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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.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 18:4 records Joshua's decisive command to the seven remaining Israelite tribes who had not yet received their territorial inheritance in Canaan. This instruction mandates the selection of three men from each tribe to systematically survey and meticulously describe the unallotted land. The purpose was to create a precise written record that would serve as the basis for the equitable distribution of the Promised Land, ensuring that God's covenant promises regarding Israel's full possession were realized through diligent human action.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua 18:4 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is Imperative Mood, as Joshua issues a direct and authoritative command ("Give out," "I will send," "they shall rise," "go through," "describe," "come again"). This highlights his decisive leadership and the urgency of the task. There is also an element of Repetition of the core action, as the idea of "going through the land" and "describing it" is central to the command, reinforcing the diligence required. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Symbolism; the physical land itself symbolizes God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant promises, while the act of surveying and describing it symbolizes the human responsibility to actively appropriate and steward divine blessings. The process also subtly employs Metonymy, where "describe it" stands for the entire meticulous process of surveying, mapping, and recording.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 18:4 serves as a powerful reminder that while God's promises are sovereign and sure, their realization often requires diligent human participation and obedience. The Israelites were not to passively wait for the land to be divided for them; they had to actively "go through" and "describe" it. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, illustrating the dynamic interplay between divine grace and human responsibility. It teaches us that faith is not merely intellectual assent but an active trust that compels us to engage with God's will and promises. Just as the physical land was their inheritance, believers today have a spiritual inheritance in Christ, which we are called to understand, explore, and live out. This verse underscores that God's plan often involves human partnership and effort.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 18:4 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It challenges any tendency towards spiritual complacency, reminding us that God's abundant provision often requires our active engagement and diligent pursuit. Just as the Israelites had to systematically survey their physical inheritance, we are called to explore and appropriate the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ—the riches of His grace, the power of His Spirit, and the fullness of His promises. This involves intentional study of His Word, prayerful discernment, and active obedience. We are to "go through the land" of our spiritual blessings, understanding their breadth and depth, and "describe" them in our lives through faithful living. This verse encourages us to move beyond a passive reception of salvation to a vibrant, active discipleship that seeks to fully possess and live out the life God intends for us, demonstrating our faith through tangible action and commitment.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Joshua need to send men to "describe" the land if God had already promised it?
Answer: God's promise of the land to Israel was absolute, but its practical realization required human cooperation and diligence. Sending men to "describe" (Hebrew: kâthab, to write/register) the land was a crucial step in translating a divine promise into a tangible reality. It ensured an orderly, equitable, and documented distribution of territory among the tribes, preventing disputes and establishing clear boundaries. This process demonstrated the Israelites' active faith and obedience, moving from passive expectation to diligent appropriation of their inheritance. It highlights the biblical principle that while God provides, He often calls His people to participate actively in the fulfillment of His plans, ensuring human responsibility in the covenant relationship, as seen throughout the narrative of the conquest and settlement of Canaan.
What was the significance of "three men for each tribe"?
Answer: The selection of "three men for each tribe" was likely a practical measure to ensure comprehensive coverage of the unallotted territory and to provide a measure of tribal representation and accountability. In ancient legal and administrative contexts, the number two or three often signified a reliable and verifiable witness or delegation, lending credibility and authority to their findings. Having three men from each of the seven remaining tribes (a total of 21 men) ensured that the survey was thorough, fair, and had the backing of the respective tribal leadership. This methodical approach underscored the seriousness and importance of the task, aimed at preventing future conflicts over land ownership and ensuring a just distribution, reflecting the divine order that was to characterize the nation of Israel.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 18:4, with its emphasis on surveying and claiming a physical inheritance, powerfully foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. Just as the Israelites were called to actively possess the Promised Land, we are called to appropriate the vast spiritual blessings and "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" that are ours in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). The diligent work of the surveyors in Canaan points to the diligent faith required to understand and walk in the fullness of our new covenant realities. However, unlike the Israelites who had to conquer and divide, our ultimate inheritance is not earned but freely given through the finished work of Christ. He is the true "land" and "rest" into which we enter, having accomplished all that was needed for our redemption and full possession of eternal life (Hebrews 4:9-10). The "describing" of the land can be seen as a type of understanding and articulating the breadth, length, height, and depth of the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:18-19), which is our true and eternal inheritance, secured not by our surveying, but by His perfect sacrifice and resurrection. He is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, the one in whom we find our complete and everlasting portion (2 Corinthians 1:20), making us "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17).