TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on Joshua 18 verses 2–10
Here, I. Joshua reproves those tribes which were yet unsettled that they did not bestir themselves to gain a settlement in the land which God had given them. Seven tribes were yet unprovided for, though sure of an inheritance, yet uncertain where it should be, and it seems in no great care about it, Jos 18:2. And with them Joshua reasons (Jos 18:3): How long are you slack? 1. They were too well pleased with their present condition, liked well enough to live in a body together, the more the merrier, and, like the Babel-builders, had no mind to be scattered abroad and break good company. The spoil of the cities they had taken served them to live plentifully upon for the present, and they banished the thoughts of time to come. Perhaps the tribes of Judah and Joseph, who had already received their inheritance in the countries next adjoining, were generous in entertaining their brethren who were yet unprovided for, so that they went from one good house to another among their friends, with which, instead of grudging that they were postponed, they were so well pleased that they cared not for going to houses of their own. 2. They were slothful and dilatory. It may be they wished the thing done, but had not spirit to stir in it, or move towards the doing of it, though it was so much for their own advantage; like the sluggard, that hides his hand in his bosom, and it grieves him to bring it to his mouth again. The countries that remained to be divided lay at a distance, and some parts of them in the hands of the Canaanites. If they go to take possession of them, the cities must be rebuilt or repaired, they must drive their flocks and herds a great way, and carry their wives and children to strange places, and this will not be done without care and pains, and breaking through some hardships; thus he that observes the wind shall not sow, and he that regards the clouds shall not reap, Ecc 11:4. Note, Many are diverted from real duties, and debarred from real comforts, by seeming difficulties. God by his grace has given us a title to a good land, the heavenly Canaan, but we are slack to take possession; we enter not into that rest, as we might by faith, and hope, and holy joy; we live not in heaven, as we might by setting our affections on things above and having our conversation there. How long shall it be thus with us? How long shall we thus stand in our own light, and forsake our own mercies for lying vanities? Joshua was sensible of the inconveniences of this delay, that, while they neglected to take possession of the land that was conquered, the Canaanites were recovering strength and spirit, and fortifying themselves in the places that were yet in their hands, which would make the total expulsion of them the more difficult. They would lose their advantages by not following their blow; and therefore, as an eagle stirreth up her nest, so Joshua stirs them up to take possession of their lot. He is ready to do his part, if they will but do theirs.
II. He puts them in a way to settle themselves.
1.The land that remained must be surveyed, an account taken of the cities, and the territories belonging to them, Jos 18:4. These must be divided into seven equal parts, as near as they could guess at their true value, which they must have an eye to, and not merely to the number of the cities and extent of the country. Judah is fixed on the south and Joseph on the north of Shiloh, to protect the tabernacle (Jos 18:5), and therefore they need not describe their country, but those countries only that were yet undisposed of. He gives a reason (Jos 18:7) why they must divide it into seven parts only, because the Levites were to have no temporal estate (as we say), but their benefices only, which were entailed upon their families: The priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance, and a very honourable, comfortable, plentiful inheritance it was. Gad and Reuben, with half of the tribe of Manasseh, were already fixed, and needed not to have any further care taken of them. Now, (1.) The surveyors were three men out of each of the seven tribes that were to be provided for (Jos 18:4), one-and-twenty in all, who perhaps for greater expedition, because they had already lost time, divided themselves into three companies, one of each tribe in each company, and took each their district to survey. The matter was thus referred equally, that there might be neither any partiality used in making up the seven lots, nor any shadow of suspicion given, but all might be satisfied that they had right done them. (2.) The survey was accordingly made, and brought in to Joshua, Jos 18:8, Jos 18:9. Josephus says it was seven months in the doing. And we must in it observe, [1.] The faith and courage of the persons employed: abundance of Canaanites remained in the land, and all raging against Israel, as a bear robbed of her whelps; the business of these surveyors would soon be known, and what could they expect but to be way-laid, and have their brains knocked out by the fierce observers? But in obedience to Joshua's command, and in dependence upon God's power, they thus put their lives in their hands to serve their country. [2.] The good providence of God in protecting them from the many deaths they were exposed to, and bringing them all safely again to the host at Shiloh. When we are in the way of our duty we are under the special protection of the Almighty.
2.When it was surveyed, and reduced to seven lots, then Joshua would, by appeal to God, and direction from him, determine which of these lots should belong to each tribe (Jos 18:6): That I may cast lots for you here at the tabernacle (because it was a sacred transaction) before the Lord our God, to whom each tribe must have an eye, with thankfulness for the conveniences and submission to the inconveniences of their allotment. What we have in the world we must acknowledge God's property in, and dispose of it as before him, with justice, and charity, and dependence upon Providence. The heavenly Canaan is described to us in a book, the book of the scriptures, and there are in it mansions and portions sufficient for all God's spiritual Israel. Christ is our Joshua that divides it to us. On him we must attend, and to him we must apply for an inheritance with the saints in light. See Joh 17:2, Joh 17:3.
Continue studying Joshua 18:3 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Joshua 18:3 captures the prophet-leader Joshua's impassioned rebuke and exhortation to the seven remaining Israelite tribes who, despite significant victories and divine promise, had grown lethargic in fully occupying their allotted portions of the Promised Land. This verse highlights the tension between God's sovereign gift and humanity's responsibility to actively appropriate and possess what has been divinely bestowed, urging the Israelites to overcome their complacency and complete the task of inheritance.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Joshua 18:3 is situated at a critical juncture in the book of Joshua, following the initial division of land for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh east of the Jordan, and the establishment of the Tabernacle at Shiloh, signifying a central place of worship and national identity (Joshua 18:1). Chapters 13-19 meticulously detail the land distribution among the tribes. While significant military victories had been achieved under Joshua's leadership, the full occupation of Canaan was far from complete. This verse marks a transition from the general conquest phase to the specific responsibility of each tribe to "possess" their inheritance. It sets the stage for the detailed tribal allotments that follow in the remainder of the chapter and subsequent chapters, culminating in Joshua's own inheritance and the final charges to Israel. The immediate context reveals that the land was surveyed after this exhortation, indicating Joshua's proactive leadership in addressing their inaction.
Historical & Cultural Context: The period described in Joshua is the conquest and settlement of Canaan, typically dated to the late Bronze Age (roughly 1400-1200 BC). The Israelites, having endured forty years of wilderness wandering, were now a new generation, poised to inherit the land promised to their forefathers. They were deeply rooted in their covenant identity as the people of Yahweh. The land of Canaan was inhabited by various city-states and peoples (Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, Jebusites) with established cultures, polytheistic religions, and formidable military capabilities. The concept of "possessing" land was not merely about physical occupation but also about establishing dominion, clearing out idolatry, and living in accordance with the covenant, thereby fulfilling God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:7). The "slackness" likely stemmed from a combination of war weariness after years of conflict, the perceived strength of the remaining inhabitants, and perhaps a desire to settle into a more comfortable existence after years of nomadic life and battle.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Promise and Faithfulness, as the land is explicitly stated as "which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you," echoing God's unwavering covenant with the patriarchs (Genesis 15:18). Secondly, it highlights Human Responsibility and Obedience, demonstrating that divine promises often require human action, diligence, and faith for their full realization. The "slackness" directly contrasts with the active "going to possess" required. Thirdly, it touches upon the theme of Spiritual Lethargy and Apathy, warning against the dangers of complacency in the face of God's blessings and commands, a recurring challenge for God's people. Finally, it foreshadows the Consequences of Incomplete Obedience, as the failure to fully dispossess the Canaanites would lead to ongoing struggles, spiritual compromise, and a lack of complete rest for Israel in later generations (Judges 2:2-3).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 18:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with urgency and impact. The most prominent is Rhetorical Question, "How long [are] ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?" This question is not seeking information but rather serves as a strong rebuke and an urgent call to action, designed to stir the Israelites out of their complacency and provoke deep self-examination. It implies a sense of exasperation and disappointment on Joshua's part, mirroring God's own sentiment toward their inaction. Furthermore, there is a clear use of Juxtaposition between God's completed act of "giving" the land and Israel's incomplete act of "possessing" it. This stark contrast highlights the significant gap between divine provision and human responsibility, emphasizing that God's gifts require active appropriation. The phrase "the LORD God of your fathers" functions as a potent Appeal to Authority and Heritage, reminding the Israelites of their covenant identity and the faithfulness of the God who brought them out of Egypt and sovereignly promised them this land, thereby strengthening the imperative for immediate obedience.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 18:3 serves as a profound theological statement on the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. God's promise and provision are absolute—He "hath given" the land. Yet, this divine gift does not negate the necessity of human effort, faith, and obedience to "possess" it. The Israelites' "slackness" reveals a spiritual apathy that hinders the full realization of God's blessings, demonstrating that even when God has provided abundantly, human inaction can prevent the appropriation of that provision. This principle extends beyond the physical land to all areas of God's promises, reminding believers that faith is not passive assent but active engagement with divine truth and purpose. It underscores that God's grace empowers, but does not eliminate, our diligent response.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 18:3 offers a timeless challenge to believers today, urging us to examine areas where we might be "slack" in appropriating the spiritual inheritance and callings God has graciously provided in Christ. Just as the physical land was a gift requiring active possession, so too are the spiritual blessings of salvation, sanctification, divine purpose, and the power of the Holy Spirit. This verse calls us out of spiritual lethargy, encouraging diligent pursuit of God's will, active engagement with His Word, and courageous faith in walking out our unique callings. It reminds us that while our salvation is entirely by grace, our growth and effectiveness in the Christian life require active participation, perseverance, and a refusal to settle for anything less than the full measure of what God has prepared for us. We are called to be co-laborers with God, not passive recipients, pressing forward with intentionality to realize the fullness of His kingdom in and through our lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "slack" mean in this context, and why was it a problem?
Answer: In Joshua 18:3, "slack" translates the Hebrew verb râphâh' (H7503), which means to "sink," "relax," "let go," or "become weak." It describes a state of spiritual and practical lethargy, a lack of energy, diligence, or resolve. It was a significant problem because, despite God having "given" them the land, the Israelites were failing to actively "go to possess" it. Their inaction meant leaving significant portions of the Promised Land unconquered and inhabited by hostile, idolatrous peoples. This not only delayed the full realization of God's covenant promises but also left potential sources of spiritual compromise and future conflict within their borders, as later seen in the book of Judges (e.g., Judges 2:2-3). Joshua's rhetorical question highlights that their passivity was a failure of faith and obedience, hindering God's full blessing and the establishment of His kingdom in the land.
Was the land truly "given" if they still had to fight for it?
Answer: Yes, absolutely. The land was truly "given" in a theological and covenantal sense, meaning God had legally and providentially granted it to Israel as their inheritance, fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:7). The phrase "hath given you" signifies God's sovereign act of bestowment and His divine decree. However, this divine gift did not preclude the necessity of human effort, faith, and obedience in its appropriation. The "fighting" was the means by which they were to "possess" what was already theirs by divine decree. It was a test of their faith, obedience, and reliance on God's power. God had promised victory, but they had to engage in the battle. This dynamic illustrates a recurring biblical principle: God's promises are sure and His sovereignty is absolute, but their realization often requires active, obedient participation from humanity, demonstrating our trust and partnership with Him.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 18:3, with its poignant challenge to "possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. Just as Israel was given a physical inheritance, believers in Christ have been given an immeasurably richer spiritual inheritance in Him (Ephesians 1:3). Through Christ's finished work on the cross, we have been granted forgiveness of sins, eternal life, adoption as children of God, and every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. However, like the Israelites, we are called not to be "slack" but to actively "possess" or appropriate these realities by faith. This involves living out our new identity in Christ (Colossians 3:1-3), walking in the Spirit's power (Galatians 5:16), and diligently pursuing the good works God has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10). The "land" for us is not a geographical territory but the boundless riches of Christ's grace and the full experience of His kingdom in our lives, which we are called to actively "take hold of" through faith and obedience, pressing on toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).