King James Version

What Does Joshua 13:19 Mean?

Joshua 13:19 in the King James Version says “And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley, — study this verse from Joshua chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Joshua 13:19 · King James Version


Context

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,

20

And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah , and Bethjeshimoth, Ashdothpisgah: or, springs of Pisgah, or, the hill

21

And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, which were dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zareth-shahar in the mount of the valley—Kirjathaim (קִרְיָתַיִם, "double city") was originally Moabite (Genesis 14:5) and later appears on the Moabite Stone, indicating contested territory between Israel and Moab throughout history. Sibmah (שִׂבְמָה) was famous for its vineyards; Isaiah 16:8-9 and Jeremiah 48:32 lament its destruction, suggesting economic significance. Zareth-shahar (צֶרֶת הַשַּׁחַר, "splendor of the dawn") sat on a mountain ridge, perhaps catching first morning light.

The poetic name Zareth-shahar contrasts with the harsh military reality of conquest. God gave Israel not just defensive positions but places of beauty and agricultural productivity. The mention of Sibmah's vineyards reminds us that the Promised Land flowed with milk, wine, and honey—material blessings accompanying spiritual covenant. Yet these same cities later fell to Moab (Isaiah 15-16, Jeremiah 48), fulfilling warnings that disobedience results in losing what God has given.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These cities lay on the Moabite plateau east of the Dead Sea. The region's altitude (2,000-3,000 feet) and fertile soil made it ideal for viticulture, explaining Sibmah's fame for wine production. The Moabite Stone (circa 840 BC) records King Mesha's reconquest of several cities mentioned in Joshua 13, confirming ongoing territorial disputes and validating the biblical geographical framework.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the agricultural blessings of places like Sibmah demonstrate that God cares about both spiritual and material wellbeing?
  2. What warning does Israel's later loss of these territories provide about the conditional nature of maintaining God's blessings?
  3. How might the name 'Splendor of the Dawn' reflect God's desire to give His people not just survival but beauty and joy?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְקִרְיָתַ֣יִם1 of 6

And Kirjathaim

H7156

kirjathaim, the name of two placed in palestine

וְשִׂבְמָ֔ה2 of 6

and Sibmah

H7643

sebam or sibmah, a place in moab

וְצֶ֥רֶת3 of 6
H0
הַשַּׁ֖חַר4 of 6

and Zarethshahar

H6890

tsereth-hash-shachar, a place in palestine

בְּהַ֥ר5 of 6

in the mount

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

הָעֵֽמֶק׃6 of 6

of the valley

H6010

a vale (i.e., broad depression)


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 13:19 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 13:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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