Joshua 18:11

KJV

¶ And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the lot {H1486} of the tribe {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} came up {H5927} according to their families {H4940}: and the coast {H1366} of their lot {H1486} came forth {H3318} between the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} and the children {H1121} of Joseph {H3130}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The lot for the tribe of the descendants of Binyamin came up according to their families. The border of their territory chosen by lot was between the descendants of Y'hudah and the descendants of Yosef.

Berean Standard Bible

The first lot came up for the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. Their allotted territory lay between the tribes of Judah and Joseph:

American Standard Version

And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the border of their lot went out between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 18:11 records the pivotal moment when the tribe of Benjamin received its territorial inheritance in the Promised Land through the casting of lots. This act, understood as a divine revelation, positioned Benjamin's allocation strategically between the established territories of Judah in the south and the tribes of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) in the north. This central location would prove significant for the tribe's future role in Israelite history, highlighting God's meticulous provision and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 18:11 is situated within the broader narrative of the land distribution to the Israelite tribes, which spans from [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Initial Land Divisions") to [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Completion of Land Divisions"). Following the initial allocations to Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh, seven tribes remained without a designated inheritance. To address this, Joshua commanded a detailed survey of the remaining land, dividing it into seven portions, as described in [Joshua 18:4-6](/joshua/18-4 "Joshua 18:4-6 - Survey of the Land"). This administrative step ensured an orderly and equitable distribution. The casting of lots then took place at Shiloh, before the tabernacle, signifying God's direct involvement and approval in the process. Joshua 18:11 specifically marks the outcome for Benjamin, being the first of these remaining seven tribes to receive its portion, laying the groundwork for the subsequent detailed boundary descriptions in [Joshua 18:12-28](/joshua/18-12 "Joshua 18:12-28 - Benjamin's Inheritance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of Canaan among the tribes was the culmination of centuries of divine promise, dating back to Abraham (cf. [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abraham")). Land inheritance was fundamental to Israelite identity, economic stability, and covenant faithfulness. It represented the tangible fulfillment of God's promise to establish His people in their own land. The practice of casting lots (Hebrew: _goral_) was a common ancient Near Eastern method for making important decisions, but for Israel, it was understood as a sacred means of discerning God's will, not a game of chance (cf. [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap")). The location of Shiloh, where the tabernacle was set up (cf. [Joshua 18:1](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - The Tabernacle at Shiloh")), further emphasized the religious and divine sanction of the land distribution process. The strategic positioning of Benjamin's territory, bordering the powerful tribes of Judah and Joseph, would later become a significant factor in the political and military dynamics of Israel, particularly during the period of the judges and the monarchy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse underscores several profound themes. Firstly, **Divine Providence and Sovereignty** are paramount, as the casting of lots demonstrates God's direct involvement in the precise allocation of land, ensuring that each tribe received its divinely appointed inheritance. This was not a human decision but a revelation of God's perfect plan. Secondly, it highlights the **Fulfillment of God's Covenant Promises**, particularly the ancient pledge to Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land of Canaan. Benjamin's portion, like all others, was a tangible testament to God's faithfulness (cf. [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God's Faithfulness in Giving the Land")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Tribal Identity and Inheritance**, as the detailed boundaries reinforced each tribe's distinct place within the Promised Land and their specific portion within the larger community of Israel. Finally, the **Strategic Importance of Location** is subtly introduced, as Benjamin's territory, situated between the dominant tribes of Judah and Joseph, would later become a crucial geopolitical nexus, including the future capital city of Jerusalem (cf. [Judges 1:21](/judges/1-21 "Judges 1:21 - Benjamites and Jerusalem")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lot (Hebrew, _goral_):** This term refers to a small object (like a stone or marked stick) cast to determine an outcome, often in the presence of God. In ancient Israel, casting lots was not a random gamble but a sacred practice believed to reveal God's direct will or decision. It signified a divine decree rather than human choice, ensuring that the land distribution was perceived as God's sovereign allocation.
* **Came up (Hebrew, _alah_):** The verb "came up" (עָלָה, _alah_) often denotes movement upwards, but in this context, it signifies the result of the lot-casting process. It implies that the specific lot designated for Benjamin was "drawn" or "selected" from a container, revealing the divine choice for their inheritance. This verb reinforces the idea that the outcome was not by human design but by divine revelation.
* **Coast (Hebrew, _gevul_):** While "coast" in modern English implies a seashore, the Hebrew word (גְּבוּל, _gevul_) simply means "boundary," "border," or "territory." It refers to the defined limits or extent of the land allocated to Benjamin, emphasizing the precise and delineated nature of their inheritance. This highlights the orderly and specific nature of God's provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families:"** This opening clause establishes the subject of the verse: the tribe of Benjamin. It states that their inheritance was determined by the casting of lots, a divinely sanctioned method. The phrase "according to their families" underscores that the division was not merely tribal but extended to the family units within the tribe, ensuring that each household received its rightful portion, as mandated by God's instructions for the land division (cf. [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Division by Lot and Family")). This meticulous detail highlights God's care for every segment of His people.
* **"and the coast of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph."** This second clause specifies the geographical location of Benjamin's allotted territory. The "coast" or "boundary" of their inheritance was uniquely positioned, serving as a buffer or bridge between the two most powerful tribal blocs: Judah to the south and the "children of Joseph" (primarily Ephraim, but also Manasseh) to the north. This central location was of immense strategic importance, as it included key cities and would later be a focal point for the kingdom of Israel, particularly Jerusalem. The phrase "came forth" (יָצָא, _yatsa_) reiterates the outcome of the lot-casting, emphasizing that this specific, divinely ordained boundary was revealed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Descriptive Language** to convey precise geographical and procedural information. The repetition of "lot" (or its derivatives) emphasizes the method of allocation and, by extension, the **Divine Sovereignty** inherent in the process. The phrase "came up" and "came forth" serves as a subtle **Repetition** of the outcome of the lot, reinforcing that the territory was divinely revealed. The specific mention of "between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph" is a form of **Geographical Specification**, which is crucial for understanding the political and historical significance of Benjamin's central location. This precise detailing underscores the meticulous and intentional nature of God's plan for His people's inheritance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 18:11 serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous care, faithfulness, and sovereign control over the lives and destinies of His people. The casting of lots was not a random act but a sacred means by which Israel acknowledged God's ultimate authority in determining their inheritance. This divine allocation ensured that the land, a tangible symbol of God's covenant promises, was distributed according to His perfect will, providing security and identity to each tribe and family. It reminds us that God is a God of order, who orchestrates events and circumstances to fulfill His purposes, even in what might appear to be chance occurrences. The strategic positioning of Benjamin's territory, divinely ordained, foreshadows its crucial role in Israelite history, including its eventual inclusion of Jerusalem, a city central to God's redemptive plan.

* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap")
* [Acts 1:26](/acts/1-26 "Acts 1:26 - Matthias Chosen by Lot")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalms/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Inheritance for Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 18:11 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Just as God meticulously and sovereignly allocated land to each tribe, so too does He have a specific plan and purpose for our lives. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect provision and guidance, even when our circumstances seem uncertain or determined by external factors. While we no longer cast lots, the principle of seeking God's will through prayer, diligent study of His Word, and wise counsel remains paramount. Our "inheritance" today may not be a physical plot of land, but it encompasses our spiritual blessings in Christ, our unique gifts, and our calling within His kingdom. Understanding that our position, talents, and even challenges are part of God's sovereign design can bring peace and purpose. This passage challenges us to embrace our unique place in God's grand narrative, recognizing that our individual lives, like Benjamin's territory, have a strategic role to play in His unfolding plan for the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's sovereign allocation of land to Benjamin encourage or challenge your understanding of God's plan for your own life and circumstances?**
* **In what ways do you currently seek God's guidance for important decisions, and how can you deepen your trust in His perfect will, even when the outcome is uncertain?**
* **Considering Benjamin's strategic location, how might God be positioning you in your current context for a unique purpose within His kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Benjamin's territory being "between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph"?**

Answer: Benjamin's territory was strategically located between the two most powerful and influential tribal blocs in Israel: Judah to the south and the descendants of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) to the north. This central position meant that Benjamin often served as a buffer or a bridge between these two dominant groups. Historically, this location made Benjamin a crucial area for political and military control. Most notably, the future capital city of Jerusalem, though initially inhabited by Jebusites, lay within or on the border of Benjamin's territory (cf. [Joshua 18:28](/joshua/18-28 "Joshua 18:28 - Jerusalem in Benjamin's Territory") and [Judges 1:21](/judges/1-21 "Judges 1:21 - Benjamites and Jerusalem")). This central location would later become a point of contention and importance, particularly during the divided monarchy, as it bordered both the northern kingdom (Israel/Ephraim) and the southern kingdom (Judah).

**How did the casting of lots work, and why was it used for land distribution?**

Answer: The exact mechanics of casting lots (Hebrew: _goral_) are not fully detailed in the Bible, but it generally involved using objects like stones, marked sticks, or dice-like objects that were cast or drawn to determine an outcome. The key was that the outcome was believed to be controlled by God, not by chance or human manipulation. [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap") states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." It was used for important decisions like identifying culprits (e.g., [Joshua 7:16-18](/joshua/7-16 "Joshua 7:16-18 - Achan Identified by Lot")), selecting leaders (e.g., [1 Samuel 10:20-21](/1_samuel/10-20 "1 Samuel 10:20-21 - Saul Chosen by Lot")), and, as in Joshua, for dividing land. Its use for land distribution ensured that the allocation was seen as divinely ordained, preventing disputes among the tribes and reinforcing the understanding that the land was God's gift, distributed according to His sovereign will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous division of the land by lot, as seen in Joshua 18:11, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect inheritance that believers receive in Christ. Just as the tribes of Israel received a tangible, geographical inheritance as a fulfillment of God's covenant promises, so too do believers in the New Covenant receive an eternal, spiritual inheritance through faith in Jesus Christ. This inheritance is not a piece of land but a relationship with God, access to His kingdom, and the promise of eternal life (cf. [Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). The casting of lots, signifying divine sovereignty in the allocation of earthly territory, points to the even greater divine sovereignty in the work of salvation, where God, according to His perfect will, has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world (cf. [Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ")). Benjamin's strategic location, bordering Judah, the tribe from which the Messiah would come, subtly prefigures how the old covenant promises find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the ultimate [heir of all things](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, Heir of All Things"). Our true "Promised Land" is found in Him, where we are granted spiritual blessings "in the heavenly places" (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and become co-heirs with Christ (cf. [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

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

Deuteronomy 13:12

¶ If thou shalt hear [say] in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying,

Joshua 15:1

¶ [This] then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; [even] to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward [was] the uttermost part of the south coast.

Joshua 15:8

And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same [is] Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that [lieth] before the valley of Hinnom westward, which [is] at the end of the valley of the giants northward:

Joshua 16:1

¶ And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, unto the water of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goeth up from Jericho throughout mount Bethel,

Joshua 16:10

And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.

Deuteronomy 10:1

¶ At that time the LORD said unto me, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me into the mount, and make thee an ark of wood.

Deuteronomy 10:22

Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the LORD thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.