Book of Joshua - Chapter 13 - Verse 11

The verse "And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah;" from the book of Joshua 12:5 is a geographical description of the conquests made by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. Gilead refers to a region east of the Jordan River, known for its fertile land. The Geshurites and Maachathites were neighboring people groups whose territories were included in the conquest. Mount Hermon, a prominent mountain in the region, was also captured by the Israelites. Bashan, an area known for its rich pasturelands, extended all the way to Salcah, a city in the region. This verse highlights the extent of the Israelite conquests and their territorial gains as they fulfilled God's promises to them. By understanding the specific locations mentioned in this verse, readers can better grasp the historical context of the Israelites' journey and conquest of the Promised Land.

Within this verse, there are several geographical locations mentioned that are significant in biblical history. Gilead was an area east of the Jordan River known for its rich pasturelands and was often associated with strength and resilience. The Geshurites and Maachathites were neighboring tribes that inhabited regions around Gilead, with the Geshurites being linked to King David's family through his wife Maachah. Mount Hermon, the highest peak in the region, was considered a sacred mountain in ancient times and held religious significance. Bashan was a fertile land known for its oak forests and was an important territory in biblical narratives. Salcah was a city in Bashan that was later captured by the Israelites as they expanded their territory. Each of these locations plays a role in the historical and theological context of the Bible, illustrating the importance of understanding the geography and culture of the ancient world to fully grasp the meaning behind biblical passages.