Inheritance in the Plains of Moab
"These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward." - Joshua 13:32
In the book of Joshua, particularly Joshua 13:32, we encounter a verse that paints a vivid picture of God’s providence and faithfulness: "These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward" (KJV). This verse, while seemingly historical in nature, holds profound spiritual truths about divine inheritance and the unwavering faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises.
As we explore this verse, it's essential to understand the context. The plains of Moab were not just geographical landmarks; they represented a significant turn in Israel’s journey. For 40 years, the Israelites had wandered in the wilderness due to their disobedience. It was a time marked by hardship, struggle, and a longing for the promised land. However, the plains of Moab signified a time of transition, hope, and expectation as they stood on the brink of entering the land that God had promised to their forefathers.
Moses, who had led them through their trials, was not allowed to enter the Promised Land himself. Instead, he distributed inheritances to the tribes of Israel from the plains of Moab. This act was symbolic and deeply meaningful. It reflects the principle that God’s plans do not falter even when human leaders face limitations. Just as God was faithful to His promise of land and rest for His people, He was also faithful to honor Moses’ leadership in fulfilling part of that promise before his time was complete.
What does this mean for us today? The plains of Moab can be seen as a metaphor for the borders of our own lives, where God invites us to step into our inheritance. Many of us may find ourselves in a ‘plain of Moab’ experience—years of waiting, wandering in our own deserts, facing an uncertain future, or grappling with the disappointments of our past. Yet, this scripture reminds us that even in those moments, God is at work. His promises remain true regardless of our circumstances. When we embrace the truth that He is a God of provision and inheritance, it changes our perspective.
Consider the fact that Moses distributed lands to the tribes. Each tribe received their inheritance as God had promised. In the same way, God has a unique inheritance for each of His children. This inheritance may not always be as tangible as land or wealth; it can manifest as spiritual blessings, characters formed through trials, relationships, and opportunities for service and ministry that glorify Him. God invites us to claim those blessings and to trust that He has a plan for our lives.
In addition to the promise of inheritance, we see a lesson in perseverance. The Israelites spent decades wandering, yet they remained in God’s plan. They faced challenges, but they also witnessed miracles—parting of seas, provision in the wilderness, and victory in battles. Likewise, we are reminded that the journey matters as much as the destination. God is shaping us, teaching us reliance on Him, and developing our faith in the process.
Furthermore, the plains of Moab highlight the importance of community. The tribes were not alone; they were part of a larger family that God was leading. In our walk with Christ, we are part of the body, and our inheritance is intertwined with that of others. We are called to encourage, support, and walk alongside our brothers and sisters in faith.
As we reflect on Joshua 13:32, let us approach God with hearts of gratitude for His faithfulness. Let us claim our inheritances with boldness and passion, trusting that He is leading us into fruitful plains, even when the journey seems long. And as we do, may we abide in Him and partake of His abundant grace—a grace that nourishes our souls as we transition from the plains of Moab into the fullness of His promised land.
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Joshua 13:32 - "These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward."
"These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward." - Joshua 13:32
Joshua 15:32 - "And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:"
Joshua 19:32 - "¶ The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families."
Numbers 32:12 - "Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD."
Joshua 14:13 - "And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance."
Joshua 5:13
Exodus 32:17 - "And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp."
Joshua 8:32 - "¶ And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel."
Joshua 13:18 - "And Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,"
Numbers 32:28 - "So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel:"
Joshua 11:13 - "But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn."
Jeremiah 32:13 - "¶ And I charged Baruch before them, saying,"
Joshua 5:13 (KJVA) 13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?
Joshua 8:13 - "And when they had set the people, even all the host that was on the north of the city, and their liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley."
Joshua 13:13 - "Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day."
Joshua 13:20 - "And Beth-peor, and Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth,"
Joshua 12:13 - "The king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one;"
Joshua 13:19 - "And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zareth-shahar in the mount of the valley,"
Exodus 17:13 - "And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword."
Joshua 21:32 - "And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammoth-dor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities."
Joshua 13:28 - "This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their families, the cities, and their villages."
Joshua 13:1 - "Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed."
"And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:" - Joshua 15:32
"And Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath," - Joshua 13:18
Joshua 13:2 - "This is the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,"
Joshua 15:13 - "¶ And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron."
"And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance." - Joshua 14:13
Joshua 13:15 - "¶ And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families."
Joshua 10:32 - "And the LORD delivered Lachish into the hand of Israel, which took it on the second day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein, according to all that he had done to Libnah."