from the Shihor east of Egypt to the territory of Ekron on the north (considered to be Canaanite territory)—that of the five Philistine rulers of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, as well as that of the Avvites;
God reminds Joshua of his age so he will quicken to finish his work and prepare for death approaching apace. Gray hairs steal upon a man unnoticed; he needs to be told of them. Old age brings evil days with little strength left, and it was enough that Joshua had reduced the body of the country.
AI summary
Commenting on Joshua 13:1-6
From Sihor, which is before Egypt,.... Which Jarchi and Kimchi interpret of the river Nile, and so that river is called, Jer 2:18; it seems to have this name from the waters of it being black and turbid; and hence it was called by the Greeks "Melas"; and by the Latins "Melo"; though it is thought, that not properly the river itself is here meant...
also the Avites: From [on] the south--The two clauses are thus connected in the Septuagint and many other versions. On being driven out (Deu 2:23), they established themselves in the south of Philistia. The second division of the unconquered country comprised