Question 1

What is happening in this passage about the tribe of Reuben?

Accepted Answer

This passage explains how the tribe of Reuben received its share of land east of the Jordan River. It reminds the reader that Moses had already given this territory to them before Israel crossed into the land west of the Jordan. The verses carefully list border points and key towns, showing how their land stretched from Aroer on the Arnon River up to the Jordan. It also recalls that this region had belonged to Sihon, king of the Amorites, and that he and his allies had been defeated, so Israel now held the land as a secure inheritance.

Question 2

Why are so many cities and borders of Reuben’s land listed by name?

Accepted Answer

The long list of cities and border markers shows that God gave Reuben a real, defined inheritance, not just a vague promise. Clear borders protected the people from fights over territory, since everyone could see what belonged to whom. The detailed description also kept the record of God’s goodness in front of the people, reminding them that this land, once ruled by Sihon and used for idol worship, was now theirs by God’s gift. It shows God’s care for order, fairness, and peace among the tribes.

Question 3

What is the significance of mentioning Sihon and the princes of Midian here?

Accepted Answer

Mentioning Sihon and the Midianite princes ties Reuben’s land back to God’s earlier victories. This area had been part of Sihon’s kingdom, and the Midianite rulers are called his nobles, showing they were involved with him against Israel. When God brought them down, he not only removed enemies but also cleared the land to give it to his people. By recalling these names, the passage shows that the inheritance came through God’s judgment on those who opposed him and his people, and that Reuben’s land rests on victories God had already won.

Question 4

Who was Balaam the soothsayer, and why is his death mentioned here?

Accepted Answer

Balaam was a soothsayer who had earlier been hired to speak curses against Israel. Instead of helping them, he became part of the plot that tried to harm God’s people more by counsel than by open war. This passage notes that he was killed with the sword when Israel fought Midian. His death is mentioned here alongside the Midianite leaders to show that both the wicked advisers and those who followed their counsel came under God’s judgment. It underlines that this land was given to Israel after God dealt with those who tried to bring them down.

Question 5

What does this passage show about God’s character in giving Reuben their inheritance?

Accepted Answer

The passage shows God as faithful, careful, and just. He keeps his promise to give land to the tribes and makes sure that Reuben has enough territory suited to their families. By listing the borders in detail, God shows concern for peace among his people, not leaving room for constant border disputes. At the same time, the mention of Sihon, Midian, and Balaam shows that God judges those who oppose him and his people. So in these few verses we see both God’s kindness in providing and his righteousness in removing those who fought against his purposes.

Question 6

Why was the Jordan River an important border for the children of Reuben?

Accepted Answer

The Jordan River formed the western border of Reuben’s territory. On the east they had places like Aroer and the Arnon, and on the west the Jordan marked the limit of their land. This clear natural boundary showed where their inheritance ended and another tribe’s began. It helped keep order among the tribes and reminded Reuben that God had fixed their place. The river also marked a divide between the tribes who settled east of the Jordan and those who would live west of it, yet all were still part of one people under the same covenant.

Question 7

How does the mention of former pagan places affect the meaning of Reuben’s inheritance?

Accepted Answer

Several cities in this list were once linked with idolatry, such as Bamoth-baal, Beth-baal-meon, Beth-peor, and likely places with temples or high places. By including these in Reuben’s inheritance, the passage shows that land once used for worship of false gods was now under Israel’s control by God’s will. It highlights a change of rule: where other gods were served, now the people of the Lord would live. This underlines that their inheritance was not just about space to live, but about God claiming territory that had been used in ways that dishonored him.

Question 8

How can this detailed list of Reuben’s land help readers today?

Accepted Answer

At first, a list of old place names can feel distant, but it shows several things that still matter. God keeps his word in concrete ways, not just in ideas, and he cares about the daily life and security of his people. The careful borders show that God values order and peace in community life. Remembering the fall of Sihon, Midian, and Balaam reminds readers that God both protects and disciplines. For someone reading today, it can encourage trust that God sees details, provides in specific ways, and does not forget what he has promised.

Joshua 13:15

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

Reuben’s Inheritance

metadata.crossReferences

Joshua 13:15

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

share.title

share.allVerses

share.verseWithContext

share.currentVerse

Reuben’s Inheritance

metadata.crossReferences