This first list of territories is meant to inspire confidence and hope in God’s people. As we read through Joshua 13:8–33 we notice that there are two kings whose names are mentioned three times: Sihon king of the Amorites (Joshua 13:10, Joshua 13:21, Joshua 13:27) and Og king of Bashan (Joshua 13:12, Joshua 13:30–31). Joshua is prompted to mention these kings and remind the people of Israel that God is fighting on their behalf. Even though they were small and weak nomadic herdsmen with no experience in battle, they defeated these powerful armies. Sihon and Og are a victory against the odds. Humanely speaking Israel should have been annihilated by these kings and their armies, but they were not. This must encourage them as they go to live in their territories. With God’s help they will be able to drive out the remaining Canaanites even though they will now fight as individual tribes.
8 With the other half of the tribe of Manasseh the Reubenites and the Gadites received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond the Jordan eastward, as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them: