TRV
Translation
King James Version
As the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land.
Complete Jewish Bible
As ADONAI had ordered Moshe, so the people of Isra'el did - they divided the land.
Berean Standard Bible
So the Israelites did as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they divided the land.
American Standard Version
As Jehovah commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did; and they divided the land.
World English Bible Messianic
The children of Israel did as the LORD commanded Moses, and they divided the land.
Geneva Bible (1599)
As the Lord had commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did when they deuided the land.
Young's Literal Translation
as Jehovah commanded Moses, so have the sons of Israel done, and they apportion the land.
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In the KJVVerse 6,193 of 31,102
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Commentary on Joshua 14 verses 1–5
1 ¶ And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.
2 By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.
3 For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them.
4 For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.
5 As the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land.
The historian, having in the foregoing chapter given an account of the disposal of the countries on the other side Jordan, now comes to tell us what they did with the countries in the land of Canaan. They were not conquered to be left desert, a habitation for dragons, and a court for owls, Isa 34:13. No, the Israelites that had hitherto been closely encamped in a body, and the greatest part of them such as never knew any other way of living, must now disperse themselves to replenish these new conquests. It is said of the earth, God created it not in vain; he formed it to be inhabited, Isa 45:18. Canaan would have been subdued in vain if it had not been inhabited. Yet every man might not go and settle where he pleased, but as there seems to have been in the days of Peleg an orderly and regular division of the habitable earth among the sons of Noah (Gen 10:25, Gen 10:32), so there was now such a division of the land of Canaan among the sons of Jacob. God had given Moses directions how this distribution should be made, and those directions are here punctually observed. See Num 26:53, etc.
I. The managers of this great affair were Joshua the chief magistrate, Eleazar the chief priest, and ten princes, one of each of the tribes that were now to have their inheritance, whom God himself had nominated (Num 34:17, etc.) some years before; and, it should seem, they were all now in being, and attended this service, that every tribe, having a representative of its own, might be satisfied that there was fair dealing, and might the more contentedly sit down by its lot.
II. The tribes among whom this dividend was to be made were nine and a half. 1. Not the two and a half that were already seated (Jos 14:3), though perhaps now that they saw what a good land Canaan was, and how effectually it was subdued, they might some of them repent their choice, and wish they had now been to have their lot with their brethren, upon which condition they would gladly have given up what they had on the other side Jordan; but it could not be admitted: they had made their election without power of revocation, and so must their doom be; they themselves have decided it, and they must adhere to their choice. 2. Not the tribe of Levi; this was to be otherwise provided for. God had distinguished them from, and dignified them above, the other tribes, and they must not now mingle themselves with them, nor cast in their lot among them, for this would entangle them in the affairs of this life, which would not consist with a due attendance on their sacred function. But, 3. Joseph made two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim, pursuant to Jacob's adoption of Joseph's two sons, and so the number of the tribes was kept up to twelve, though Levi was taken out, which is intimated here (Jos 14:4): The children of Joseph were two tribes, therefore they gave no part to Levi, they being twelve without them.
III. The rule by which they went was the lot, Jos 14:2. The disposal of that is of the Lord, Pro 16:33. It was here used in an affair of weight, and which could not otherwise be accommodated to universal satisfaction, and it was used in a solemn religious manner as an appeal to God, by consent of parties. In dividing by lot, 1. They referred themselves to God, and to his wisdom and sovereignty, believing him fitter to determine for them than they for themselves. Psa 47:4, He shall choose our inheritance for us. 2. They professed a willingness to abide by the determination of it; for every man must take what is his lot, and make the best of it. In allusion to this we are said to obtain an inheritance in Christ (Eph 1:11), eklerothemen - we have obtained it by lot, so the word signified; for it is obtained by a divine designation. Christ, our Joshua, gives eternal life to as many as were given him, Joh 17:2.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON JOSHUA 17.2
A first and a second distribution of the inheritance is reported. The first is indeed through Moses, but the second, and the more powerful, is depicted as accomplished through Jesus [Joshua]. Across the Jordan, Moses decrees property to the tribe of Reuben and the tribe of Gad and to half the tribe of Manasseh, but all the rest receive their inheritance through Jesus [Joshua]. We have already spoken first about how those who had pleased God through the law do not yet reach those things that have been perfected. They precede in time those who attain to the promises through faith in Jesus but must wait for those coming afterwards who will please God in a different time but by one faith, just as the apostle says, “They might not attain perfection without us.”
Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
HOMILIES ON JOSHUA 17.1
Just as those who submit to the law, which is the “shadow” of that true law, diligently serve a “shadow and copy” of “heavenly things,” so those who divide the inheritance of the land in Judea imitate the “copy and shadow” of a heavenly division. Thus truth was in heaven, “but a shadow and copy” of truth was on earth. And as long as this shadow remained on earth, there was an earthly Jerusalem; there was a temple, an altar and a visible worship; there were priests and high priests; and there existed regions and towns of Judea and all these things that are described in this book and are now recited.
JeromeAD 420
Against Jovinianus 2.34
The whole account of the land of Judah and of the tribes is typical of the church in heaven. Let us read Joshua, the son of Nun, or the concluding portions of Ezekiel, and we shall see that the historical division of the land as related by the one finds a counterpart in the spiritual and heavenly promises of the other. What is the meaning of the seven and eight steps in the description of the temple? Or again, what significance attaches to the fact that in the Psalter, after being taught the mystic alphabet by the one hundred and eighteenth psalm we arrive by fifteen steps at the point where we can sing: “Behold, now bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord: you who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.” Why did two tribes and a half dwell on the other side of Jordan, a district abounding in cattle, while the remaining nine tribes and a half either drove out the old inhabitants from their possessions or dwelled with them? Why did the tribe of Levi receive no portion in the land but have the Lord for its portion? And how is it that of the priests and Levites, themselves, the high priest alone entered the Holy of Holies where were the cherubim and the mercy seat? Why did the other priests wear linen raiment only, and not have their clothing of wrought gold, blue, scarlet, purple and fine cloth? The priests and Levites of the lower order took care of the oxen and carts; those of the higher order carried the ark of the Lord on their shoulders. If you do away with the gradations of the tabernacle, the temple, the church, if, to use a common military phrase, all upon the right hand are to be “up to the same standard,” bishops are to no purpose, priests in vain, deacons useless. Why do virgins persevere? Widows toil? Why do married women practice continence? Let us all sin, and when once we have repented, we shall be on the same footing as the apostles.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 14:5 serves as a profound summary statement, affirming the unwavering faithfulness of the Israelite community in meticulously executing God's specific instructions for the apportionment of the Promised Land. This verse underscores the direct and complete correlation between the divine mandate delivered through Moses and the subsequent, obedient actions of the children of Israel in systematically dividing the conquered territory, thereby ushering in a new era of settlement and the tangible fulfillment of ancient covenant promises.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Joshua 14:5 is Parallelism, specifically a form of synthetic parallelism where the second clause completes or expands upon the first. The structure "As X, so Y" creates a direct and emphatic correlation between God's command (X) and Israel's action (Y). This highlights the crucial theme of Obedience by presenting it as a direct, unmediated, and faithful response to divine instruction. The verse also employs Conciseness for emphasis; its brevity draws attention to the profound significance of the act described, summarizing a complex and lengthy process of land distribution into a single, powerful statement of faithfulness. This succinctness serves to underscore the foundational principle that guided the entire settlement: unwavering adherence to God's word. The phrase acts as a Summary Statement, encapsulating the spirit of the entire land distribution phase and setting the tone for the detailed accounts that follow, validating the entire process as divinely sanctioned and humanly executed in faithful obedience.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 14:5 stands as a powerful testament to the themes of divine faithfulness and human obedience within the biblical narrative. It demonstrates that God is true to His promises, even when their fulfillment spans generations and requires human cooperation and active participation. The land, a central component of the Abrahamic covenant, is here being physically apportioned, representing a tangible realization of God's word. This act of dividing the land, done in direct obedience to God's command, highlights the principle that blessing, inheritance, and true rest are intrinsically linked to heeding divine instruction. It underscores the active role God's people play in the outworking of His plans, not through independent action, but through faithful submission to His revealed will. The meticulous division also speaks to God's desire for order, justice, and equity among His people, ensuring that each tribe received its rightful portion as an inheritance, reflecting His character and His meticulous care for His covenant community.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 14:5 offers a profound lesson on the nature of faith and obedience for believers today. Just as the Israelites' inheritance and settlement in the Promised Land were contingent upon their faithful execution of God's commands, so too is our spiritual flourishing and experience of God's blessings tied to our willingness to obey His word. This verse reminds us that God's promises are not passive assurances but often require our active participation and trust in His methods, even when they seem unconventional (like dividing land by lot). It challenges us to reflect on areas in our lives where God has given clear instructions, whether through His written Word, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, or the wisdom of godly counsel, and to consider if our response is truly "as the LORD commanded... so [we] did." The long journey from promise to fulfillment also teaches patience and perseverance, reminding us that God's timing is perfect, and He always brings His good purposes to completion, inviting us to trust His process even when it is lengthy.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Joshua 14:5 such a concise verse, yet seemingly so important?
Answer: Joshua 14:5 is concise precisely because it functions as a powerful summary statement and a theological declaration. It distills the complex and lengthy process of land distribution into a single sentence, emphasizing the foundational principle that guided it: divine command met with human obedience. Its brevity highlights the profound significance of this principle, acting as a crucial bridge between the conquest narratives and the detailed accounts of tribal inheritance. It sets the stage by affirming that all subsequent divisions were legitimate because they were done "as the LORD commanded," thereby validating the entire process as divinely sanctioned and faithfully executed. This succinctness also allows the reader to grasp the overarching theological truth before delving into the specifics.
What was the significance of "dividing the land" for the Israelites?
Answer: The division of the land was profoundly significant for several reasons, touching upon theological, social, and economic aspects of Israelite life. Firstly, it represented the tangible fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promise to Abraham and his descendants to give them a land (e.g., Genesis 15:18). This act demonstrated God's faithfulness to His word across generations. Secondly, it established the tribal identities and boundaries, providing each family and clan with a permanent inheritance and a deep sense of belonging and security. This was crucial for the social, economic, and religious stability of the nascent nation, transitioning them from nomadic wanderers to settled inhabitants. Thirdly, it underscored God's faithfulness and justice, as the land was distributed equitably "by lot," demonstrating that the inheritance was a divine gift, not merely a human conquest or a result of military might. This method also prevented internal disputes among the tribes, fostering unity under God's sovereign guidance.
How exactly did they "divide the land" according to God's command?
Answer: The division of the land was carried out according to specific instructions given by God to Moses, primarily detailed in Numbers 26:52-56 and Numbers 34:1-15. The primary method was by lot, which was understood not as a random gamble but as a divinely guided process, reflecting God's sovereign will in the distribution (as seen in Proverbs 16:33). Joshua, along with Eleazar the priest and the heads of the tribal families, oversaw this process (Joshua 14:1). The size of each tribe's inheritance was proportional to its population, but the specific location was determined by the casting of lots, ensuring impartiality and acknowledging God's sovereign hand in the allocation of each portion. This meticulous process ensured that every family received their designated inheritance as part of God's covenant promise.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 14:5, with its emphasis on the fulfillment of a divine promise through human obedience, finds its ultimate and perfect Christ-centered fulfillment. The land of Canaan, given as an inheritance, prefigures the greater spiritual inheritance that believers receive in Christ. Just as Israel entered a physical rest in the land, so believers enter into a profound spiritual rest and an eternal inheritance through the finished work of Jesus (e.g., Hebrews 4:9-10). The obedience of the children of Israel, though commendable in this instance, was always imperfect and temporary, pointing to the perfect and complete obedience of Jesus Christ. He perfectly fulfilled every command of God, living a sinless life and even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Through His perfect obedience, Christ secured for us an eternal inheritance, not of earthly land, but of spiritual blessings and eternal life (Ephesians 1:11). The meticulous division of the land by lot, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in allocating each portion, foreshadows God's sovereign plan of salvation, where every believer is "chosen in him before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1:4) to receive an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4). Thus, Joshua 14:5, with its narrative of promise, obedience, and inheritance, beautifully anticipates the grander reality of God's redemptive work culminating in Jesus Christ, who is our true and eternal inheritance.