Joshua 19:17

KJV

¶ [And] the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the fourth {H7243} lot {H1486} came out {H3318} to Issachar {H3485}, for the children {H1121} of Issachar {H3485} according to their families {H4940}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The fourth lot came out for Yissakhar, for the descendants of Yissakhar according to their families.

Berean Standard Bible

The fourth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Issachar:

American Standard Version

The fourth lot came out for Issachar, even for the children of Issachar according to their families.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:17 records the allocation of the fourth land portion to the tribe of Issachar, specifically detailing that this inheritance was determined by lot and distributed "according to their families." This verse is a crucial part of the meticulous account of land distribution in the Book of Joshua, underscoring God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by providing each tribe with its designated territory in the Promised Land through a divinely guided process. It highlights the orderly and sovereign nature of God's provision for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 19:17 is situated within chapters 13-19 of the Book of Joshua, which meticulously detail the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes after their conquest. Following the general instructions for land distribution given in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Land Distribution Instructions"), the narrative proceeds to list the specific territories allotted to each tribe. Prior to Issachar, the tribes of Judah ([Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - Territory of Judah")), Ephraim ([Joshua 16](/joshua/16 "Joshua 16 - Territory of Ephraim")), and Manasseh ([Joshua 17](/joshua/17 "Joshua 17 - Territory of Manasseh")) had already received their portions. This verse initiates the account of Issachar's inheritance, which is then elaborated upon in the subsequent verses of [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Allotments for Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan"), detailing its cities and boundaries. The repetitive phrase "the lot came out" emphasizes the consistent method of divine determination for each tribal inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of land "by lot" (Hebrew: _goral_) was a common and significant practice in the ancient Near East, often employed to settle disputes or determine divine will. In the Israelite context, as seen in [Numbers 26:55-56](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55-56 - Land Division by Lot"), it was explicitly commanded by God as the method for distributing the land, ensuring that the allocation was not based on human power, negotiation, or favoritism, but on divine decree. This practice underscored the belief that God was actively involved in the details of their national life and the fulfillment of His promises. The phrase "according to their families" highlights the patriarchal and clan-based structure of Israelite society, where land inheritance was fundamental to identity, economic stability, and the preservation of tribal lineages.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Joshua and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, **Divine Providence** is paramount, as the casting of lots was understood as a means by which God's sovereign will was revealed, ensuring a fair and divinely ordained distribution of the Promised Land. [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast") explicitly states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." Secondly, it signifies the **Fulfillment of Promise**, as the land allocation directly actualizes God's ancient covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan, as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abraham"). Finally, the meticulous division "according to their families" establishes **Tribal Identity and Order**, providing clear boundaries and a sense of belonging, which was crucial for the social and political stability of the nascent nation of Israel. This meticulous organization reflects God's orderly nature and His desire for His people to live in peace and security within their designated inheritance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lot (Hebrew, _goral'_):** This term refers to a small object (like a pebble or marked stick) cast to determine an outcome, believed to reveal divine will. In the context of the land distribution, it signifies that the inheritance was not arbitrary or humanly negotiated, but divinely ordained. It underscores God's active involvement and sovereignty in the details of Israel's national life and the fulfillment of His promises.
* **Families (Hebrew, _mishpachah'_):** This word denotes a clan or extended family unit. Its inclusion emphasizes that the land was not merely allocated to the tribe as a whole, but specifically apportioned to its constituent families. This ensured that each household within Issachar received its rightful share, preserving the tribal structure, identity, and economic stability down to the individual family level.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the fourth lot came out to Issachar":** This clause indicates the sequential order of land distribution, with Issachar being the fourth tribe to receive its inheritance after Judah, Ephraim, and Manasseh. The phrase "came out" is a divine passive, implying that the outcome of the lot was directed by God, not by chance or human manipulation. It highlights God's sovereign hand in determining each tribe's portion.
* **"for the children of Issachar according to their families":** This specifies the recipients of the lot – the entire tribe of Issachar, further broken down by their family units. This detail reinforces the meticulous and equitable nature of the distribution, ensuring that every family within the tribe received its designated share, thereby solidifying their identity and stake in the Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. The prominent use of **Repetition** throughout Joshua 13-19, where the phrase "the lot came out to" is consistently used for each tribe, emphasizes the divinely ordained and systematic nature of the land distribution, reinforcing God's faithfulness and orderly provision. The phrase "came out" itself functions as a **Divine Passive**, subtly attributing the action and outcome to God without explicitly naming Him as the agent, thereby highlighting His sovereignty in the process. Furthermore, the "lot" serves as a **Metonymy**, where the physical object (the lot) stands for the divine decision or will it reveals, underscoring that the land allocation was a direct manifestation of God's decree rather than human choice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:17, though seemingly a simple administrative record, is rich in theological implications. It powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that He meticulously orchestrates events to fulfill His word, even down to the precise geographical inheritance of each family. It speaks to God's sovereignty, showing that His plans are not subject to human whims or chance, but are executed with divine precision and purpose. The orderly distribution of land also reflects God's character as a God of order, who brings structure and stability to His people, ensuring their well-being and identity within the land He promised. This verse serves as a tangible testament to God's reliability and His active involvement in the lives of His people, both corporately and individually.

* [Numbers 26:55-56](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55-56 - Land Division by Lot")
* [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - God's Promises Fulfilled")
* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 19:17, while detailing an ancient land division, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail and unfailing faithfulness. Just as He had a specific, divinely appointed inheritance for the tribe of Issachar, He has a unique plan and purpose for each of our lives. We can find deep comfort in knowing that our lives are not left to random chance, but are guided by the sovereign hand of a loving God who works all things according to His perfect will. This verse encourages us to trust in God's divine providence, even when our circumstances seem uncertain or determined by factors beyond our control. It calls us to rest in the assurance that God is actively involved in our journey, providing for our needs and leading us to our ultimate spiritual inheritance, which is far greater than any earthly portion. Our role is to faithfully walk in obedience, trusting that His "lot" for us is always good and purposeful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "the lot came out" challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's meticulous care and provision, even when the outcome seems uncertain?**
* **How does God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Issachar encourage you regarding His promises to you today?**
* **What does "according to their families" suggest about God's attention to individual and communal needs within His larger plan?**

### FAQ

**Why was the land divided by lot instead of by human decision?**

Answer: The division of the land by lot, as seen in [Joshua 19:17](/joshua/19-17 "Joshua 19:17 - Issachar's Allotment"), was a divinely commanded method to ensure that the allocation of territory was not based on human power, favoritism, or negotiation, but on God's sovereign will. This practice, often involving casting pebbles or marked objects, was understood in ancient Israel as a means of discerning the Lord's decision, as reflected in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast"). It underscored the theological truth that the land was God's gift, and its distribution was under His direct control, thereby preventing disputes and affirming His ultimate authority over Israel's inheritance.

**What is the significance of "according to their families" in the land distribution?**

Answer: The phrase "according to their families" (or "clans") emphasizes the meticulous and equitable nature of the land distribution. It ensured that the inheritance was not just for the tribe as a whole, but was further subdivided among the constituent family units within that tribe. This was crucial for several reasons: it preserved the patriarchal and clan-based social structure of Israel, provided each family with a tangible stake in the Promised Land, ensured economic stability for households, and maintained tribal identity and lineage. This detail highlights God's concern for the well-being and order of every segment of His people, down to the individual family level, as seen throughout the land allocation accounts in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Land Division Instructions").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous distribution of the Promised Land to the tribes of Israel by lot, as exemplified in [Joshua 19:17](/joshua/19-17 "Joshua 19:17 - Issachar's Allotment"), foreshadows the ultimate spiritual inheritance granted to believers in Christ. Just as the earthly land was a tangible fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham's physical descendants, Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, and through Him, believers receive a spiritual inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The sovereign determination of each tribe's portion by lot points to God's divine election and the pre-ordained spiritual blessings bestowed upon those who are "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Our "lot" or portion is no longer a physical territory but a spiritual reality: co-heirship with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")) and participation in His eternal kingdom. The land in Joshua provided rest and security; Christ provides true spiritual rest for our souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me and I Will Give You Rest")) and eternal security in Him. Thus, the earthly inheritance of Issachar points to the glorious, divinely appointed spiritual inheritance that is ours through faith in 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.