Joshua 13:6 (KJV)

What does Joshua 13:6 mean?

Joshua 13:6 records God’s promise to drive out the remaining peoples living in the hill country, from Lebanon to Misrephothmaim, including the Sidonians, ahead of the Israelites. God instructs Joshua to divide this land by casting lots among the Israelites as their inheritance, just as God had commanded.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Joshua as the leader of Israel. The setting is after much of the land has been conquered, but some territories and peoples remain. God reassures Joshua that He Himself will remove these remaining groups, and Joshua’s role is to organize the division of the land among the tribes, trusting in God’s promise to fulfill what He has said.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 13:6

• יֹשְׁבֵי (yoshvei, "inhabitants"): This word emphasizes that God is referring to all the people currently settled in these regions, not just a few isolated groups.
• הַר (har, "hill country"): The term highlights the specific, often difficult terrain that still needs to be claimed, showing that even challenging areas are included in God’s promise.
• יָרַשׁ (yarash, "drive out"): This verb carries the sense of dispossessing or removing someone from their land, underscoring God’s active role in making room for Israel.
• נַחֲלָה (nachalah, "inheritance"): This word means a permanent possession passed down, stressing that the land is not just for temporary use but is meant to belong to Israel’s descendants.

Why Joshua 13:6 matters

• Joshua 13:6 clarifies that the conquest of the land is not yet complete, but God’s promise covers even the unconquered territories.
• The verse highlights that the division of the land is to proceed based on God’s word, even before all enemies are removed, showing trust in God’s future action.
• This instruction connects to the larger theme in Joshua of God’s faithfulness to His promises and the need for Israel to act in faith, even when the fulfillment is not yet visible.