Joshua 13:7

KJV

¶ Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh,

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore divide {H2505} this land {H776} for an inheritance {H5159} unto the nine {H8672} tribes {H7626}, and the half {H2677} tribe {H7626} of Manasseh {H4519},

Complete Jewish Bible

So now, divide this land as an inheritance for the nine tribes and the half-tribe of M'nasheh."

Berean Standard Bible

Now therefore divide this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.”

American Standard Version

Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 13:7 is a pivotal divine directive from God to Joshua, commanding the immediate division of the Promised Land among the remaining nine and a half tribes of Israel. This instruction comes despite the incomplete conquest of all Canaanite territories, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His sovereign plan for Israel to possess their inheritance, initiating the transition from military campaign to settled tribal life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at a critical juncture in the Book of Joshua. The preceding verses in [Joshua 13:1-6](/joshua/13-1 "Joshua 13:1-6 - God's Command to Divide the Land") establish the immediate context, revealing that Joshua is "old and stricken in years" and that "there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed." Despite the significant military victories achieved under Joshua's leadership (as detailed in [Joshua 10-12](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10-12 - Conquest of the Land")), large swaths of territory, particularly in the south and north, remained under the control of various Canaanite peoples. The divine command in [Joshua 13:7](/joshua/13-7 "Joshua 13:7 - The Command to Divide the Land") thus marks a shift from large-scale military campaigns to the administrative task of land distribution, signaling God's intention to fulfill His promise of land even amidst ongoing challenges and incomplete possession.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of land was a foundational act for the nascent Israelite nation, transitioning them from a nomadic, militarily-focused people to a settled, agrarian society. In the ancient Near East, land ownership was intrinsically linked to identity, security, and covenant blessings. For Israel, the land was not merely a territorial acquisition but a divine inheritance, promised by God to Abraham and his descendants ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). The specification of "the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh" is crucial, as the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the other half of Manasseh had already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River, as detailed in [Joshua 13:8-12](/joshua/13-8 "Joshua 13:8-12 - The Eastern Inheritance"). This systematic division, often carried out by lot ([Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Division by Lot")), ensured a fair and divinely guided distribution, establishing the tribal boundaries that would define Israel's social and political structure for centuries.

* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 13:7](/joshua/13-7 "Joshua 13:7 - The Command to Divide the Land") contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates **Divine Faithfulness** to the covenant promises, as God initiates the distribution of the land despite Israel's imperfections and the remaining unconquered areas. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Inheritance and Possession**, emphasizing that the land is a "naḥălāh" (inheritance), a divinely granted gift, yet requiring active effort for full possession. This tension between divine gift and human responsibility is central. Thirdly, the command underscores God's character as a God of **Order and Organization**, transitioning Israel from a period of wandering and warfare to a structured, settled existence within defined boundaries. Finally, it reinforces the importance of **Faithful Leadership**, as Joshua is tasked with the monumental responsibility of overseeing this complex and vital land distribution, demonstrating his obedience to God's specific instructions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Divide (Hebrew, _ḥālak'_):** The Hebrew verb חָלַק (ḥālak) means "to divide," "to apportion," "to allot," or "to distribute." In this context, it signifies a systematic, ordered, and equitable distribution of the land. It implies not merely a casual splitting but a formal, authoritative act of assigning specific portions to each designated recipient. The subsequent narrative confirms this, as the division was carried out by lot, emphasizing divine oversight in the process ([Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Division by Lot")).
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _naḥălāh'_):** The Hebrew noun נַחֲלָה (naḥălāh) refers to an "inheritance," "possession," or "heritage." It denotes something received as a permanent, often ancestral, possession. In the context of the Promised Land, it carries profound theological weight, signifying that the land was a divinely bestowed gift, a fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). It was not merely conquered territory but a sacred trust and a lasting legacy for the tribes of Israel, binding them to the land and to God's faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Now therefore divide this land":** This opening imperative, introduced by "Now therefore," signifies a direct, urgent divine command from God to Joshua. It marks a decisive turning point, shifting the focus from military conquest to the administrative and theological task of land distribution. The "land" refers specifically to the territory west of the Jordan River, which was to be apportioned among the remaining tribes.
* **"for an inheritance":** This phrase clarifies the purpose and nature of the division. The land is not merely a temporary dwelling place or a spoils of war, but a permanent, divinely granted "inheritance" (naḥălāh). This underscores God's faithfulness to His ancient promises and establishes the theological foundation for Israel's claim to the land as a perpetual possession, a gift from their covenant-keeping God.
* **"unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh":** This specifies the beneficiaries of the land division. The "nine tribes" refer to Judah, Simeon, Benjamin, Dan, Ephraim, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali. The "half tribe of Manasseh" refers to the western portion of Manasseh, as the other half, along with Reuben and Gad, had already received their inheritance east of the Jordan ([Joshua 13:8](/joshua/13-8 "Joshua 13:8 - Inheritance East of the Jordan")). This precise enumeration highlights the orderly and complete nature of God's plan for His people.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 13:7 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, as God directly instructs Joshua, highlighting His sovereignty and active involvement in the details of Israel's settlement. This command serves as a **Turning Point** in the narrative, signaling a shift from the era of large-scale conquest to the administrative phase of land distribution. The phrase "for an inheritance" functions as **Symbolism**, where the physical land represents God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and the spiritual blessings that come from dwelling in His promised provision. Furthermore, the explicit naming of "the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh" demonstrates **Precision** and **Order**, reflecting God's meticulous nature in fulfilling His plans and establishing the future structure of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 13:7 is more than a mere administrative instruction; it is a profound theological statement on God's unwavering faithfulness and the nature of His covenant with Israel. Despite the incomplete conquest, God commands the division of the land, demonstrating that His promises are not contingent on human perfection but on His own sovereign will and character. The land, as an "inheritance," symbolizes God's gracious provision and the secure dwelling He provides for His people. This act of distribution establishes order and identity for the tribes, grounding them in the physical manifestation of God's covenant. It also highlights the tension between divine gift and human responsibility: the land is given, but it still requires active possession and obedience to fully realize the blessings. This mirrors the Christian experience of salvation as a free gift, yet one that calls for active faith and sanctification.

* [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")
* [Deuteronomy 4:1](/deuteronomy/4-1 "Deuteronomy 4:1 - Possessing the Land")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Spiritual Inheritance in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 13:7 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us of God's faithfulness and our role in possessing the spiritual inheritance He has given us. Just as God commanded the division of the land even when not all enemies were vanquished, we are called to step into God's promises and live out our faith even when circumstances are not perfect, or when we still face "giants" in our lives. Our spiritual inheritance in Christ—which includes eternal life, forgiveness, peace, and the indwelling Holy Spirit—is a gift, yet it requires active engagement, growth, and faithful stewardship. We are to "possess" this inheritance by walking in obedience, growing in spiritual maturity, and applying God's truth to our daily lives. This verse encourages us to trust God's timing and His sovereignty, knowing that He will fulfill His purposes, and to faithfully carry out the tasks He has entrusted to us, whether in our personal lives or in the corporate life of the church, always seeking to bring order and honor to His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you waiting for "perfect conditions" before stepping out in faith or embracing a spiritual truth?**
* **How does the concept of "inheritance" in Joshua 13:7 deepen your understanding of your spiritual inheritance in Christ?**
* **What "unconquered territories" or challenges in your life might God be calling you to address even as you step into His promises?**
* **How can you be a better steward of the spiritual gifts and resources God has already entrusted to you?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command the land to be divided before the conquest was fully complete?**

Answer: God commanded the division of the land even though "there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed" ([Joshua 13:1](/joshua/13-1 "Joshua 13:1 - Joshua Old and Land Remaining")) for several crucial reasons. First, it underscored God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that the land was a guaranteed inheritance, not merely a reward for complete conquest. This act of faith showed Israel that God would fulfill His word, even if their obedience was imperfect. Second, it provided a clear mandate and motivation for the tribes to complete the conquest within their own allocated territories. The responsibility for clearing out the remaining Canaanites was decentralized, empowering each tribe to fight for their specific inheritance. Third, it marked a transition from a unified military campaign to the establishment of a settled nation, bringing order and structure to the tribes. This act of division, often carried out by lot, also emphasized divine sovereignty in the allocation of the land, reinforcing that the land was a gift from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 13:7, with its emphasis on a promised inheritance and its division among God's people, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the spiritual inheritance secured through Him. Just as the physical land of Canaan was a tangible promise to Israel, Christ is the spiritual reality of God's promises for believers under the New Covenant. We, as God's people, receive an "inheritance" that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Imperishable Inheritance")). This spiritual inheritance is not a physical territory but a share in the very life and blessings of God, made possible through Christ's atoning work. The division of the land among the tribes foreshadows the diverse spiritual gifts and callings distributed to believers within the body of Christ ([Ephesians 4:7](/ephesians/4-7 "Ephesians 4:7 - Grace Given to Each of Us")), each contributing to the whole. Moreover, just as Israel had to actively "possess" their land, believers are called to walk in the fullness of their spiritual inheritance, living out the reality of their union with Christ and experiencing the "riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints" ([Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18 - Riches of His Inheritance")). The incomplete conquest in Joshua reminds us that while our salvation is complete in Christ, we are still called to "take every thought captive to obey Christ" ([2 Corinthians 10:5](/2_corinthians/10-5 "2 Corinthians 10:5 - Taking Thoughts Captive")) and live out our faith in a world still awaiting its full redemption, trusting in the ultimate victory secured by our Lord.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 33:54

And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: [and] to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's [inheritance] shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit.

Ezekiel 47:13

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; This [shall be] the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph [shall have two] portions.

Ezekiel 47:23

And it shall come to pass, [that] in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give [him] his inheritance, saith the Lord GOD.

Numbers 26:53

Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names.

Numbers 26:56

According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few.

Ezekiel 48:23

As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side unto the west side, Benjamin [shall have] a [portion].

Ezekiel 48:29

This [is] the land which ye shall divide by lot unto the tribes of Israel for inheritance, and these [are] their portions, saith the Lord GOD.