Joshua 18:10

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 Joshua {H3091} cast {H7993} lots {H1486} for them in Shiloh {H7887} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}: and there Joshua {H3091} divided {H2505} the land {H776} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} according to their divisions {H4256}.

Y'hoshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before ADONAI, and there Y'hoshua divided the land among the people of Isra'el according to their regions.

And Joshua cast lots for them in the presence of the LORD at Shiloh, where he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions.

And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before Jehovah: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.

Commentary

Joshua 18:10 marks a crucial moment in the history of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land, detailing the systematic distribution of territory to the remaining tribes. This verse highlights Joshua's obedient leadership and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises.

Context

Following the initial conquests under Joshua, the tribes of Judah, Ephraim, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had already received their inheritance. However, seven tribes still awaited their portion. Joshua 18:1-9 describes Joshua's initiative to survey the land and prepare it for distribution. The act took place in Shiloh, which served as the central religious hub for Israel at that time, housing the Tabernacle. This setting underscored the sacredness and divine oversight of the land division.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance and Sovereignty: The phrase "cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD" emphasizes that the land distribution was not arbitrary but guided by God. The lot-casting process was understood as a means of discerning God's will, ensuring fairness and preventing disputes among the tribes. This reflects God's meticulous care for His people.
  • Fulfillment of Promise: This verse represents a significant milestone in the fulfillment of God's ancient promise to Abraham and his descendants regarding the land of Canaan. Each tribal inheritance was a tangible manifestation of God's covenant faithfulness.
  • Order and Justice: Joshua's leadership ensured that the land was divided "according to their divisions," implying a structured and equitable process. This brought order to the new nation, providing each tribe with a secure and defined territory.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "cast lots" is yippil goral (ื™ึทืคึผึดื™ืœ ื’ึผื•ึนืจึธืœ), which literally means "he caused the lot to fall." This method, seen elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., Proverbs 16:33), was a recognized way to determine God's will in important matters, signifying a divine decision rather than mere chance. The phrase "before the LORD" reinforces the sacred nature of the act, indicating that it was done in God's presence and under His authority.

Practical Application

Joshua 18:10 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Seeking God's Will: Just as Israel sought divine guidance in dividing the land, believers today are called to seek God's wisdom and direction in their significant life decisions. While we no longer cast physical lots, prayer, studying God's Word, and wise counsel are our means of discerning His path.
  • Trust in God's Faithfulness: The meticulous division of the land underscored God's commitment to His promises. We can trust that God is faithful to His word and will provide for us according to His perfect plan.
  • Order and Stewardship: The methodical approach to land distribution highlights the importance of order, fairness, and responsible stewardship. We are called to manage our resources and responsibilities with integrity and wisdom, recognizing that all we have comes from God.
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Cross-References

  • Colossians 1:12 (5 votes)

    ยถ Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

  • Acts 13:19 (4 votes)

    And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.

  • Joshua 18:6 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 61:5 (2 votes)

    ยถ For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given [me] the heritage of those that fear thy name.

  • Acts 26:18 (2 votes)

    To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

  • John 17:2 (2 votes)

    As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

  • Ezekiel 47:22 (2 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, [that] ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.