Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon,

JOSHUA 13:17KJV
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Joshua 13:17 (KJV)

What does Joshua 13:17 mean?

Joshua 13:17 lists several cities—Heshbon, Dibon, Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon—located in the plain, as part of the territory being described. The verse is naming specific places that were included in the land allotted to the Israelite tribes east of the Jordan River.

In this part of the book, God is instructing Joshua about the division of land among the tribes of Israel after their conquest of Canaan. The verse is part of a detailed inventory, naming towns and regions that made up the inheritance for the tribe of Reuben. These names would have been familiar to the original audience, marking out the actual boundaries and important locations in their new territory.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 13:17

  • Heshbon (חֶשְׁבּוֹן, cheshbon): This was a significant city in the region, often associated with the Amorite king Sihon. Its mention highlights its importance as a central settlement.
  • Cities (עִיר, ir): The word here refers to populated places or towns, not just isolated buildings. The phrase "all her cities" emphasizes that the whole area, not just the main city, was included.
  • Plain (מִישֹׁר, mishor): This term means a level or flat area, often referring to the plateau east of the Jordan. It shows that the land described is not mountainous but a broad, open region.
  • Dibon (דִּיבוֹן, dibon): Another notable city, later associated with the Moabites. Its inclusion marks the southern part of the territory.
  • Bamothbaal (בָּמוֹת בַּעַל, bamoth baal): This name means "high places of Baal," indicating a site that may have had religious significance in the region.
  • Bethbaalmeon (בֵּית בַּעַל מְעוֹן, beth baal meon): This name means "house of Baal Meon," again pointing to a location with religious associations, possibly a sanctuary or shrine.

Why Joshua 13:17 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the specific boundaries and important cities included in the tribal inheritance, grounding the biblical story in real geography.
  • The mention of places with names linked to Baal worship (Bamothbaal, Bethbaalmeon) hints at the religious landscape the Israelites would encounter and sometimes struggle with in their new land.
  • Listing these cities connects the narrative to earlier events, such as the defeat of Sihon and the Amorites, and shows the fulfillment of God's promises to give Israel the land.

Where else these words appear

“Bethbaalmeon” Hebrew H1010 · used in 2 verses

  • Jeremiah 48:23 And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Bethgamul, and upon Bethmeon,

“Bamothbaal” Hebrew H1120 · used in 4 verses

  • Numbers 21:19 And from Mattanah to Nahaliel: and from Nahaliel to Bamoth:
  • Numbers 21:20 And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon.
  • Numbers 22:41 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost part of the people.

“Dibon” Hebrew H1769 · used in 11 verses

  • Numbers 21:30 We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which reacheth unto Medeba.
  • Numbers 33:45 And they departed from Iim, and pitched in Dibongad.
  • Nehemiah 11:25 And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjatharba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and in the villages thereof,

“plain” Hebrew H4334 · used in 23 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:10 All the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, unto Salchah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
  • 1 Kings 20:25 And number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so.
  • Isaiah 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.