Keraia
Joshua 13

Joshua 13:3

Lands Yet Unconquered · Joshua 13:1–7
Read Joshua 13

Translations

Modern
…from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites;
Traditional
From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:
Literal
…from Shihor, which is upon the face of Egypt, and as far as the border of Ekron northward, to the Canaanite it is reckoned; the five lords of the Philistines—the Gazite, and the Ashdodite, the Ashkelonite, the Gittite, and the Ekronite; and the Avite;
Latin
A fluvio turbido, qui irrigat Ægyptum, usque ad terminos Accaron contra aquilonem: terra Chanaan, quæ in quinque regulos Philisthiim dividitur, Gazæos, et Azotios, Ascalonitas, Gethæos, et Accaronitas.

Original

Hebrew
English
…from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites;

Notes

Joshua 13:3

  • The stream of Shihor probably marked the traditional border between Canaan and Egypt, dividing the northern Sinai Peninsula.

  • The Philistine territory had five main cities. Gaza, Ashdod, and Ashkelon were on the Mediterranean coast. Gath and Ekron were a few miles in from the coast.

  • The Philistines replaced the Avvites (Deuteronomy 2:23).

Joshua 13:1–7

Israel did not conquer all of Canaan during Joshua's lifetime. The areas not conquered, mostly in the valleys and plains, were the places most populated. Several generations passed before Israel was strong enough to control these regions and their people.

Theme notes and profiles

Joshua Inheriting the Land

Events

Parallels

Judges 1:1–7

People

Avvim: Ancient people who inhabited the Gaza area

Places

Ashdod: A major Philistine city, known for Dagon worship Ashkelon: A major Philistine city, often a target of prophecy Brook of Egypt: Southwestern boundary of the Promised Land Canaan: Ancient region; descendants of Ham; promised to Abraham's descendants Egypt: Ancient nation; Israelites enslaved there; plagues and Exodus Ekron: One of the five major Philistine city-states Gath: Philistine city; home of Goliath; refuge for David Gaza: Philistine city; Samson's exploits; Philip's ministry Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan

Glossary

Allotment of the Land Ashdod, Ashdodite, Ashdothite Ashkelon Avims, Avites Avvites Ekron, Ekronites Eshkalonite Gath Gaza Gazathites Gerar Geshur, Geshurites Joshua, Book of Judges, Book of Kerioth Land Shihor Sihor Tribe of Dan

Topics

Ashdod: A City of the Philistines Ashkelon: One of the Five Chief Cities of the Philistines Avites: A Nation in Southern Part of Canaan Egypt: A Small Stream Flowing Into the Mediterranean Sea Ekron: One of the Five Chief Cities of the Philistines Gath: Inhabitants of, Called Gittites Gath: One of the Five Chief Cities of the Philistines Gaza: Also Called Azzah: A City of the Philistines Gazathites: Inhabitants of Gaza Geshur: District East of the Sources of the Jordan River--The Inhabitants of, not Subdued by the Israelites Hivites: Supposed to be the Ancient Avim, or Avites Lord: A Prince Philistines: Lords of Philistines: Territory of Sihor: A River of Egypt, Given by some Authorities As the Nile River The Philistines: Country of: Divided Into Five Sates of Lordships The Philistines: Country of: Given by God to the Israelites the River Nile: Called: Sihor The Theocracy: or Immediate Government by God: Consisted in His: Distribution of Conquered Lands