Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth - Joshua 13:20

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 in chapter thirteen and verse twenty of Joshua we learn about, “Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth” where we read,

And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, and Bethjeshimoth,

The verse reads, “And Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Bethpeor” whose name means “house of Peor” and was a place east of the Jordan, in the land of the Amorites, allotted to the tribe of Reuben, “and Ashdothpisgah” which means ‘foundation, slope, ravine or cleft’ which was a mountain in Moab on the northeast shore of the Dead Sea; site uncertain”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Bethpeor, and Ashdothpisgah” were also among the cities defeated by “Moses and Israel” and distributed to the “tribe of Reuben”. 

 

The verse continues, “… and Bethjeshimoth, …” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and Bethjeshimoth” whose name means “house of the desolation” and was “a place in Moab given to the tribe of Reuben”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Bethjeshimoth” was also among the territories inherited by the tribe of Reuben. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover three more of the dwelling places which were conquered by “Israel” during the time “Moses” was leading them, and he assigned them to the tribe of Reuben. “Bethpeor, Ashdothpisgah and Bethjeshimoth” were all added to the area in which the clan of “Reuben” were to live. God provided for them even as He promised, and because God cannot lie, (See Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 6:18; Titus 1:2) He also made a promise of eternal life to every person who surrenders 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 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 help us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him so that we too shall receive the inheritance of eternal life with Him when this present life is completed. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:18)

Next time we learn how Jehovah God shares about, “all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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