Main Idea
Though much of the land has been conquered, Joshua 13 reminds Israel that there is still territory to claim, showing that God’s promises are secure but require perseverance and faith to fully receive.
Key Verse
“When Joshua had grown old, the LORD said to him, ‘You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.’” (Joshua 13:1)
Commentary
Joshua 13 marks a transition in the book. The great campaigns of conquest are largely complete, and Israel controls much of Canaan. Yet God tells Joshua, now advanced in years, that there remains land yet to be taken (v. 1). The victories thus far are real, but the work is not finished. This sets the stage for the division of the land among the tribes, beginning in this chapter and continuing through chapter 21.
The text identifies the territories still unconquered, including regions of the Philistines in the west, the Geshurites, and areas in the north near Lebanon (vv. 2–6). Though Israel had broken the power of the major kings and cities, smaller pockets of resistance remained. God promises to drive these out, but the people must continue to trust and obey. The message is clear: the inheritance is certain, but the people must lay hold of it.
The chapter also records the distribution of land east of the Jordan, where Moses had given inheritance to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh (vv. 8–33). This land included the territories of Sihon and Og, whom Moses had defeated. The passage emphasizes that Moses, as the servant of the Lord, faithfully assigned these territories, showing continuity between his leadership and Joshua’s.
A striking note appears in verse 14: “But to the tribe of Levi he gave no inheritance; the offerings made by fire to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as he promised them.” The Levites’ inheritance was not land but the privilege of serving God directly through the priesthood. Their portion was the Lord Himself. This theme is repeated in verses 33 and later passages, underscoring that God’s presence is greater than any piece of territory.
The chapter closes with detailed borders of the land east of the Jordan, emphasizing God’s precision in assigning inheritance. These boundaries remind us that the land was not a vague promise but a specific gift measured out by God’s hand.
Life Application
Joshua 13 speaks to the tension between “already” and “not yet.” Israel had already received great victories, but much land was still to be taken. Likewise, in the Christian life, we already enjoy salvation in Christ, but we still wait for its fullness. We have victory over sin through Christ, but we continue to battle its presence. The inheritance is secure, but the journey continues.
The reminder to Joshua that he was old but the land remained unfinished challenges us to think about legacy. None of us completes the work of God alone. Joshua had been faithful, but others would need to rise and finish the task. In our lives, we are called to faithfulness in our season, knowing that God’s purposes extend beyond our lifetime. Our responsibility is obedience; the fulfillment rests with Him.
The Levites’ unique inheritance challenges us about what we value most. Land symbolized security, provision, and identity. Yet the Levites’ portion was God Himself. For believers, this points us to the truth that our ultimate inheritance is not earthly but eternal. In Christ, we receive “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade—kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). God Himself is our treasure.
Finally, the chapter calls us to perseverance. Israel could not stop halfway; they had to keep pressing forward to claim what God had promised. Likewise, we must continue in faith, resisting complacency. Paul exhorts believers to “press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Philippians 3:12). God’s promises are certain, but they call us to ongoing trust and obedience.
What Can I Do?
Reflect on areas of your spiritual life where “land remains to be taken”—habits to be formed, sins to be resisted, or steps of faith still waiting—and commit them to God in prayer.
Practice valuing God Himself as your portion this week by setting aside time to worship Him not for what He gives, but simply for who He is.
Ask Yourself
Where in my life am I tempted to settle spiritually instead of pressing forward to claim all God has for me?
How does the unfinished conquest in Joshua 13 encourage me to persevere in faith when the journey feels long?
What kind of spiritual legacy am I building for the next generation to carry forward?
How does the Levites’ inheritance challenge my priorities—do I value God Himself more than material security?
How does the “already but not yet” of salvation shape the way I live in hope today?
Guided Prayer
Thanksgiving: Thank God for the victories He has already given in your life and for the secure inheritance you have in Christ.
Intercession: Pray for those who feel weary in the journey of faith, asking God to give them perseverance and renewed hope.
Petition: Ask God to show you the “unfinished land” in your own life and to give you strength to continue pressing forward.
Confession: Confess areas where you have grown complacent, settled too quickly, or valued earthly security over God Himself.
Praise: Praise God as your portion and inheritance, the One who keeps His promises, and the Lord who is faithful across every generation.
