King James Version

What Does Joshua 13:17 Mean?

Joshua 13:17 in the King James Version says “Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon, Bamothbaal: or, the high pla...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon, Bamothbaal: or, the high places of Baal, and house of Baalmeon”

Joshua 13:17 · KJV

Context

15

And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families.

16

And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;

17

Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon, Bamothbaal: or, the high places of Baal, and house of Baalmeon

18

And Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,

19

And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain—Heshbon (חֶשְׁבּוֹן) was the former capital of Sihon, king of the Amorites (Numbers 21:26), making it a strategic and symbolic prize. The Hebrew ha-mishor (הַמִּישֹׁר, "the plain") refers to the high plateau east of the Dead Sea, excellent grazing land. This verse lists cities conquered from Sihon, now assigned to Reuben: Dibon, Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon, and others.

The inclusion of cities with "Baal" in their names (Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon) highlights the pagan religious landscape Israel was called to transform. God gave Israel cities built by others (Deuteronomy 6:10-11), demonstrating His sovereignty in transferring wealth and infrastructure from the wicked to His covenant people. Yet the retention of Baal place-names foreshadowed Israel's later syncretism—they occupied the land physically but failed to purge it spiritually, a warning against incomplete obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Heshbon (modern Hesban) was located about 20 miles east of the Jordan River and 15 miles southwest of Amman. Archaeological excavations have confirmed Iron Age occupation. Dibon (modern Dhiban) yielded the famous Moabite Stone. These cities formed a network controlling the King's Highway, the major north-south trade route through Transjordan, making them economically and militarily valuable.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God giving Israel cities they didn't build teach about His sovereignty in providing for His people?
  2. How does the presence of Baal place-names warn against incomplete spiritual transformation in our own lives?
  3. In what ways might we occupy territory God has given us physically without possessing it spiritually?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
חֶשְׁבּ֥וֹן1 of 11

“Heshbon”

H2809

cheshbon, a place east of the jordan

וְכָל2 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָרֶ֖יהָ3 of 11

“and all her cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 11
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בַּמִּישֹׁ֑ר5 of 11

“that are in the plain”

H4334

a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (

דִּיבוֹן֙6 of 11

“Dibon”

H1769

dibon, the name of three places in palestine

וּבָמ֣וֹת7 of 11
H0
בַּ֔עַל8 of 11

“and Bamothbaal”

H1120

bamoth or bamoth-baal, a place east of the jordan

וּבֵ֖ית9 of 11
H0
בַּ֥עַל10 of 11
H0
מְעֽוֹן׃11 of 11

“and Bethbaalmeon”

H1010

beth-baal-meon, a place in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 13:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 13:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 21:19Numbers 22:41Numbers 32:38

Places in This Verse

Baal-meonSettlement · Modern: Ma‘in · 31.68°N, 35.74°E4 verses across 4 books
Bamoth-baalSettlement · Modern: Khirbet el Quweiqiyeh · 31.73°N, 35.74°E2 verses across 2 books
Dibon 1Settlement · Modern: Tall Dhiban · 31.50°N, 35.78°E10 verses across 4 books
HeshbonSettlement · Modern: Tell Hesban · 31.80°N, 35.81°E37 verses across 9 books
View all places in Joshua 13 →

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