Joshua 18:5

KJV

And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on the north.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall divide {H2505} it into seven {H7651} parts {H2506}: Judah {H3063} shall abide {H5975} in their coast {H1366} on the south {H5045}, and the house {H1004} of Joseph {H3130} shall abide {H5975} in their coasts {H1366} on the north {H6828}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are to divide it into seven portions, with Y'hudah remaining in its territory to the south and the house of Yosef in their territory to the north.

Berean Standard Bible

and divide the land into seven portions. Judah shall remain in their territory in the south, and the house of Joseph shall remain in their territory in the north.

American Standard Version

And they shall divide it into seven portions: Judah shall abide in his border on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their border on the north.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 18:5 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's settlement of the Promised Land, detailing the strategic decision to divide the remaining unconquered territory into seven distinct portions for the tribes yet to receive their inheritance. This verse highlights the ongoing process of fulfilling God's covenant promises, even as it acknowledges the unique and already-established status of the tribes of Judah and the house of Joseph, who had previously received and settled their substantial inheritances in the south and north respectively. It underscores God's meticulous plan for an orderly and equitable distribution, ensuring that every tribe would receive its designated inheritance according to divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 18:5 is strategically placed within the book of Joshua, transitioning from the major military conquests of chapters 1-12 and the initial land allocations to specific tribes in chapters 13-17. Having largely subdued the land and established the tabernacle at [Shiloh](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - The Tabernacle at Shiloh"), the narrative shifts from corporate conquest to the meticulous process of individual tribal inheritance. Chapters 13-17 describe the distributions to Reuben, Gad, the half-tribe of Manasseh (east of Jordan), and then to Judah, Ephraim, and the other half-tribe of Manasseh (west of Jordan). This verse, therefore, sets the stage for the allocation of the remaining land to the seven tribes who had not yet received their portions, preceding Joshua's command to survey the land and the subsequent casting of lots for their inheritances, as described in [Joshua 18:6-10](/joshua/18-6-10 "Joshua 18:6-10 - Survey and Lot Casting"). It is a crucial bridge, moving from the general fulfillment of God's promise to the specific, detailed implementation for each family group.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, land ownership was not merely an economic asset but was fundamental to a people's identity, livelihood, and security. For Israel, the concept of an "inheritance" (Hebrew: *nahalah*) was deeply rooted in covenant theology, representing God's faithful fulfillment of His promises to [Abraham](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham") and his descendants. The division of land by lot, as seen in [Joshua 18:10](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Casting Lots for Inheritance"), was a common practice in the ancient world, believed to reveal divine will and ensure impartiality, thus affirming God's ultimate sovereignty over the distribution. The distinct mention of Judah and Joseph (representing Ephraim and Manasseh) reflects their historical prominence, numerical strength, and strategic importance. Their already-settled territories formed foundational southern and northern anchors for the remaining divisions, demonstrating a systematic and divinely guided approach to prevent disputes and establish a stable tribal structure for the nascent nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Joshua. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises to bring Israel into the land He swore to their ancestors, providing them with a secure and lasting inheritance. Secondly, it underscores **Order and Stewardship**, as the meticulous division of the land reflects God's character as a God of order, and Joshua's faithful leadership in ensuring a just, organized, and equitable distribution rather than a chaotic scramble. This orderly process was essential for the flourishing and stability of the new nation. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Tribal Identity and Inheritance**, emphasizing that each tribe, as a distinct family unit within the larger nation, was to receive its unique and defined portion, solidifying their place within the covenant community and the land. The established status of Judah and Joseph foreshadows their future roles and prominence within Israel's history, as seen in later narratives like [Judges](/judges/1 "Judges 1 - Tribal Conquests") and the eventual division of the kingdom in [1 Kings](/1_kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Division of the Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Divide (Hebrew, _châlaq'_):** The verb `חָלַק` (H2505, _châlaq'_) means to apportion, distribute, or separate, often with the connotation of sharing or assigning portions equitably. In this context, it signifies a deliberate, organized, and just distribution of the land, not a haphazard or arbitrary one. It implies a process of careful measurement and allocation, ensuring that each of the seven remaining tribes would receive a fair and appropriate inheritance, reflecting God's orderly provision for His people and the meticulous fulfillment of His promises.
* **Coast (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** The noun `גְּבוּל` (H1366, _gᵉbûwl'_) refers to a boundary, border, or the territory enclosed by such a boundary. Its use here emphasizes that Judah and the "house of Joseph" (Ephraim and Manasseh) had already received and established their clearly defined and demarcated territories. This term highlights the importance of precise boundaries in ancient land ownership, preventing disputes and ensuring each tribe knew the exact extent of its inheritance. It underscores the settled and secure status of these two prominent tribal blocs, whose established borders provided a framework for the remaining allocations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall divide it into seven parts:"** This opening clause sets forth the central command and purpose of the immediate action. "It" refers to the significant, yet-unallocated portion of the Promised Land that had been subdued but not yet formally assigned to specific tribes. The number "seven" is deeply significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completion, perfection, or divine order. Here, it suggests a thorough, divinely ordained, and final process for the remaining stages of land distribution, ensuring that all remaining tribes received their inheritance in an orderly and complete fashion, reflecting God's meticulous plan.
* **"Judah shall abide in their coast on the south,"** This phrase confirms the established and secure status of the tribe of Judah. Having received their extensive inheritance in [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah"), Judah was already settled in the southern region of Canaan. The verb "abide" (Hebrew: *ʻâmad*) implies dwelling securely, permanently, and with stability within their designated boundaries. Judah's large and strategically important territory formed the southern anchor of the Israelite settlement, providing a secure base for the nation.
* **"and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on the north."** This clause similarly affirms the settled and secure position of the "house of Joseph," which refers collectively to the powerful tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons. Their inheritance, described in [Joshua 16](/joshua/16 "Joshua 16 - The Inheritance of Ephraim") and [Joshua 17](/joshua/17 "Joshua 17 - The Inheritance of Manasseh"), was situated to the north of Judah's territory. Like Judah, they were securely established within their defined borders, forming the northern anchor for the central body of Israelite tribes. This dual mention highlights the prominence and foundational role of these two major tribal blocs in the overall land distribution, providing stability and order to the entire process.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 18:5 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively and underscore its significance within the broader narrative. The most prominent is **Structural Emphasis**, where the verse functions as a key transitional statement. It bridges the initial major land allocations (to Judah and Joseph) with the upcoming detailed survey and distribution for the remaining seven tribes, highlighting the methodical and progressive nature of Israel's settlement. **Geographical Specification** is evident in the precise mention of "south" for Judah and "north" for the house of Joseph, providing clear spatial anchors and reinforcing the reality of their established territories. This geographical clarity underscores the fulfillment of God's promises in a tangible, physical land. Furthermore, the verse uses **Anticipation**, as it sets the stage for the detailed instructions that follow regarding the surveying of the land and the casting of lots, creating a sense of forward momentum in the narrative towards the complete settlement of Israel. The **Contrast** between the already-settled tribes and those yet to receive their inheritance also serves to emphasize the ongoing work and God's commitment to every part of His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 18:5 powerfully illustrates God's character as a God of order, faithfulness, and meticulous provision. The precise division of the land into seven parts, following the initial settlements of Judah and Joseph, underscores that God's promises are fulfilled not haphazardly but with divine precision and care. This process reflects God's commitment to ensuring that every segment of His covenant people receives its rightful inheritance, establishing a stable and secure foundation for the nation. It highlights the importance of stewardship and diligent execution of God's commands, as Joshua faithfully oversees the distribution according to divine instruction. The land itself is a tangible manifestation of God's covenant love and a place of rest for His people after their long journey and battles, providing a physical embodiment of God's faithfulness to His word.

* [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52-56 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Divided by Lot According to Numbers")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalms/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Inheritance for Israel")
* [Acts 13:19](/acts/13-19 "Acts 13:19 - God's Granting of Land to Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 18:5 serves as a profound reminder that even after significant victories and the initial fulfillment of God's promises, there often remains a diligent process of "claiming" and "ordering" our inheritance. For the Israelites, entering the Promised Land was a grand act of God's grace, but the full realization of their inheritance required active participation in surveying, dividing, and settling. Spiritually, this parallels the Christian life: salvation is a complete work of God, yet there are "spiritual inheritances"—promises, blessings, callings, and spiritual growth—that we are called to actively pursue and live into. We are called to be diligent stewards of what God has given us, ensuring that our lives reflect the order and purpose He intends. This passage encourages us to patiently engage in the ongoing work of discipleship, trusting that God, who is faithful to complete what He starts, will guide us into the fullness of our spiritual inheritance, just as He guided Israel into their physical one. It also speaks to the importance of community and ensuring that all members of the body receive their rightful place and purpose within God's larger plan, contributing to the overall stability and flourishing of the church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "unclaimed territory" or unfulfilled promises in your spiritual life might God be calling you to actively survey and claim today?**
* **How does the meticulous nature of God's land distribution in Joshua challenge you to live a more ordered and intentional life in your faith and stewardship?**
* **In what ways can you, like Joshua, help others in your community or church identify and step into their unique "inheritance" or calling, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why were Judah and the house of Joseph already settled, while other tribes still awaited their inheritance?**

Answer: Judah and the house of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) were among the largest and most prominent tribes, playing significant roles from the very beginning of the wilderness wanderings and the conquest. Their inheritances were strategically important and were among the first to be allocated after the initial major victories. [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah") details Judah's extensive territory in the south, while [Joshua 16](/joshua/16 "Joshua 16 - The Inheritance of Ephraim") and [Joshua 17](/joshua/17 "Joshua 17 - The Inheritance of Manasseh") describe the lands given to Ephraim and Manasseh in the central-northern region. This early allocation likely reflected their numerical strength, their strategic importance in securing the land, and perhaps their proactive engagement in the conquest. Their established presence provided a stable foundation for the subsequent distribution to the remaining seven tribes, which were generally smaller or less prominent at this stage, ensuring a more orderly and less contentious division of the remaining land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 18:5, with its emphasis on an earthly inheritance and the meticulous division of a physical land, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resonance in Christ. The Promised Land, a place of rest and provision for Israel after their wilderness wanderings and battles, foreshadows the deeper spiritual rest and eternal inheritance believers receive in Jesus. Just as the tribes received their portions according to God's faithful promise, so too does God, through Christ, distribute spiritual blessings and an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The orderly division of the land points to God's divine wisdom in His grand plan of salvation, where every believer is given a unique place and purpose within the spiritual "body" of Christ, equipped with diverse gifts for the common good and the building up of the church ([1 Corinthians 12:4-11](/1_corinthians/12-4-11 "1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - Diversity of Spiritual Gifts")). Ultimately, the physical land of Canaan, though a precious gift and a temporary dwelling, was but a shadow of the new heavens and new earth, the true and eternal dwelling place where God's people will fully and finally "abide in their coast" with Him forever, a promise secured by the finished work of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

Joshua 19:1

¶ And the second lot came forth to Simeon, [even] for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.

Joshua 19:9

Out of the portion of the children of Judah [was] the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them.

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.

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 15:12

And the west border [was] to the great sea, and the coast [thereof]. This [is] the coast of the children of Judah round about according to their families.