages.
Jos.13.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גד: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- לבני: PREP
- גד: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 32:1-5 (verbal): Narrates the request of the tribes of Gad and Reuben for land east of the Jordan and the arrangement by Moses—same event underlying Joshua 13:24.
- Deuteronomy 3:12-13 (verbal): Moses' report of giving the lands of Gilead and Bashan to the tribes of Reuben and Gad (and half Manasseh)—a parallel summary of the territorial grant.
- Joshua 13:25 (structural): Immediately parallel within the same chapter: the next verse records Moses giving land to the tribe of Reuben, mirroring the allotment formula used in 13:24 for Gad.
- Joshua 22:3-4 (thematic): Joshua's charge to the trans-Jordanian tribes recalls that their land had been given by Moses, and sends them back to dwell in their possessions—reflects the outcome of the earlier grant.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Moses gave to the tribe of Gad, according to their clans.
- And Moses allotted to the tribe of Gad, to the sons of Gad according to their families.
Jos.13.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- הגבול: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יעזר: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- הגלעד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וחצי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- ערוער: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- רבה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 32:34 (verbal): Numbers lists the allotment of Gilead and the cities given to the tribes east of Jordan, mentioning Aroer and towns of Gilead—direct overlap in place‑names and territorial assignment.
- Deuteronomy 3:12-13 (thematic): Moses' summary of the lands given east of the Jordan (Gilead, half the land of Manasseh, borders to Aroer/Rabbah) parallels Joshua's description of tribal boundaries.
- 1 Chronicles 5:10 (verbal): Chronicles records the settling of Reuben/Gad/half‑Manasseh 'unto Aroer which is before Rabbah,' echoing the same geographic phrase and border in Joshua 13:25.
- Judges 11:21-22 (thematic): Jephthah's diplomatic argument with the Ammonites cites Israelite possession from Aroer to the Jabbok, reflecting the same territorial claims and border tradition reflected in Joshua 13:25.
Alternative generated candidates
- Their territory was Jazer and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the sons of Ammon as far as Aroer that is before Rabbah.
- Their border included Jazer and all the cities of Gilead, and the half of the land of the sons of Ammon as far as Aroer, which faces Rabbah.
Jos.13.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומחשבון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- רמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- המצפה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובטנים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וממחנים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עד: PREP
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- לדבר: INF,qal
Parallels
- Numbers 34:11 (structural): Part of a systematic catalogue of territorial boundaries and place‑names; parallels Joshua 13’s formulaic listing of towns and limits of the land.
- Joshua 15:4 (verbal): Another detailed boundary/town list using similar phrasing and directional markers to demarcate tribal territory (same compositional technique as Josh.13:26).
- Joshua 19:26–31 (structural): Catalogues the towns allotted to Asher (and neighboring allotments); parallels the genre and purpose of enumerating local place‑names and borders found in Josh.13:26.
- Judges 1:30–31 (thematic): Describes Israel’s failure to drive out inhabitants and the persistence of Canaanite towns in tribal territories—echoes the situation underlying Joshua 13’s list of lands 'remaining' to be settled or subdued.
Alternative generated candidates
- From Heshbon as far as Ramath‑mizpeh and Betonim, and from Mahanaim as far as the border of Debir.
- From Heshbon to Ramath-mizpeh, Betonim and Mahanaim, and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir.
Jos.13.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובעמק: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובית: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cs
- נמרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וסכות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וצפון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יתר: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ממלכות: NOUN,f,pl,cs
- סיחון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- חשבון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וגבל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- קצה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ים: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- כנרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מזרחה: ADV,dir
Parallels
- Numbers 21:26-30 (verbal): Lists and names cities of the Amorite territory (including Heshbon, Beth-nimrah, Succoth/Beth-succoth) taken from Sihon—overlaps place-names and territorial details found in Joshua 13:27.
- Numbers 21:33-35 (thematic): Narrates the battle at Jahaz and Israel's defeat of Sihon and possession of his land east of the Jordan, which is the event underlying Joshua's description of the same territory.
- Deuteronomy 2:32-36 (allusion): Recounts God's command to take Sihon's land and the conquest of his cities east of the Jordan—parallels Joshua's statement about the remaining kingdom of Sihon and its cities.
- Joshua 12:2-3 (structural): An earlier summary within Joshua that lists the kings and territories defeated east of the Jordan (including Sihon king of Heshbon), providing a cataloguing parallel to the territorial note in 13:27.
Alternative generated candidates
- And in the valley, Beth‑haran, Beth‑nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon; the remainder of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon—the Jordan and its border—extended as far as the side of the Sea of Chinnereth, east of the Jordan.
- And in the valley, Beth-haram, Beth-nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon; and the remainder of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon reached to the border of the Sea of Chinnereth, on the far side of the Jordan eastward.
Jos.13.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- נחלת: NOUN,f,sg,const
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- גד: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- וחצריהם: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 32:34-38 (quotation): Lists the specific cities and villages given to the tribe of Gad east of the Jordan, paralleling Joshua’s summary statement of Gad’s inheritance (verbal overlap in the allotment details).
- Joshua 13:24 (structural): Introduces the allotment for the children of Gad earlier in the same chapter; Joshua 13:28 functions as the concluding summary of that section (structural parallel within the allotment material).
- Deuteronomy 3:12-13 (thematic): Describes the distribution of Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan to the tribes (context of territorial assignment east of the Jordan, thematically related to Gad’s inheritance).
- 1 Chronicles 5:10-17 (thematic): Gives an account of the Gadites (and related tribes) dwelling in the land east of the Jordan and their settlements; echoes the tribal-territorial focus of Joshua 13:28 (thematic parallel).
Alternative generated candidates
- This was the inheritance of the sons of Gad by their clans—the cities and their villages.
- This is the inheritance of the sons of Gad according to their families—the cities and their villages.
Jos.13.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לחצי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- שבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לחצי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- מטה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למשפחותם: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
Parallels
- Joshua 13:28 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same chapter listing allotments — the preceding verse records Moses giving land to Reuben and Gad, framing the same distribution context as v.29.
- Joshua 17:1-6 (thematic): Repeats and expands the allotment material for the tribe/half-tribe of Manasseh (their inheritance in Canaan, familial divisions and border descriptions).
- Numbers 32:39-40 (verbal): Earlier account of Moses giving Gilead to Machir/Manasseh (the transfer of territory east of the Jordan), a direct antecedent to Joshua’s statement of possession.
- 1 Chronicles 5:23 (verbal): Chronicles summary noting that Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land of Gilead — a parallel statement about the settlement/possession of half‑Manasseh.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Moses gave to the half‑tribe of Manasseh; to the half‑tribe of the sons of Manasseh it was allotted according to their clans.
- And Moses gave to the half-tribe of Manasseh; to the half of the tribe of Manasseh he gave according to their families.
Jos.13.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גבולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3mp
- ממחנים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כל: DET
- הבשן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- ממלכות: NOUN,f,pl,cs
- עוג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הבשן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- חות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יאיר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בבשן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ששים: NUM,card
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 3:1-11 (structural): Narrative account of Israel's campaign against Og king of Bashan and the capture of his territory — provides the historical/background framework for the allotment mentioned in Joshua 13:30.
- Deuteronomy 3:14 (verbal): Explicit statement that Jair son of Manasseh took sixty towns in Bashan called Havoth‑Jair — language and detail closely parallel Joshua 13:30.
- Numbers 21:33-35 (thematic): Report of the military defeat of Og king of Bashan and the seizure of his cities — thematically parallels the conquest material underlying Joshua's allotment lists.
- Joshua 12:4 (verbal): Earlier summary within Joshua that lists Og king of Bashan and his cities among the kings defeated by Israel — a closely related conquest/allotment reference in the same book.
- Judges 10:4 (allusion): Mentions ‘Havoth‑Jair’ (towns of Jair) though in a different context and with thirty towns in Gilead — related tradition about places named for Jair and useful for comparing variant traditions about these eponymous towns.
Alternative generated candidates
- Their territory was Bashan: all the realm of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, sixty cities in Bashan.
- Their territory extended from Mahanaim: all Bashan, all the kingdoms of Og king of Bashan, and all the land of Jair who occupied Bashan—sixty towns.
Jos.13.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וחצי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגלעד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ועשתרות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ואדרעי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- ממלכות: NOUN,f,pl,cs
- עוג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בבשן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבני: PREP
- מכיר: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחצי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מכיר: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- למשפחותם: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 21:33–35 (verbal): Narrates Israel’s defeat of Og king of Bashan and the capture of his cities (including Ashtaroth and Edrei), the conquest underlying Joshua’s territorial list.
- Numbers 32:39–40 (verbal): States that the men of Machir son of Manasseh captured Bashan with its towns and settled there—directly parallels the allocation to half the tribe of Manasseh.
- Deuteronomy 3:1–6 (verbal): Retells the campaign against Og of Bashan and the seizure of his cities (Ashtaroth, Edrei), the same events presupposed in Joshua’s description.
- Deuteronomy 3:13 (structural): Explicitly records that Gilead was given to Machir son of Manasseh as a possession, corresponding to Joshua’s assignment of Gilead to Machir’s descendants.
- Joshua 17:1–6 (structural): Describes the allotment and inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh (including distinctions for Machir’s descendants), providing the broader allotment context for Josh 13:31.
Alternative generated candidates
- And half Gilead and Ashtaroth and Edrei, the royal cities of Og in Bashan, were for the sons of Machir son of Manasseh, for half the sons of Machir by their clans.
- And Gilead, and the cities of Ashtaroth and Edrei—the kingdoms of Og in Bashan—were allotted to the descendants of Machir son of Manasseh; to the half of the sons of Machir according to their families.
Jos.13.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נחל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בערבות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- מעבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לירדן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יריחו: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- מזרחה: ADV,dir
Parallels
- Numbers 32:1-5 (thematic): Reuben and Gad request to settle 'beyond the Jordan'—illustrates the allotment and possession of Transjordan territories described in Josh 13:32.
- Numbers 34:3-4 (verbal): Gives the eastern boundary of the land 'from the Jordan by Jericho eastward,' language closely paralleling the locational formula in Josh 13:32.
- Deuteronomy 3:12-13 (allusion): Moses' giving of Bashan and Gilead to Reuben, Gad and half-Manasseh records the transjordanian grants that Josh 13:32 summarizes as Moses' allotments.
- Joshua 22:4-9 (structural): Joshua commissions the tribes to return to their 'inheritance which Moses the servant of the LORD gave them beyond the Jordan,' explicitly echoing the claim that Moses assigned those Transjordan territories.
Alternative generated candidates
- These are the allotments which Moses gave in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan, at Jericho eastward.
- These are the inheritances that Moses apportioned in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan opposite Jericho eastward.
Jos.13.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולשבט: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלוי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- נחלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- נחלתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- כאשר: CONJ
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 18:20 (verbal): Explicitly states that the Levites shall have no inheritance among the Israelites because the LORD is their inheritance – wording closely parallels Joshua 13:33.
- Deuteronomy 10:9 (verbal): Affirms that Levi has no portion or inheritance with his brothers and that the LORD is his inheritance, echoing the same legal/theological claim.
- Deuteronomy 18:1-2 (verbal): Describes the Levitical priests as the LORD’s inheritance and indicates they have no territorial inheritance, reinforcing the principle stated in Joshua 13:33.
- Joshua 21:3 (structural): Records Israel’s provision of cities and pasturelands to the Levites from the tribal territories—concrete implementation of the Levites’ lack of a contiguous territorial inheritance.
- 1 Chronicles 6:63 (structural): Lists the cities given to the Levites, paralleling Joshua’s note that Levites received no tribal allotment but instead were assigned cities and duties.
Alternative generated candidates
- And to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance; the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he had spoken to them.
- And to the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance; the LORD, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as he had spoken to them.
To the Reubenites and the Gadites he gave their inheritance which Moses had given them beyond the Jordan, eastward, as Moses the servant of the LORD had given them.
From Aroer, which is on the rim of the valley of the Arnon, and the town that is in the ravine, and all the plain by Medeba to Dibon;
and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, to the border of the children of Ammon;
and Gilead, and the border of Geshur and Maacah, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan to Salcah;
all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned at Ashtaroth and at Edrei—he was the remnant of the Rephaim; Moses struck them down and dispossessed them. But the Israelites did not dispossess the Geshurites and the Maachathites; Geshur and Maacah have dwelt among Israel to this day.
To the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance; the LORD God of Israel is their inheritance, as he commanded them.
Moses assigned to the tribe of the sons of Reuben their inheritance according to their clans.
Their border was from Aroer, which is on the rim of the valley of the Arnon, and the town that is in the ravine, and all the plain by Medeba;
Heshbon and all its cities that are in the plain, Dibon, Bamoth‑baal, and Beth‑baal‑meon;
and Jahazah, Kedemoth, and Mephaath;
and Kiriathaim, Sibmah, and Zareth‑shahar on the hill of the valley;
and Beth‑peor, and the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth‑jeshimoth;
and all the cities of the plain and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses struck down; and the princes of Midian—Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—princes who were among the people of Sihon in the land. And the Israelites killed Balaam son of Beor the diviner with the sword; he perished. Thus the Jordan was the border of the sons of Reuben; this was the inheritance of the sons of Reuben according to their clans—the towns and their villages.
Moses assigned to the tribe of Gad their inheritance according to their clans.
Their border was Jazer and all the cities of Gilead and half the land of the children of Ammon as far as Aroer, which is before Rabbah;
from Heshbon to Ramath‑mizpeh and Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir;
and in the valley, Beth‑haram, Beth‑nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon—the remainder of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon; the Jordan and its border to the edge of the Sea of Kinnereth, east of the Jordan.
This was the inheritance of the sons of Gad according to their clans—the towns and their villages.
Moses gave to the half‑tribe of Manasseh their inheritance according to their clans.
Their territory was—from Mahanaim—all Bashan, all the kingdoms of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair that are in Bashan, sixty cities;
and half of Gilead and Ashtaroth and Edrei, the cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were given to the sons of Machir son of Manasseh; to the half of the sons of Machir according to their clans.
These are the possessions that Moses gave in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho, eastward.
To the tribe of Levi Moses gave no inheritance; the LORD God of Israel is their inheritance, as he commanded them.