Old Testament

Joshua 13:15

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, we see that Moses allocated land to the tribe of Reuben, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
Written
Around 1400-1370 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The Israelites entering Canaan
CBTClear Bible Translation

Moses gave the tribe of Reuben their inheritance, divided according to their families.

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we see that Moses allocated land to the tribe of Reuben, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This inheritance was divided based on the families within the tribe, ensuring that each family received a portion of land. This act of giving land was significant as it represented God's promise to the Israelites, fulfilling His covenant with them. The inheritance was not just a physical possession but also a spiritual legacy, as it connected the tribe to their identity and heritage. The careful division of land according to families highlights the importance of family and community in Israelite society. It also reflects the organizational structure of the tribes, where each family had a stake in the land, promoting unity and responsibility among the members. Overall, this verse emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promises and the importance of community and family in the life of the Israelites.

How to apply Joshua 13:15 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of recognizing and valuing our heritage and family connections. Just as the tribe of Reuben received their inheritance, we should appreciate the blessings and responsibilities we have within our families and communities. It encourages us to support one another and uphold our shared values.

Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Joshua 13:15 mean?

Joshua 13:15 describes how Moses allocated land to the tribe of Reuben, dividing it according to their families. This act fulfilled God's promise to the Israelites and emphasized the importance of family and community within the tribe.

What is the significance of inheritance in Joshua 13:15?

The inheritance in Joshua 13:15 represents both a physical possession of land and a spiritual legacy for the tribe of Reuben. It highlights the fulfillment of God's covenant with the Israelites and the importance of family connections.

What does the phrase 'according to their families' mean in Joshua 13:15?

The phrase 'according to their families' in Joshua 13:15 indicates that the land was divided among the different families within the tribe of Reuben. This division ensured that each family received a portion of land, promoting unity and responsibility.

How does Joshua 13:15 relate to community values?

Joshua 13:15 reflects community values by showing how land was allocated to families within the tribe of Reuben. This division fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility among members, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another.

The Book of Joshua
Book Summary

The Book of Joshua

1: God Commissions Joshua

After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.

Premium

Unlock the full Joshua summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Joshua — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Joshua summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.