Joshua 19:51

KJV

These [are] the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they made an end of dividing the country.

KJV (with Strong's)

These are the inheritances {H5159}, which Eleazar {H499} the priest {H3548}, and Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Nun {H5126}, and the heads {H7218} of the fathers {H1} of the tribes {H4294} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, divided for an inheritance {H5157} by lot {H1486} in Shiloh {H7887} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, at the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}. So they made an end {H3615} of dividing {H2505} the country {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the inheritances which El'azar the cohen, Y'hoshua the son of Nun and the leaders of the ancestral clans of the tribes of the people of Isra'el distributed for inheritance by lot in Shiloh before ADONAI at the door of the tent of meeting. Thus they finished dividing up the land.

Berean Standard Bible

These are the inheritances that Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families distributed by lot to the tribes of Israel at Shiloh before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. So they finished dividing up the land.

American Standard Version

These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers’housesof the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance by lot in Shiloh before Jehovah, at the door of the tent of meeting. So they made an end of dividing the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 19:51 serves as the conclusive declaration of the land distribution among the tribes of Israel, marking the successful completion of a monumental task under the leadership of Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the tribal heads. This verse highlights the meticulous and divinely sanctioned process by which God's ancient covenant promises regarding the inheritance of the land of Canaan were brought to fruition, signifying a period of rest and establishment for the nation in their divinely appointed territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 19:51 stands as the final verse in a lengthy section of the book (chapters [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Initial Land Allotments") through [Joshua 19](/joshua/19 "Joshua 19 - Allotment for Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan")) detailing the precise allocation of tribal territories within the Promised Land. Following the initial division for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan ([Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Land East of Jordan")), and the major campaigns of conquest, the focus shifts to the meticulous apportionment of the remaining land. Chapters [Joshua 14-17](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Caleb's Inheritance") describe the inheritances of Judah, Ephraim, and the other half-tribe of Manasseh. Then, [Joshua 18:1](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - The Tabernacle at Shiloh") marks the significant relocation of the tabernacle to Shiloh, which becomes the central administrative and spiritual hub for the final seven tribes' allotments. This verse, [Joshua 19:51](/joshua/19-51 "Joshua 19:51 - Completion of Land Division"), brings this entire section to a definitive close, emphasizing the systematic and complete nature of the land distribution before the narrative transitions to the cities of refuge and Levitical cities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the land occurred after decades of wilderness wandering and a period of intense military conquest, signifying a major transition from nomadic and military life to settled agrarian existence. Shiloh, located centrally in Ephraim, was chosen as the site for the tabernacle, making it the de facto religious and administrative capital of Israel during this period. The act of "dividing by lot" (Hebrew: _goral_) was a common and divinely sanctioned method in ancient Israel for discerning God's will and ensuring impartiality in important decisions, as seen in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot"). This practice underscored the belief that the land allotments were not arbitrary human decisions but divinely ordained distributions. The involvement of Eleazar the priest (representing spiritual authority and the Law), Joshua the son of Nun (the military and political leader, Moses' successor), and the "heads of the fathers of the tribes" (representing tribal autonomy and consent) highlights the comprehensive nature of the process, ensuring both divine sanction and communal acceptance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several crucial themes running throughout the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Foremost is **Divine Faithfulness and Promise Fulfillment**, as the land division directly actualizes God's ancient covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would inherit this land (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abraham")). Joshua himself affirms this in [Joshua 21:45](/joshua/21-45 "Joshua 21:45 - Not One Word Failed"), stating that "not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass." Another key theme is **Order and Authority**, demonstrated by the structured process involving established leadership—priestly, military, and tribal—which reflects God's desire for order and governance within His people. The phrase "by lot" underscores **God's Sovereignty in Distribution**, emphasizing that even seemingly random events were under divine control, ensuring that each tribe's inheritance was seen as God's specific provision. Finally, the concluding phrase, "So they made an end of dividing the country," signifies **Completion and Rest**, marking the culmination of the conquest and initial settlement, leading to a period of relative peace and stability for the nation as they began to inhabit their God-given inheritance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inheritances (Hebrew, נַחֲלָה, _naḥălāh'_):** This term is far more profound than mere property or possession. It signifies a divinely allotted portion, a permanent and inalienable possession passed down through generations. In the context of Israel, it refers to the land given by God as a fulfillment of His covenant promises, emphasizing not just ownership, but a deep spiritual and communal identity tied to God's faithfulness and provision. It is a gift from God, foundational to Israel's existence as a nation.
* **Lot (Hebrew, גּוֹרָל, _gōrāl'_):** In ancient Israel, casting lots was not a game of chance but a sacred practice used to discern the divine will. It was believed that while the lot was cast by human hands, its outcome was ultimately determined by the Lord (as noted in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot's Disposition is from the Lord")). This method ensured that the land division was perceived as God's own assignment, thereby minimizing disputes and reinforcing the theological truth that their dwelling in the land was a direct act of divine providence, not human strategizing.
* **Shiloh (Hebrew, שִׁילֹה, _Shîlōh'_):** This location held immense spiritual significance as the place where the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God's presence, was set up (cf. [Joshua 18:1](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - The Tabernacle at Shiloh")). Performing the land division "before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation" underscored the sacred, covenantal nature of the entire process. It meant the distribution was not merely a civil act but a religious ceremony, performed under divine observation and sanction, reinforcing God's active involvement in the fulfillment of His promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These [are] the inheritances":** This opening phrase serves as a summary statement, marking the culmination of the preceding chapters' detailed descriptions of tribal allotments. It emphasizes that what follows is the final, comprehensive list of what each tribe received as their divinely appointed portion.
* **"which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.":** This lengthy clause meticulously details the agents, method, and sacred location of the land division. The mention of Eleazar (spiritual authority), Joshua (military and political leadership), and the tribal heads (representative authority) highlights the comprehensive and legitimate nature of the process. The phrase "by lot" underscores divine guidance, while "in Shiloh before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation" emphasizes the sacred, covenantal context of the distribution, affirming that it was done under God's direct oversight and approval.
* **"So they made an end of dividing the country.":** This concluding statement provides a sense of finality and accomplishment. It signifies the successful completion of a monumental task—the full and systematic allocation of the Promised Land to the twelve tribes. This completion implies a transition from conquest and division to settlement and rest, marking a significant milestone in Israel's national history and the fulfillment of God's promise to give them rest from their enemies.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 19:51 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Fulfillment Language**, as the verse explicitly states the completion of the land division, directly echoing and confirming the ancient promises of God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding their descendants inheriting the land. This creates a strong sense of divine faithfulness and the reliability of God's word. The **Repetition** of the word "inheritance" (Hebrew: _naḥălāh_) throughout the preceding chapters and its prominent placement here emphasizes its central theological significance as a divinely bestowed, permanent possession. The detailed listing of the key figures involved (Eleazar, Joshua, tribal heads) and the specific location (Shiloh, Tabernacle) serves as **Attestation** or **Legalistic Precision**, lending authority and legitimacy to the entire process, ensuring that the distribution was not arbitrary but meticulously executed according to divine and human authority. Finally, the concluding phrase, "So they made an end of dividing the country," acts as a form of **Closure** or **Culmination**, providing a definitive end to the narrative segment about land distribution and signaling a shift in the nation's experience from conquest to settlement and rest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 19:51 stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering faithfulness of God and the meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises. It demonstrates that God's word is not empty but brings about precisely what He declares, even across generations and through challenging circumstances. The division of the land, achieved through divine guidance (the lot) and human agency (the leaders), reveals a God who is sovereign over all details, orchestrating events to bring His purposes to pass. This act of establishing Israel in their inheritance was foundational to their identity as God's people, providing them with a secure dwelling place where they could live in covenant relationship with Him, worship Him, and be a light to the nations. It signifies the transition from a wandering, warring people to a settled nation, ready to live out their calling in the land God had prepared for them.

* [Joshua 21:43-45](/joshua/21-43 "Joshua 21:43-45 - God Gave Them Rest")
* [Numbers 34:16-29](/numbers/34-16 "Numbers 34:16-29 - Commissioning of Land Dividers")
* [Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - Rest in the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 19:51 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that God is a faithful promise-keeper who brings His purposes to completion. Just as He meticulously guided Israel into their physical inheritance, He guides us in our spiritual journey, leading us toward the inheritance He has prepared for us in Christ. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when circumstances seem uncertain or "by chance," knowing that His plan is always unfolding. It also highlights the importance of order and godly leadership in the community of faith, recognizing that God often works through appointed individuals to bring about His will. Furthermore, it invites us to find rest and contentment in God's provision, celebrating the milestones of His faithfulness in our lives and acknowledging that true security comes from Him alone. As we reflect on Israel's journey to their promised land, we are called to persevere in faith, confident that God will bring us to our ultimate rest and spiritual inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous fulfillment of God's promise to Israel in Joshua 19:51 strengthen your trust in His promises for your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and acknowledge God's sovereignty, as demonstrated by the casting of lots?**
* **How can you celebrate the "completion" of God's work in your life or in your community, recognizing His faithfulness in bringing things to an end?**
* **What does the concept of "inheritance" in this verse teach us about our spiritual inheritance as believers in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why was Shiloh chosen as the place for the land division?**

Answer: Shiloh was chosen because it became the central location for the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among His people (see [Joshua 18:1](/joshua/18-1 "Joshua 18:1 - Tabernacle at Shiloh")). By conducting the division "before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle," the entire process was imbued with spiritual significance and divine sanction. It emphasized that the land distribution was not merely a political or logistical act, but a sacred one, carried out under God's direct oversight and approval, reinforcing the covenantal nature of Israel's possession of the land.

**What was the significance of "casting lots" in this process? Was it just a random gamble?**

Answer: No, casting lots (Hebrew: _goral_) in ancient Israel was not a random gamble but a recognized method for discerning God's will. It was believed that while human hands cast the lot, the outcome was divinely determined and directed by the Lord. [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot's Disposition is from the Lord") explicitly states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." This practice ensured that the land allotments were seen as God's specific, sovereign assignment for each tribe, minimizing disputes and reinforcing the theological truth that their inheritance was a direct gift from God.

**Who were Eleazar, Joshua, and the heads of the tribes, and why were they all involved?**

Answer: Eleazar was the High Priest, representing the spiritual authority and the Law of God. Joshua, the son of Nun, was Moses' successor, the military commander who led the conquest, and the political leader of Israel. The "heads of the fathers of the tribes" were the tribal leaders, representing the various clans and families within each tribe. Their collective involvement ensured that the land division was legitimate, comprehensive, and divinely sanctioned. It brought together priestly authority, military/political leadership, and the consent of the people's representatives, highlighting the orderly and authoritative nature of God's work among His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 19:51, with its emphasis on a divinely appointed inheritance, rest, and the faithful fulfillment of God's promises, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical land of Canaan, given to Israel as an inheritance, foreshadows the spiritual and eternal inheritance that believers receive in Christ. Just as Israel entered a promised land of rest, so too does Jesus invite all who are weary and burdened to come to Him and find true rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me and I Will Give You Rest")). Christ is the ultimate "Joshua" (Yeshua, meaning "the Lord saves"), who leads His people not into a geographical territory, but into the Kingdom of God and an imperishable inheritance, kept in heaven for them ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). He is the true High Priest, greater than Eleazar, who has entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all to secure our eternal redemption ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Our Great High Priest")). The meticulous division of the land by lot, demonstrating God's sovereignty, points to God's sovereign plan of salvation, which culminates in Christ, through whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Our spiritual inheritance in Christ is not earned by conquest or lot, but freely given through grace, establishing us in a secure and eternal relationship with God, a rest that transcends any earthly possession.

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 14:1

¶ And these [are the countries] which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.

Joshua 18:10

And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.

Joshua 18:1

¶ And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.

Hebrews 4:8

For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

Hebrews 4:9

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

Matthew 25:34

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Psalms 47:3

He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.