Joshua 13:7

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

Joshua 13:7 marks a significant moment in the narrative of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land. It is a divine directive to Joshua concerning the equitable distribution of the conquered territories.

Context

This verse comes after the initial major military campaigns led by Joshua, where significant portions of Canaan had been subdued, though not entirely cleared of inhabitants. The preceding verses in Joshua 13:1 reveal that Joshua is "old and stricken in years," and "there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed." Despite the incomplete conquest, God commands the division of the land, signaling His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His expectation for Israel to fully inhabit their inheritance.

Crucially, the verse specifies "the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh." This distinction is vital because 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. Thus, Joshua 13:7 refers to the division of the land west of the Jordan among the remaining tribes.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness: The command to divide the land underscores God's unwavering commitment to fulfilling His promise to Abraham concerning the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7). Despite Israel's imperfections and the unconquered areas, God proceeds with the distribution, demonstrating His sovereignty.
  • Inheritance and Possession: The land is referred to as an "inheritance" (Hebrew: naḥălāh), signifying a permanent, divinely-granted possession. This highlights that the land was a gift from God, not merely a prize won by military might. However, receiving the inheritance still required active possession and removal of remaining enemies.
  • Order and Organization: After years of nomadic wandering and military campaigns, this command initiates an orderly division of the land, establishing tribal boundaries and settling God's people in their respective territories. This reflects God's character as a God of order.
  • Leadership and Delegation: Joshua, as God's chosen leader, is tasked with the monumental responsibility of overseeing this land distribution, demonstrating the importance of faithful leadership in carrying out divine commands.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "divide" is ḥālak (חָלַק), meaning to apportion, distribute, or allot. This emphasizes the systematic and equitable nature of the land distribution, which would later be carried out by lot under Joshua's supervision, ensuring fairness and divine guidance in the process (as seen in Joshua 14:2).

Practical Application

Joshua 13:7 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God's Promises Are Sure: Just as God was faithful to give Israel their promised land, He is faithful to fulfill His promises to us. We have a spiritual inheritance in Christ, including eternal life and spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:11).
  • Possessing Our Inheritance: While our spiritual inheritance is a gift, we are still called to "possess" it by living out our faith, growing in grace, and applying God's truth in our lives, even when challenges remain.
  • Faith in Incomplete Circumstances: God commanded the division of the land even before all enemies were vanquished. This teaches us to trust God's plan and move forward in faith, even when circumstances are not perfectly resolved or when we still face "giants" in our lives.
  • Stewardship: The division of the land was an act of stewardship. We are called to be good stewards of the gifts, resources, and opportunities God has entrusted to us, whether material or spiritual.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 33:54 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Numbers 26:56 (2 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 48:23 (2 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 48:29 (2 votes)

    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.