And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.
And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance.
And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the Lord God of your fathers hath given you?
Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me.
And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on the north.
Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the Lord our God.
But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance: and Gad, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh, have received their inheritance beyond Jordan on the east, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave them.
And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the Lord in Shiloh.
And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book, and came again to Joshua to the host at Shiloh.
And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.
And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.
And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Beth–aven.
And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Beth–el, southward; and the border descended to Ataroth–adar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Beth–horon.
And the border was drawn thence, and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before Beth–horon southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjath–baal, which is Kirjath–jearim, a city of the children of Judah: this was the west quarter.
And the south quarter was from the end of Kirjath–jearim, and the border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah:
And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to En–rogel,
And was drawn from the north, and went forth to En–shemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,
And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah:
And the border passed along to the side of Beth–hoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this was the south coast.
And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families.
Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Beth–hoglah, and the valley of Keziz,
And Beth–arabah, and Zemaraim, and Beth–el,
And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah,
And Chephar–haammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:
Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,
And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,
And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,
And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.
- A new settlement made at Shiloh, Joshua 18:1.
- An account of the slothfulness of the remaining tribes, Joshua 18:2, Joshua 18:3.
- The method Joshua took to expedite the settlement of them, Joshua 18:4-10.
- The lot of the tribe of Benjamin, and the description of their border, Joshua 18:11, etc.
Joshua 18:1-10
Here is, I. The removal of the ark to Shiloh, which is here mentioned as newly done, though it was done, as it should seem, immediately after they had taken possession of the country, Joshua 18:1. But it is here repeated, to introduce what follows. Now that they were at rest, and had no more opposition from their enemies, 1. They erected the tabernacle, the tent for the ark, which was easily taken down and removed from place to place, as their condition was moveable. 2. They set it up in Shiloh, a city in the tribe of Ephraim, a very convenient place, in the heart of the country, and which Joshua himself, being an Ephraimite, probably chose. Here the ark continued above 300 years (1 Samuel 4:3), and to this place all Israel came to offer their sacrifices, and to pay their vows.
II. A rebuke given to the seven tribes that had not yet taken possession of their inheritances, Joshua 18:2, Joshua 18:3. God had given them the country, and Joshua had conquered it for them, and yet they sat still, and took no care to settle themselves in it. Observe here, 1. That though God had given them the land, yet they must take possession of it themselves. God never intended that his gifts should supersede our endeavours. The Israelites must drive out the Canaanites, and so must we mortify our lusts, and resist the devil, and then the God of peace will tread them under our feet, Romans 16:20. 2. That they were very remiss in their duty, and Joshua justly reproved them for it: How long are you slack to go to possess the land? It is implied that they had been slack a great while already, and still continued so. He does not chide them passionately, but affectionately, as a tender father reasoning with his children: "How long? Consider how much time you have lost by your sluggishness, and how much longer will you lose? Is it not time to begin to mind your business?" He does not threaten, but expostulates: "Why do you delay? What hinders you? What can you plead for yourselves?" Note, We are all naturally backward enough to go up and possess the spiritual land of promise, are loth to exchange the wilderness for the land flowing with milk and honey; and therefore we have need to be stirred up to diligence in the use of the appointed means.
III. The method that Joshua took to get these seven tribes settled. He did not send them out at a venture, to seize what they could, but, in order to an equal distribution, he appointed men to survey the land, and then to divide it into seven parts, Joshua 18:4. Three men were chosen out of each tribe, men of known integrity and prudence, that would do justly between tribe and tribe, and provide that each might have its due proportion, without encroaching on its neighbours. These surveyors were to go throughout the land, and to bring a description of it in writing to Joshua, Joshua 18:6. They must make themselves masters of the nature, situation, and extent of the land, and then give an exact account of it, that it might be fairly divided. Now, 1. This was a proof of Joshua's great care and impartiality in the discharge of his office. He was as much concerned for the settling of these seven tribes as for those that were first settled. He aimed at the good of the whole body of Israel, and was solicitous to see every Israelite well provided for. 2. It was a tacit reproof to those tribes for their remissness. They had not taken the pains to view the land themselves, and to observe its conveniences and inconveniences; therefore Joshua must take this method to stir them up to a sense of their own interest. 3. It teaches us that we must use the proper means for the accomplishing of our purposes, and must not be slothful in the business of this life. The inheritance is sure by promise, but we must make it sure to ourselves by our diligence.
IV. The ready obedience of the people to Joshua's directions, Joshua 18:8, Joshua 18:9. They did as he commanded them, went through the land, surveyed it, and brought a description of it to Joshua, in a book, which probably was lodged in the tabernacle, for every body to see, and object against it if they thought fit. Thus all things were done fairly and in order. And then Joshua cast lots for them before the Lord in Shiloh, Joshua 18:10. He appealed to God, the supreme Judge, to determine the matter by lot, that every tribe might receive its inheritance from him, and not from the hand of Joshua, lest any should suspect him of partiality.
This chapter of Joshua marks a significant step in the Israelites' settlement of the Promised Land. While initial victories had secured much of the territory, Joshua 18 focuses on the crucial task of distributing the land among the remaining tribes. This chapter reveals God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, as well as the Israelites' responsibility in actively claiming their inheritance.
Setting Up the Tent of Meeting at Shiloh
The narrative begins with the establishment of the tent of meeting at Shiloh, signifying a new era of stability and worship for the Israelites (Joshua 18:1). All of Israel gathered at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting—that is, the tabernacle, the place where they would meet with God and offer sacrifices. Though the land had been subdued before them and several tribes had been allotted their territory by this point, there were still seven tribes that had not received their inheritance (Joshua 18:1-2). Shiloh, located in the heart of the country within the tribe of Ephraim, became the central place of worship for over 300 years (1 Samuel 4:3). This act symbolized their commitment to God and their recognition of His presence in their midst.
A Rebuke and a Call to Action
Despite God's provision and Joshua's leadership, seven tribes had yet to claim their allotted land. Joshua, with a blend of concern and firmness, rebuked them for their sluggishness (Joshua 18:2-3). He challenged their inaction with the question: “How long are you slack to go to possess the land?” (Joshua 18:3). This wasn't a harsh reprimand, but an affectionate urging, like a father reasoning with his children.
This passage highlights a vital principle: God's promises require our active participation. God had promised Israel the land, but the people still had to do the work of taking it. Similarly, God feeds the birds of the sky (see Matthew 6:26), but they still have to hunt for their worms. God has a purpose for your life, but you must walk with him by faith to see that purpose become a reality. God never intended that his gifts should supersede our endeavors. The Israelites must drive out the Canaanites, and so must we mortify our lusts, and resist the devil, and then the God of peace will tread them under our feet, Romans 16:20.
Surveying and Dividing the Land
To ensure a fair and equitable distribution, Joshua initiated a meticulous process of surveying and dividing the remaining land. He instructed each of the seven tribes to appoint three men to survey the land and divide it into seven portions (Joshua 18:4-5). These surveyors were to go throughout the land, and to bring a description of it in writing to Joshua, Joshua 18:6. After that, Joshua would cast lots and assign each remaining tribe its land (Joshua 18:6). The people obeyed, and the remaining land was distributed (Joshua 18:9-10).
This demonstrates Joshua's commitment to impartiality and justice. He aimed at the good of the whole body of Israel, and was solicitous to see every Israelite well provided for. The detailed descriptions they provided were then compiled into a book, likely housed in the tabernacle for public review and scrutiny. This ensured transparency and minimized potential disputes. The process underscores the importance of diligence and careful planning in all our endeavors, both spiritual and practical. The inheritance is sure by promise, but we must make it sure to ourselves by our diligence.
Casting Lots and Divine Providence
With the land surveyed and divided, Joshua turned to the ancient practice of casting lots to determine each tribe's specific inheritance (Joshua 18:10). “Casting lots” was something like rolling dice, but Israel understood that nothing happens by chance (see Proverbs 16:33). By casting lots, Joshua was acknowledging that it was God’s decision to decide which tribe received which section. He appealed to God, the supreme Judge, to determine the matter by lot, that every tribe might receive its inheritance from him, and not from the hand of Joshua, lest any should suspect him of partiality. The remainder of chapter 18 and all of chapter 19 describe the allotment to the remaining seven tribes called Benjamin (Joshua 18:11-28), Simeon (Joshua 19:1-9), Zebulun (Joshua 19:10-16), Issachar (Joshua 19:17-23), Asher (Joshua 19:24-31), Naphtali (Joshua 19:32-39), and Dan (Joshua 19:40-48).
The Inheritance of Benjamin
The chapter concludes with the description of the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:11-28). The lot was not cast for the particular inheritance of any tribe till all the land was surveyed and described, that every tribe might have its due proportion, and none might have reason to complain of being wronged. The detailed account of their borders and cities provides a tangible example of God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises.
Key Takeaways for Today
Joshua 18 offers several valuable lessons for contemporary readers:
- God's Promises Require Action: We must actively pursue the blessings God has promised us, not passively wait for them to materialize. Even though God’s promises may be within our reach, they may not be in our hands.
- Diligence and Planning are Essential: Careful preparation and diligent effort are necessary for achieving our goals and fulfilling our potential.
- Trust in God's Sovereignty: While we work diligently, we must also trust in God's guidance and provision, acknowledging His sovereignty in all aspects of our lives.
- Overcoming Spiritual Sloth: We must be vigilant against spiritual complacency and actively cultivate a desire for deeper engagement with God and His Word. We are all naturally backward enough to go up and possess the spiritual land of promise, are loth to exchange the wilderness for the land flowing with milk and honey; and therefore we have need to be stirred up to diligence in the use of the appointed means.
By embracing these principles, we can experience the fullness of God's blessings and walk in the inheritance He has prepared for us. Just as the Israelites had to actively claim their physical inheritance, we too must actively pursue our spiritual inheritance in Christ.
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.
And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance.
And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the Lord God of your fathers hath given you?
Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me.
And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on the north.
Ye shall therefore describe the land into seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the Lord our God.
But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance: and Gad, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh, have received their inheritance beyond Jordan on the east, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave them.
And the men arose, and went away: and Joshua charged them that went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the Lord in Shiloh.
And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book, and came again to Joshua to the host at Shiloh.
And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.
And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.
And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Beth–aven.
And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Beth–el, southward; and the border descended to Ataroth–adar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Beth–horon.
And the border was drawn thence, and compassed the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lieth before Beth–horon southward; and the goings out thereof were at Kirjath–baal, which is Kirjath–jearim, a city of the children of Judah: this was the west quarter.
And the south quarter was from the end of Kirjath–jearim, and the border went out on the west, and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah:
And the border came down to the end of the mountain that lieth before the valley of the son of Hinnom, and which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebusi on the south, and descended to En–rogel,
And was drawn from the north, and went forth to En–shemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben,
And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah:
And the border passed along to the side of Beth–hoglah northward: and the outgoings of the border were at the north bay of the salt sea at the south end of Jordan: this was the south coast.
And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families.
Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Beth–hoglah, and the valley of Keziz,
And Beth–arabah, and Zemaraim, and Beth–el,
And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah,
And Chephar–haammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:
Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,
And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,
And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,
And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.
- A new settlement made at Shiloh, Joshua 18:1.
- An account of the slothfulness of the remaining tribes, Joshua 18:2, Joshua 18:3.
- The method Joshua took to expedite the settlement of them, Joshua 18:4-10.
- The lot of the tribe of Benjamin, and the description of their border, Joshua 18:11, etc.
Joshua 18:1-10
Here is, I. The removal of the ark to Shiloh, which is here mentioned as newly done, though it was done, as it should seem, immediately after they had taken possession of the country, Joshua 18:1. But it is here repeated, to introduce what follows. Now that they were at rest, and had no more opposition from their enemies, 1. They erected the tabernacle, the tent for the ark, which was easily taken down and removed from place to place, as their condition was moveable. 2. They set it up in Shiloh, a city in the tribe of Ephraim, a very convenient place, in the heart of the country, and which Joshua himself, being an Ephraimite, probably chose. Here the ark continued above 300 years (1 Samuel 4:3), and to this place all Israel came to offer their sacrifices, and to pay their vows.
II. A rebuke given to the seven tribes that had not yet taken possession of their inheritances, Joshua 18:2, Joshua 18:3. God had given them the country, and Joshua had conquered it for them, and yet they sat still, and took no care to settle themselves in it. Observe here, 1. That though God had given them the land, yet they must take possession of it themselves. God never intended that his gifts should supersede our endeavours. The Israelites must drive out the Canaanites, and so must we mortify our lusts, and resist the devil, and then the God of peace will tread them under our feet, Romans 16:20. 2. That they were very remiss in their duty, and Joshua justly reproved them for it: How long are you slack to go to possess the land? It is implied that they had been slack a great while already, and still continued so. He does not chide them passionately, but affectionately, as a tender father reasoning with his children: "How long? Consider how much time you have lost by your sluggishness, and how much longer will you lose? Is it not time to begin to mind your business?" He does not threaten, but expostulates: "Why do you delay? What hinders you? What can you plead for yourselves?" Note, We are all naturally backward enough to go up and possess the spiritual land of promise, are loth to exchange the wilderness for the land flowing with milk and honey; and therefore we have need to be stirred up to diligence in the use of the appointed means.
III. The method that Joshua took to get these seven tribes settled. He did not send them out at a venture, to seize what they could, but, in order to an equal distribution, he appointed men to survey the land, and then to divide it into seven parts, Joshua 18:4. Three men were chosen out of each tribe, men of known integrity and prudence, that would do justly between tribe and tribe, and provide that each might have its due proportion, without encroaching on its neighbours. These surveyors were to go throughout the land, and to bring a description of it in writing to Joshua, Joshua 18:6. They must make themselves masters of the nature, situation, and extent of the land, and then give an exact account of it, that it might be fairly divided. Now, 1. This was a proof of Joshua's great care and impartiality in the discharge of his office. He was as much concerned for the settling of these seven tribes as for those that were first settled. He aimed at the good of the whole body of Israel, and was solicitous to see every Israelite well provided for. 2. It was a tacit reproof to those tribes for their remissness. They had not taken the pains to view the land themselves, and to observe its conveniences and inconveniences; therefore Joshua must take this method to stir them up to a sense of their own interest. 3. It teaches us that we must use the proper means for the accomplishing of our purposes, and must not be slothful in the business of this life. The inheritance is sure by promise, but we must make it sure to ourselves by our diligence.
IV. The ready obedience of the people to Joshua's directions, Joshua 18:8, Joshua 18:9. They did as he commanded them, went through the land, surveyed it, and brought a description of it to Joshua, in a book, which probably was lodged in the tabernacle, for every body to see, and object against it if they thought fit. Thus all things were done fairly and in order. And then Joshua cast lots for them before the Lord in Shiloh, Joshua 18:10. He appealed to God, the supreme Judge, to determine the matter by lot, that every tribe might receive its inheritance from him, and not from the hand of Joshua, lest any should suspect him of partiality.
This chapter of Joshua marks a significant step in the Israelites' settlement of the Promised Land. While initial victories had secured much of the territory, Joshua 18 focuses on the crucial task of distributing the land among the remaining tribes. This chapter reveals God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, as well as the Israelites' responsibility in actively claiming their inheritance.
Setting Up the Tent of Meeting at Shiloh
The narrative begins with the establishment of the tent of meeting at Shiloh, signifying a new era of stability and worship for the Israelites (Joshua 18:1). All of Israel gathered at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting—that is, the tabernacle, the place where they would meet with God and offer sacrifices. Though the land had been subdued before them and several tribes had been allotted their territory by this point, there were still seven tribes that had not received their inheritance (Joshua 18:1-2). Shiloh, located in the heart of the country within the tribe of Ephraim, became the central place of worship for over 300 years (1 Samuel 4:3). This act symbolized their commitment to God and their recognition of His presence in their midst.
A Rebuke and a Call to Action
Despite God's provision and Joshua's leadership, seven tribes had yet to claim their allotted land. Joshua, with a blend of concern and firmness, rebuked them for their sluggishness (Joshua 18:2-3). He challenged their inaction with the question: “How long are you slack to go to possess the land?” (Joshua 18:3). This wasn't a harsh reprimand, but an affectionate urging, like a father reasoning with his children.
This passage highlights a vital principle: God's promises require our active participation. God had promised Israel the land, but the people still had to do the work of taking it. Similarly, God feeds the birds of the sky (see Matthew 6:26), but they still have to hunt for their worms. God has a purpose for your life, but you must walk with him by faith to see that purpose become a reality. God never intended that his gifts should supersede our endeavors. The Israelites must drive out the Canaanites, and so must we mortify our lusts, and resist the devil, and then the God of peace will tread them under our feet, Romans 16:20.
Surveying and Dividing the Land
To ensure a fair and equitable distribution, Joshua initiated a meticulous process of surveying and dividing the remaining land. He instructed each of the seven tribes to appoint three men to survey the land and divide it into seven portions (Joshua 18:4-5). These surveyors were to go throughout the land, and to bring a description of it in writing to Joshua, Joshua 18:6. After that, Joshua would cast lots and assign each remaining tribe its land (Joshua 18:6). The people obeyed, and the remaining land was distributed (Joshua 18:9-10).
This demonstrates Joshua's commitment to impartiality and justice. He aimed at the good of the whole body of Israel, and was solicitous to see every Israelite well provided for. The detailed descriptions they provided were then compiled into a book, likely housed in the tabernacle for public review and scrutiny. This ensured transparency and minimized potential disputes. The process underscores the importance of diligence and careful planning in all our endeavors, both spiritual and practical. The inheritance is sure by promise, but we must make it sure to ourselves by our diligence.
Casting Lots and Divine Providence
With the land surveyed and divided, Joshua turned to the ancient practice of casting lots to determine each tribe's specific inheritance (Joshua 18:10). “Casting lots” was something like rolling dice, but Israel understood that nothing happens by chance (see Proverbs 16:33). By casting lots, Joshua was acknowledging that it was God’s decision to decide which tribe received which section. He appealed to God, the supreme Judge, to determine the matter by lot, that every tribe might receive its inheritance from him, and not from the hand of Joshua, lest any should suspect him of partiality. The remainder of chapter 18 and all of chapter 19 describe the allotment to the remaining seven tribes called Benjamin (Joshua 18:11-28), Simeon (Joshua 19:1-9), Zebulun (Joshua 19:10-16), Issachar (Joshua 19:17-23), Asher (Joshua 19:24-31), Naphtali (Joshua 19:32-39), and Dan (Joshua 19:40-48).
The Inheritance of Benjamin
The chapter concludes with the description of the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:11-28). The lot was not cast for the particular inheritance of any tribe till all the land was surveyed and described, that every tribe might have its due proportion, and none might have reason to complain of being wronged. The detailed account of their borders and cities provides a tangible example of God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises.
Key Takeaways for Today
Joshua 18 offers several valuable lessons for contemporary readers:
- God's Promises Require Action: We must actively pursue the blessings God has promised us, not passively wait for them to materialize. Even though God’s promises may be within our reach, they may not be in our hands.
- Diligence and Planning are Essential: Careful preparation and diligent effort are necessary for achieving our goals and fulfilling our potential.
- Trust in God's Sovereignty: While we work diligently, we must also trust in God's guidance and provision, acknowledging His sovereignty in all aspects of our lives.
- Overcoming Spiritual Sloth: We must be vigilant against spiritual complacency and actively cultivate a desire for deeper engagement with God and His Word. We are all naturally backward enough to go up and possess the spiritual land of promise, are loth to exchange the wilderness for the land flowing with milk and honey; and therefore we have need to be stirred up to diligence in the use of the appointed means.
By embracing these principles, we can experience the fullness of God's blessings and walk in the inheritance He has prepared for us. Just as the Israelites had to actively claim their physical inheritance, we too must actively pursue our spiritual inheritance in Christ.