Joshua 13:23
“The border of the children of Reuben was the bank of the Jordan. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, the cities and its villages.”
What does Joshua 13:23 mean?
After the Israelites conquered the land, Moses divided it among the twelve tribes. Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob, received territory east of the Jordan River. This verse marks the completion of their allotment, confirming that their inheritance included both the main settlements and the smaller towns and villages surrounding them. The emphasis on "according to their families" shows that the land was distributed fairly among Reuben's clans, ensuring each family group had a place to call home and provide for their households.