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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.
The land in the midst between these mark ye out into seven parts: That is to say, the rest of the land, which is not already assigned to Juda or Joseph.
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SUMMARY
Joshua 18:6 captures a pivotal moment in Israel's post-conquest settlement, where Joshua issues a direct and urgent command to the seven remaining tribes who had not yet received their territorial inheritance. This verse outlines a crucial, divinely-guided process for the systematic survey and division of the land, emphasizing both human responsibility in meticulous preparation and ultimate reliance on God's sovereign will through the sacred act of casting lots. It underscores the meticulous fulfillment of God's covenant promises to His people, ensuring each tribe received its designated and divinely appointed portion in the Promised Land.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its message. Command is central, as Joshua issues a direct imperative ("Ye shall therefore describe... and bring... that I may cast..."), highlighting his authority as God's chosen leader and the urgency of the task. The phrase "describe the land" functions as a Metonymy, where the act of describing stands for the entire comprehensive process of surveying, mapping, and preparing the land for division. The act of "casting lots" serves as a powerful Symbolism for divine sovereignty and guidance, representing Israel's profound reliance on God to determine their future and inheritance. It underscores the theological principle that even in practical matters of national administration, God's will is supreme. Furthermore, the meticulous specification of "seven parts" and the repeated emphasis on the methodical division and allocation create a sense of Order and Precision, reflecting God's character as a God who brings order out of potential chaos.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 18:6 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, particularly the grant of the land to Abraham's descendants. It beautifully illustrates the essential partnership between divine sovereignty and human responsibility; while God had sovereignly given the land and secured victory, He required Israel to actively participate in its possession, organization, and distribution. The meticulous process of surveying and the sacred act of casting lots underscore the belief that God is a God of order, justice, and precision, who oversees even the minute details of His people's inheritance. This passage reminds us that our inheritance, whether physical or spiritual, often requires diligent preparation and active engagement, while ultimately resting on God's sovereign hand.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 18:6 offers a timeless blueprint for how believers should approach the "inheritance" God has given them, whether it be spiritual gifts, opportunities, life's callings, or stewardship responsibilities. Just as the Israelites were called to move beyond complacency and actively "describe the land," we are challenged to diligently assess, prepare for, and engage with the blessings and responsibilities God has placed before us. This requires intentionality, careful planning, and often, diligent effort. It means not passively waiting but actively exploring, learning, and developing the resources and talents God has entrusted to us. Yet, the ultimate act of "casting lots before the LORD" reminds us that our most diligent efforts are always submitted to God's sovereign will and wisdom. We are called to be faithful stewards of what we've been given, trusting that God's perfect plan will unfold as we faithfully participate. This passage encourages us to pray earnestly, plan meticulously, and then proceed with confidence, knowing that our ultimate success, direction, and true inheritance come from Him alone.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Joshua command them to "describe the land" instead of just dividing it immediately?
Answer: The command to "describe the land" (Hebrew: kâthab, implying detailed surveying or mapping) was crucial for several reasons, reflecting God's character as a God of order and justice. First, it ensured a fair and equitable distribution. Without a thorough understanding of the terrain, resources, and existing settlements, an arbitrary division could lead to significant disputes and injustices among the tribes, undermining the unity of the nation. Second, it demonstrated the principle of human responsibility in partnership with divine provision; while God had promised the land, He expected the Israelites to actively participate in its organization and possession. Third, it provided a tangible, agreed-upon basis for the sacred act of "casting lots," ensuring that the divine allocation was based on a clear and documented understanding of the available territory. This methodical approach prevented chaos and laid the groundwork for a stable national structure, reflecting God's meticulous nature seen throughout the Law and prophetic literature.
What was the significance of "casting lots before the LORD our God"?
Answer: "Casting lots" (Hebrew: gôwrâl) was a deeply significant and sacred practice in ancient Israel, far from a mere game of chance. It was understood as a divinely appointed means by which God revealed His sovereign will in important decisions. The phrase "before the LORD our God" emphasizes that this act was performed in the sacred presence of the Tabernacle at Shiloh, signifying that the outcome was divinely ordained and not subject to human manipulation or bias. This practice removed the burden of potentially contentious human decision-making regarding land distribution, ensuring that each tribe's inheritance was perceived as a direct allocation from God Himself. It underscored Israel's absolute dependence on God's guidance for their future and the fulfillment of His covenant promises, as highlighted in Proverbs 16:33, which states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD."
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 18:6, while rooted in the physical distribution of the Promised Land, points forward profoundly to the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. The meticulous "describing of the land" and the subsequent "casting of lots" prefigure the precise and sovereign way God has allotted spiritual blessings and an eternal inheritance to His people. Just as Israel's physical inheritance was secured by God's promise and mediated through Joshua, so too our ultimate spiritual inheritance is secured by God's eternal covenant and mediated through Jesus Christ. In Christ, believers receive an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). The "lot" cast for Israel finds its ultimate fulfillment in the divine election and adoption of believers into God's family, where we are "chosen in him before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1:4) and have obtained "an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will" (Ephesians 1:11). Our spiritual portion is not earned by human effort but is a gracious gift, fully possessed through faith in the One who conquered all spiritual enemies and secured our eternal dwelling place, the true "Promised Land" of God's presence and rest (Hebrews 4:1-11). Thus, Joshua's command to possess the physical land foreshadows the New Testament call to "take hold of the eternal life to which you were called" (1 Timothy 6:12), an inheritance freely given and eternally secured by the finished work of Christ on the cross.