Joshua 14:2

KJV

By lot [was] their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and [for] the half tribe.

KJV (with Strong's)

By lot {H1486} was their inheritance {H5159}, as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} by the hand {H3027} of Moses {H4872}, for the nine {H8672} tribes {H4294}, and for the half {H2677} tribe {H4294}.

Complete Jewish Bible

by lot for them to inherit, as ADONAI ordered through Moshe, for the nine tribes and the half-tribe.

Berean Standard Bible

Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses.

American Standard Version

by the lot of their inheritance, as Jehovah commanded by Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half-tribe.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 14:2 precisely details the divinely ordained method for distributing the Promised Land among the remaining Israelite tribes. It emphatically states that the allocation of tribal territories was conducted "by lot," a process explicitly commanded by the LORD through Moses. This verse serves as a foundational declaration, establishing the sacred and impartial principle that would govern the subsequent detailed apportionment of Canaan to the nine and a half tribes, thereby powerfully demonstrating God's sovereign faithfulness in meticulously fulfilling His ancient covenant promises to Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 14:2 marks a pivotal shift in the narrative of the Book of Joshua. The preceding chapters (1-12) chronicle the successful military campaigns and the initial conquest of Canaan, securing Israel's foothold in the land. Chapter 13 then transitions to the commencement of land distribution, first detailing the territories already allotted to Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Joshua 14:1-5 introduces the primary phase of land apportionment for the tribes destined for the western side of the Jordan, beginning with Caleb's significant claim. This verse, [Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Land Divided by Lot"), functions as the overarching principle for this entire process, underscoring its divine origin and method. It sets the stage for the specific tribal boundaries delineated in subsequent chapters, from [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah") through [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - The Inheritance of Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan"), framing the entire land division as an act of direct obedience to God's precise instructions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of dividing land by lot was not unique to Israel in the ancient Near East; it was a recognized method often employed to ensure impartiality or to discern divine will. However, for Israel, this method transcended mere practicality, becoming a sacred ritual explicitly commanded by God through Moses (e.g., [Numbers 26:55-56](/numbers/26-55-56 "Numbers 26:55-56 - Land Distribution by Lot")). It powerfully underscored the theological conviction that the land was God's exclusive gift, and its distribution was under His direct, sovereign supervision, thereby precluding human manipulation, political maneuvering, or tribal disputes. The specific mention of "the nine tribes, and for the half tribe" distinguishes those who were to receive their inheritance west of the Jordan (Judah, Simeon, Benjamin, Dan, Ephraim, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the remaining half of Manasseh) from Reuben, Gad, and the other half of Manasseh, who had already settled on the eastern side, as recorded in [Numbers 32:33](/numbers/32-33 "Numbers 32:33 - Inheritance East of Jordan").
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several foundational themes evident throughout the Book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty**, as God meticulously orchestrates the fulfillment of His promises, down to the precise allocation of land for each tribe. The method "by lot" highlights that the outcome was not left to human chance or preference but was a direct revelation of God's will, ensuring an impartial and just distribution. This also powerfully underscores the theme of **Obedience to God's Word**, as Joshua and the Israelites faithfully execute the commands given decades earlier through Moses, embodying the exhortation found in [Joshua 1:7](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7 - Be Strong and Courageous, Obey the Law"). Finally, it stands as a profound demonstration of **God's Faithfulness** in bringing to fruition His ancient covenant promises to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan, first articulated in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham") and reaffirmed in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). The tangible division of the land marks the climactic realization of centuries of divine promise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lot (Hebrew, _gôwrâl'_):** This term (H1486, גּוֹרָל) refers to a small object, typically a pebble or stone, cast or shaken in a container to determine an outcome. In ancient Israel, casting lots was not viewed as a game of chance but as a sacred method for discerning God's will and ensuring impartiality, as explicitly stated in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast, but the Lord Directs"). Its use here ensured that the land distribution was perceived as divinely ordained and free from human bias or potential conflict.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _nachălâh'_):** The Hebrew word (H5159, נַחֲלָה) signifies a possession, heritage, or allotted portion, carrying a strong connotation of being a permanent, God-given dwelling place passed down through generations. In this context, it emphasizes that the land was not merely conquered territory but a divine gift, a permanent patrimony for the tribes of Israel, fulfilling the covenant promises made to their ancestors.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This verb (H6680, צָוָה) denotes a strong, authoritative instruction, decree, or injunction. Its use here highlights that the method of land distribution was not a human invention or a matter of convenience, but a direct, non-negotiable divine mandate given by God Himself through His chosen mediator, Moses. This underscores the absolute authority and sacred nature of the entire land apportionment process.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By lot [was] their inheritance":** This foundational phrase establishes the divinely mandated method for the distribution of the land. It signifies that the allocation of tribal territories was not based on human negotiation, military might, or tribal size, but on a sacred process believed to reveal God's specific and impartial will for each portion. This ensured that the outcome was seen as just and divinely approved.
* **"as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses":** This crucial clause provides the divine authorization and historical precedent for the "by lot" method. It directly links the current action in Joshua's time to the earlier instructions given by God through Moses, particularly those found in [Numbers 26:55-56](/numbers/26-55-56 "Numbers 26:55-56 - Land Distribution by Lot") and [Numbers 33:54](/numbers/33-54 "Numbers 33:54 - Land Division by Lot"). This emphasis highlights Israel's faithful obedience to God's long-standing covenant directives and underscores Moses' indispensable role as the faithful mediator of God's law.
* **"for the nine tribes, and [for] the half tribe":** This specifies the beneficiaries of this particular phase of land distribution. It clarifies that this process applies to the tribes who had not yet received their inheritance, namely the nine tribes (Judah, Simeon, Benjamin, Dan, Ephraim, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali) and the remaining half of the tribe of Manasseh. This distinguishes them from Reuben, Gad, and the other half of Manasseh, who had already been allotted territory on the east side of the Jordan River, as detailed in [Joshua 13:7-8](/joshua/13-7-8 "Joshua 13:7-8 - Tribes East of Jordan").

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 14:2 primarily employs **Fulfillment Narrative** and **Emphasis**. The verse functions as a direct and explicit fulfillment of previous divine commands given through Moses, particularly in the book of Numbers. By stating "as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses," the text draws a clear line of continuity from God's initial instructions to their tangible realization in Joshua's time, thereby reinforcing God's unwavering faithfulness and Israel's diligent obedience. There is also a subtle use of **Synecdoche** in "the nine tribes, and for the half tribe," where a specific numerical grouping of tribes stands for the larger collective of the remaining Israelite community awaiting their land. This concise phrasing efficiently communicates the precise scope of the land division without listing every single tribe, focusing on the collective beneficiaries for whom the distribution is intended. The repeated stress on the divine origin of the command and the method of "lot" serves to **emphasize** the sacred, impartial, and non-arbitrary nature of the land allocation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 14:2 is a profound testament to God's meticulous sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises. It demonstrates unequivocally that the inheritance of the land was not a human achievement or a product of military might, but a divine gift, precisely orchestrated according to God's perfect will. The casting of lots, far from being a random act, was a sacred mechanism through which God's specific design for each tribe's portion was revealed, ensuring justice, preventing human contention, and affirming His direct involvement. This act of land distribution stands as a tangible sign of God's steadfast commitment to His people, bringing to fruition the centuries-old promise made to Abraham. It underscores that God's plans are perfect, His commands are to be obeyed without question, and His promises are always kept with absolute precision.

* [Numbers 26:55-56](/numbers/26-55-56 "Numbers 26:55-56 - God's Command for Land Distribution by Lot")
* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot")
* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43-45 "Joshua 21:43-45 - The Lord Gave Israel All the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 14:2 offers enduring and profound lessons for contemporary believers, serving as a powerful reminder that God is intimately involved in the intricate details of our lives, just as He was in the precise allocation of land to Israel. The Israelites' trust in the "lot" as a divine revelation encourages us to cultivate a posture of surrender, yielding our own plans and desires to God's sovereign will, confident that His ways are perfect and His timing is impeccable. In a world that often champions human control, self-determination, and the pursuit of personal ambition, this verse calls us to embrace humility and profound dependence on God, believing that He has a unique "inheritance" or purpose specifically designed for each of us. Our faithful obedience to His revealed commands, even when the path ahead seems unclear or challenging, is paramount, for it is through faithful adherence to His Word that we truly experience the fulfillment of His promises in our lives. The unwavering faithfulness of God to Israel in providing their promised land also serves as a powerful anchor for our hope, assuring us that He will be equally faithful to His promises concerning our spiritual and eternal inheritance in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's sovereign control over the "lot" challenge our innate desire for personal control and meticulous planning in our daily lives?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender your own preferences and trust more fully in God's specific, divinely ordained plan for you?**
* **What promises of God are you currently waiting for Him to fulfill, and how does Israel's reception of the land encourage your patience, perseverance, and unwavering faith?**

### FAQ

**Why was the land divided "by lot" instead of by other methods?**

Answer: The division of the land "by lot" was not a random or arbitrary method, but a divinely commanded process intended to ensure absolute impartiality and to reveal God's specific will for each tribe's inheritance. As stated in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap, but its Every Decision is from the Lord"), "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." This sacred method prevented human favoritism, political maneuvering, or disputes based on tribal strength or influence. It underscored the profound theological truth that the land was a direct gift from God, and its distribution was solely under His sovereign control, making the process sacred and the outcome unquestionable. This command was given to Moses by God much earlier, as recorded in [Numbers 26:55-56](/numbers/26-55-56 "Numbers 26:55-56 - Land Distribution by Lot") and [Numbers 33:54](/numbers/33-54 "Numbers 33:54 - Instructions for Dividing the Land").

**Which tribes received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan, and why are they excluded here?**

Answer: The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. This allocation occurred prior to the main conquest of Canaan, as they requested this territory due to its suitability for their large livestock. Moses granted their request on the condition that their fighting men would cross the Jordan and assist the other tribes in conquering the land (see [Numbers 32:1-33](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Half-Manasseh Settle East of Jordan")). Joshua 14:2 specifically mentions "the nine tribes, and for the half tribe" to clarify that the current land distribution process applies only to those tribes who had not yet received their portion, as their inheritance was to be established within the land of Canaan proper, west of the Jordan. This distinction is also highlighted in [Joshua 13:7-8](/joshua/13-7-8 "Joshua 13:7-8 - The Remaining Land to be Divided").

**Does this verse imply that God predetermines everything in our lives?**

Answer: Joshua 14:2 strongly emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and His meticulous involvement in fulfilling His promises and guiding His people. While it doesn't negate human responsibility or free will, it certainly highlights that God has an overarching plan and purpose, and He can and does intervene in specific ways to accomplish His will. For Israel, the land was a specific, tangible promise, and God ensured its distribution was according to His divine design. For believers today, this implies that we can trust God's sovereign hand in our lives, knowing that He works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for the Good of Those Who Love Him")). It encourages us to seek His will and trust His guidance, even when the "lot" of our circumstances seems uncertain, knowing that ultimately, "The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way" ([Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Lord Establishes the Steps of a Man")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 14:2, with its profound emphasis on a divinely appointed inheritance distributed "by lot," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly inheritance of Canaan, though significant and a testament to God's faithfulness, was but a shadow and a type of the eternal and spiritual inheritance secured for believers in Christ. Just as the land was a gift freely given by God, so too is our salvation and eternal life, not earned by human works but received through grace by faith ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Christ Himself is our true "lot" or portion, the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises and the very substance of our inheritance. In Him, we 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 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The meticulous division of the land by God's precise command foreshadows the perfect and unalterable plan of God for His people, culminating in Christ, who has gone to prepare a place for us, ensuring our heavenly dwelling and eternal security ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us")). Thus, the earthly inheritance in Joshua points forward to the spiritual inheritance in Christ, where believers are made co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), receiving the fullness of God's blessing, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Holy Spirit as a Guarantee")), and the promise of eternal life in His glorious presence.

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.

Numbers 34:13

And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This [is] the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe:

Numbers 26:55

Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.

Numbers 26:56

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

Proverbs 16:33

¶ The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof [is] of the LORD.

Psalms 16:5

The LORD [is] the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

Psalms 16:6

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant [places]; yea, I have a goodly heritage.