The Word for Today with Ray

Monday, June 22, 2026

From Heshbon, Ramathmizpeh and Betonim - Joshua 13:26

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Moses gave inheritance unto the tribe of Gad, even unto the children of Gad according to their families. And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that is before Rabbah”, and in chapter thirteen and verse twenty-six of Joshua we learn how their territory was also, “from Heshbon unto Ramathmizpeh, and Betonim” where we read,

And from Heshbon unto Ramathmizpeh, and Betonim;

and from Mahanaim unto the border of Debir;

The verse reads, “And from Heshbon unto Ramathmizpeh, and Betonim;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and from Heshbon” which means “and from the border or edge of Heshbon whose name means ‘stronghold’ and was the capital city of Sihon, king of the Amorites, located on the western border of the high plain and on the border line between the tribes of Reuben and Gad” “unto Ramathmizpeh” or “to Ramathmizpeh whose name means ‘high place of the watch tower’ and was a place in Gilead on the northern border of Gad”, “and Betonim” whose name means “pistachio nuts’ and was a city east of the Jordan in territory of Gad”. Joshua or the writer shared how the border of the territory allotted to the “tribe of Gad” was from “Heshbon” to “Ramathmizpeh and Betonim”.

The verse continues, “and from Mahanaim unto the border of Debir;” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and from Mahanaim” which means “and from Mahanaim whose name means ‘two camps’ and was a place east of the Jordan, named from Jacob's encounter with angels” “unto the border” or “to the edge, circuit and boundary” “of Debir” which means “belonging to Debir whose name means ‘sanctuary’ and was a town in the mountains of Judah west of Hebron and given to the priests and a city of refuge”. Joshua or the writer also said the boundaries of the territory given to the “tribe of Gad” included the border of “Mahanaim” to the edge of “Debir”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn more about the boundaries of the territory that was allotted to the “tribe of Gad”. “From Heshbon, Ramathmizpeh, Betonim, Mahanaim” to the edge of “Debir” were all given by Jehovah God to the clan and families of “Gad”. God was fulfilling His oath to give the people of “Israel” the promise land, and “Gad” received their allotment. God wants everyone to receive from Him, and because He loves us, He gave His Son Jesus to the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we believe and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and lead us step by step into the areas of inheritance He has for us in this life and the next.

Next time we learn how the “tribe of Gad’s” territory was also from, “the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Jazer and the Cities of Gilead - Joshua 13:25

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Moses gave inheritance unto the tribe of Gad, even unto the children of Gad according to their families”, and in chapter thirteen and verse twenty-five of Joshua we learn how, “their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead” where we read,

And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead,

and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that is before Rabbah;

The verse reads, “And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and their coast” whose name means “and their, the offspring of Gad’s, border, region or landmark” “was Jazar” which means “existed as Jazar whose name means ‘helped’ and was a Levitical city east of the Jordan, in Gilead in the territory of Gad, formerly an Amorite city; site uncertain” “and all the cities” which means “and each, every and the whole of the dwelling places or towns” “of Gilead” or “belonging to Gilead whose name means ‘rocky region’ and was a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just ‘Gilead’ and was divided into north and south Gilead”. Joshua or the writer referred to how the “tribe of Gad’s” border was “Jazer” and every dwelling place belonging to “Gilead”.

The verse goes on to say, “… and half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that is before Rabbah;” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and half the land” which means “and one-half of the territory, region and district” “of the children of Ammon” or “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Ammon whose name means ‘tribal’ and was a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot through Ben-ammi”, “unto Aroer” which means “to Aroer whose name means ‘ruins’ and was a city on the north bank of the river Arnon, the southern point of the territory of Sihon the king of the Amorites and later of Reuben; modern 'Arair'” “that is before Rabbah” or “that exists in front and in the presence of Rabbah whose name means ‘great’ and was the capital city of the Ammonites located east of the Jordan”. Joshua or the writer shared how one-half of the offspring belonging to “Ammon” to “Aroer” which was in the presence of “Rabbah” were also the boundaries of the territory given to the “tribe of Gad”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover the borders of the territory that was given to the “tribe of Gad”. From the landmark of “Jazer” to every one of the dwelling places which belonged to “Gilead” as well as one-half of the region pertaining to the offspring “of Ammon” to “Aroer” which was in the presence of “Rabbah” were given to the clan of “Gad”. Little by little God was was distributing the inheritance He promised to the people of “Israel”, and He will do the same for us when we put our faith and trust in His Son Jesus who came into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to live according to that truth so that we too will receive His Divine “inheritance” according to His purposes and will.

Next time we learn how the “tribe of Gad’s” territory was also, “from Heshbon unto Ramathmizpeh, and Betonim”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Inheritance to Gad - Joshua 13:24

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families” which included how “the border of the children of Reuben was Jordan, and the border thereof. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben after their families, the cities and the villages thereof”, and in chapter thirteen and verse twenty-four of Joshua we learn how Jehovah God said, “Moses gave inheritance unto the tribe of Gad” where we read,

And Moses gave inheritance unto the tribe of Gad,

even unto the children of Gad according to their families.

The verse reads, “And Moses gave inheritance unto the tribe of Gad, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Moses” whose name means “drawn out” and was “the prophet, lawgiver and leader of the exodus” “gave inheritance” which means “granted, bestowed, ascribed and consecrated possession, property, heritage, portion and share” “unto the tribe of Gad” or “to the clan or people group belonging to Gad whose name means ‘troop’ and was the seventh son of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, and full brother of Asher.” Joshua or the writer referred to the portion and share of territory that was allotted to the “tribe of Gad”.

The verse continues, “… even unto the children of Gad according to their families.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “even unto the children of Gad” which means “also and indeed to the offspring and progeny belonging to Gad whose name means ‘troop’ and was the seventh son of Jacob by Zilch, Leah’s handmaiden, and full brother of Asher” “according to their families” or “in keeping with their, the children of Gad’s, clan, people and kindred”. Joshua or the writer shared that the portion given to “Gad” was to their offspring and kindred.

When we consider the words in this verse, we see how Jehovah God provided for the “tribe of Gad” who belonged to “Israel”. Just as He promised, each of these clans were receiving an “inheritance” from Him, and in a like manner, He will provide an “inheritance” to every person who puts their faith and trust in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the grave after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him and will receive His eternal “inheritance” some day. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:18)

Next time we learn how the “tribe of Gad’s”, “coast was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Border of the Children of Reuben - Joshua 13:23

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families” including “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. Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them”, and in chapter thirteen and verse twenty-three of Joshua we learn how Jehovah God said, “the border of the children of Reuben was Jordan, and the border thereof” where we read,

And the border of the children of Reuben was Jordan, and the border thereof.

This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben after their families, the cities and the villages thereof.

The verse reads, “And the border of the children of Reuben was Jordan, and the border thereof.” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the border” which means “and the edge, circuit or boundary” “of the children” which means “pertaining to the offspring and progeny” “of Reuben” or “belonging to Reuben whose name means ‘behold a son’ and was the eldest son of Jacob by Leah” “was Jordan” which means “existed as Jordan whose name means ‘descender’ and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)”, “and the border thereof” or “and the edge, circuit and boundary of the Jordan River”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God referred to the boundary of the offspring of “Reuben” which was the edge of the “Jordan” River.

The verse goes on to say, “This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben after their families, the cities and the villages thereof.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “this was the inheritance” which means “the above mentioned territory existed as the possession, property, heritage, portion and share” “of the children” or “belonging to the offspring and progeny” “of Reuben” which means “belonging to Reuben whose name means ‘behold a son’ and was the eldest so of Jacob by Leah” “after their families” or “following their, the children of Reuben’s, clans, tribes or people”, “the cities” which means “the dwelling places and towns” “and the villages thereof” or “and the within the enclosures, courts, settle abodes, settlements, towns and hamlets”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God declared the previously named dwelling places and settlements to be the possession and portion allotted to the offspring of “Reuben” and their fellow kinsmen.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how Jehovah God concluded the reference to the “inheritance” of “Reuben” and his progeny by restating that the above mentioned locations were the possessions given to him. God loves to bless His people “Israel”, and He loves to bless everyone who will yield their life to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we submit to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so that we too will be a blessing to Him asHe blesses us with the “inheritance” He has in mind for us.

Next time we learn how, “Moses gave inheritance unto the tribe of Gad”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Balaam the Son of Beor - Joshua 13:22

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families” including “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”, and in chapter thirteen and verse twenty-two of Joshua we learn about, “Balaam also the son of Beor” where we read,

Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer,

did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.

The verse reads, “Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “Balaam also” which means “Balaam whose name means ‘not of the people’ even so and indeed” “the son of Beor” which means “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Beor whose name means burning”, “the soothsayer” or “the one who practiced magical scroll or divination”. Joshua or the writer shared how Jehovah God included in the following “Balaam” who was the male offspring of “Beor” and was one who practiced divination.

The verse continues, “… did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “did the children of Israel” which means “performed the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants or nation of descendants of Jacob” “slay with the sword” or “killed, destroyed and ruined by the use of the sharpened implement such as an axe, dagger, knife, mattock or knife” “among them that were slain” which means “in the midst and middle of the people who were fatally wounded, pierced and killed” “by them” or “through the means of the children of Israel with swords”. Joshua or the writer shared how the offspring of “Israel” slew and destroyed “Balaam” and those who accompanied him with the use of sharpened battle implements.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how Jehovah God through “Moses” and the offspring of “Israel” also overtook and destroyed “Balaam” and those who were with him by the use of sharpened weapons of war. (See Numbers 22:5-7; 24:1; 31.8) God gave “Moses and Israel” this victory because He loves them. He loves us as well, and when He gave His Only Begotten Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord” to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and teach us to depend upon Him for every venture and experience we encounter in this life. (See John 3:16; 16;13; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn how Jehovah God says, “the border of the children of Reuben was Jordan, and the border thereof”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

All the Cities of the Plain and the Kingdom of Sihon - Joshua 13:21

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families. 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. Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamothbaal, and Bethbaalmeon, and Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath, and Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley, and Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth,…”, and in chapter thirteen and verse twenty-one of Joshua we learn about, “all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites” where we read,

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.

The verse reads, “And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and all the cities” which means “and each, every and the whole number of the dwelling places or towns” “of the plain” which means “belonging to the level place, table-land or concord”, “and all the kingdom of Sihon” or “and each, every and the whole of the reign, dominion, sovereignty and royal power belonging to Sihon whose name means ‘warrior’ and was the king of the Amorites at the time of the conquest and defeated by Moses in Transjordan” “king of the Amorites” which means “royal ruler and leader belonging to the Amorites whose name means ‘a sayer’ and was one of the peoples of east Canaan and beyond the Jordan, dispossessed by the Israelite incursion from Egypt”, “which reigned in Heshbon” or “who ruled and had dominion within Heshbon whose name means ‘stronghold’ and was the capital city of Sihon, king of the Amorites, located on the western border of the high plain and on the border line between the tribes of Reuben and Gad”. Joshua or the writer referred to how every one of the dwelling places which were located within the level place and everywhere within the royal dominion belonging to “Sihon” who was the royal ruler of the “Amorites” and ruled within the city of “Heshbon” were according to the following.

The verse goes on to say, “… 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.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “whom Moses” which means “that Moses whose name means drawn out and was the prophet, lawgiver and leader of the exodus” “smote with the princes” or “hit, beat, struck and killed alongside and accompanying the chiefs, captains, leaders and exalted governors” “of Midian” which means “belonging to Midian or Midianite whose name means ‘strife’ and was the tribe descended from Midian” “Evi” whose name means “my desire and was one of the chiefs of Midian”, “and Rekem” whose name means “variegation” and was “one of the five kings of Median killed by the Israelites”, “and Zur” whose name means “rock” and was the father of Cozbi and one of the five Midianite princes who were slain when Balaam fell”, “and Hur” whose name means “hole” and was “the fourth of the five kings of Midian who were slain with Balaam after Peor, “and Reba” whose name means “four” and was “one of five kings of Midian slain by the Israelites when Balaam fell, “which were dukes” which means “who existed as princes” “of Sihon” or “belonging to Sihon whose name means ‘warrior’ and was the king of the Amorites at the time of the conquest and defeated by Moses in Transjordan”, “dwelling in the country” which means “inhabiting, living and abiding within the land, territory, district and region”. Joshua or the writer included “the cities of the plain, the kingdom of Sihon, princes of Midian, Eve, Rekem, Zur, Hur and Reba who were “dukes of Sihon” and were living in the territory as regions that were also conquered by “Israel” and distributed by “Moses” to the tribe of Reuben” for an inheritance from God.

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover how carefully Jehovah God provided for the people of “Israel”, and in this case, the “tribe of Reuben”. God told “Moses” and “Joshua” that He would be with them and go before them to give them the promise land. The “tribe of Reuben” received their portion of the land on the eastern side of the Jordan River, and the names of the places listed above were given to them. God loves the people of Israel, and He is their provider and protector. God loves us as well, and when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way for all who put their faith and trust in Him as their “Savior and Lord” to be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit who will guide them into all truth and empower them to live according to that truth so that they too shall receive all the inheritance He has purposed and planned for them in this life and in Heaven to come. (See John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:12)

Next time we learn how Jehovah God shares about, “Balaam also the son of Beor”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…