Joshua 23:4

KJV

Behold, I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold {H7200}, I have divided {H5307} unto you by lot these nations {H1471} that remain {H7604}, to be an inheritance {H5159} for your tribes {H7626}, from Jordan {H3383}, with all the nations {H1471} that I have cut off {H3772}, even unto the great {H1419} sea {H3220} westward {H3996}{H8121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here, I have allotted to you land for inheritance according to your tribes between the Yarden and the Great Sea to the west; it includes the land of the nations I have destroyed and the nations which remain

Berean Standard Bible

See, I have allotted as an inheritance to your tribes these remaining nations, including all the nations I have already cut off, from the Jordan westward to the Great Sea.

American Standard Version

Behold, I have allotted unto you these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from the Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 23:4 serves as a pivotal declaration within Joshua's farewell address to the leaders of Israel, affirming God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises regarding the land of Canaan. In this verse, Joshua reminds the people that the Lord has sovereignly and impartially allotted the land, including both the nations already conquered and those yet remaining, as a permanent inheritance for their tribes, stretching from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. It underscores the reality of divine provision while subtly setting the stage for the ongoing responsibility of complete possession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 23:4 is situated within Joshua's final address to the elders, heads, judges, and officers of Israel, recorded in [Joshua 23](/joshua/23 "Joshua's Farewell Address"). This chapter, alongside [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua's Covenant Renewal at Shechem"), constitutes Joshua's valedictory charge to the nation before his death. Having led Israel through decades of conquest and settlement, Joshua, now old and advanced in years (Joshua 23:1), gathers the leadership to impart crucial warnings and exhortations. Verse 4 specifically follows Joshua's powerful affirmation of God's past faithfulness in fighting for Israel (Joshua 23:3) and precedes his solemn warnings against intermarriage and idolatry with the remaining Canaanite peoples (Joshua 23:6-7, 12-13). It acts as a foundational statement of God's completed work, upon which the subsequent calls to obedience and warnings are built, emphasizing that their future well-being is contingent upon their continued faithfulness to the covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the period immediately following the major military campaigns of the conquest, but prior to the complete dispossession of all Canaanite inhabitants. While significant portions of the land had been subdued and allotted among the tribes, pockets of resistance and unconquered territories remained, particularly in the coastal plains, valleys, and mountainous regions (e.g., [Judges 1:27-36](/judges/1-27 "Judges 1:27-36 - Unconquered Territories")). The phrase "divided unto you by lot" refers to the well-established ancient Near Eastern practice of casting lots (often stones or marked sticks) to determine divine will or to ensure impartial distribution. This method, divinely commanded for the land allocation (cf. [Numbers 26:55-56](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55-56 - Land Distribution by Lot")), underscored that the land was not acquired by human might alone, but was a sovereign gift from Yahweh, distributed according to His design. The geographical markers "from Jordan... even unto the great sea westward" clearly delineate the eastern and western boundaries of the promised and partially possessed land, encompassing the vast territory promised to Abraham's descendants.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Fulfillment**. Joshua's declaration serves as a tangible testament to God's unwavering commitment to His ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning the land (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham"), [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Covenant of Land")). Secondly, the mention of the land being "divided unto you by lot" emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Impartiality** in the distribution process, reinforcing that the inheritance was a gift from God, not a human achievement. Thirdly, the crucial phrase "nations that remain" introduces the theme of **Partial Fulfillment and Ongoing Responsibility**. While God had delivered much, Israel's full possession was conditional upon their continued obedience in driving out the remaining inhabitants, illustrating the interplay between God's sovereign action and human obedience. Finally, the specific geographical references underscore the **Vastness and Certainty of the Inheritance**, defining the physical scope of God's generous provision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **divided... by lot (Hebrew, _goral_):** The Hebrew term גּוֹרָל (_goral_) refers to a lot, often a stone or object cast to determine a decision or allocation. In ancient Israel, casting lots was a divinely sanctioned method for discerning God's will or for impartial distribution, particularly evident in the allocation of the land among the tribes (e.g., [Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Land Distribution by Lot"), [Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Land Divided by Lot")). This phrase emphatically conveys that the land's distribution was not arbitrary, nor was it based on human negotiation or military prowess alone, but was a direct, sovereign act of God, ensuring fairness and divine appointment for each tribe's inheritance.
* **nations that remain (Hebrew, _sh'ar_):** The Hebrew word שְׁאָר (_sh'ar_) signifies "rest," "remnant," or "what is left." In this context, it refers to the Canaanite peoples and their territories that had not yet been fully conquered and dispossessed by Israel. This phrase is critical as it acknowledges the reality of incomplete conquest despite God's faithfulness. It highlights the ongoing challenge and responsibility for Israel, serving as a stark reminder that while God had done His part, their full inheritance was contingent upon their continued obedience in driving out these remaining inhabitants, as commanded by God (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Command to Dispossess Nations")).
* **inheritance (Hebrew, _nachalah_):** The Hebrew term נַחֲלָה (_nachalah_) denotes an inherited possession, property, or patrimony. In the biblical context, it carries deep theological significance, often referring to a divinely bestowed gift or portion. For Israel, the land of Canaan was their _nachalah_, a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promise to their forefathers. It was not merely territory but a sacred trust and a sign of their unique relationship with Yahweh. This word emphasizes the permanence and divine origin of their possession, underscoring that their claim to the land was rooted in God's faithfulness and covenantal grace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I have divided unto you by lot these nations that remain":** Joshua begins with an emphatic "Behold!" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_), drawing immediate attention to his declaration. He asserts that he, as God's instrument, has already completed the division of the land. The crucial detail "by lot" underscores the divine, impartial method of allocation. The phrase "these nations that remain" is a stark acknowledgment that despite the significant conquests, not all indigenous peoples had been dispossessed. This reality is presented not as a failure on God's part, but as a current state that sets the stage for Israel's ongoing responsibility.
* **"to be an inheritance for your tribes":** This clause clarifies the purpose of the division: the land is a permanent, divinely-granted possession for each of Israel's tribes. The concept of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, _nachalah_) signifies a secure, lasting possession passed down, emphasizing God's faithfulness in providing a homeland for His people, fulfilling His ancient promises. It signifies a secure and lasting claim.
* **"from Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even unto the great sea westward":** This final segment defines the geographical scope of the inheritance. "From Jordan" establishes the eastern boundary (the Jordan River), while "even unto the great sea westward" points to the Mediterranean Sea as the western border. The inclusion of "with all the nations that I have cut off" serves as a parenthetical reminder of the successful conquests already achieved by God's power, even as the "nations that remain" are also part of the allotted territory, implying that the full extent of this inheritance is yet to be fully possessed through continued obedience.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 23:4 employs several effective **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message. The opening interjection, "**Behold!**" (הִנֵּה), serves as a powerful **Exclamatory Device**, immediately capturing the audience's attention and signaling the importance of the declaration that follows. There is a subtle **Juxtaposition** between "nations that remain" and "all the nations that I have cut off," highlighting both the accomplished victories and the unfinished task, setting up the tension that defines the rest of Joshua's address. The precise geographical markers, "**from Jordan... even unto the great sea westward**," function as a **Geographical Framing Device**, concretely defining the boundaries of the promised land and emphasizing the vastness and tangibility of God's gift. Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on "inheritance" and the method of "by lot" imbues the verse with **Covenantal Language**, reinforcing the theological truth that the land is a divine gift, rooted in God's faithfulness to His promises, rather than a human achievement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 23:4 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's covenant faithfulness and the dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It affirms that God is a promise-keeping God, who meticulously fulfills His word, even when the full realization of those promises requires ongoing human engagement. The "nations that remain" serve as a theological reminder that God often provides the means and the initial victory, but expects His people to walk in obedience to fully possess what He has given. This concept extends beyond physical land to spiritual inheritance, suggesting that while salvation is fully accomplished by Christ, believers are called to actively "take possession" of their spiritual blessings by walking in faith and overcoming remaining spiritual adversaries. The division "by lot" further underscores God's meticulous and impartial sovereignty in His provision for His people, ensuring that their inheritance is divinely ordained and secure.
* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Covenant of Land")
* [Numbers 26:55](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55 - Land Distribution by Lot")
* [Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Command to Dispossess Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 23:4 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating their own spiritual journeys. Just as God faithfully provided the land for Israel, He has provided for us our ultimate "inheritance" in Christ—salvation, spiritual blessings, and a secure future (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Yet, like Israel, we often encounter "nations that remain"—unconquered areas of sin, persistent temptations, unfulfilled callings, or spiritual battles that require our active engagement. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, knowing that our "inheritance" is secure in Him, even as it calls us to diligent obedience. We are to press forward in faith, relying on God's strength to overcome the spiritual adversaries that still challenge our full possession of the abundant life He offers. It reminds us that God's faithfulness does not negate our responsibility; rather, it empowers it, calling us to walk in the victory He has already secured.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "nations that remain" (unconquered areas or persistent struggles) do I currently face in my spiritual life, and how am I actively engaging them through faith and obedience?**
* **How does the concept of God's sovereign allotment of land for Israel encourage me to trust His divine plan and provision for my own life's circumstances?**
* **In what ways can I more fully "take possession" of the spiritual inheritance and blessings God has already given me in Christ?**
* **How does Joshua's emphasis on God's past faithfulness encourage me to persevere in present challenges, knowing God will complete what He has promised?**

### FAQ
**Why were there "nations that remain" if God had promised to give Israel the whole land?**

Answer: The presence of "nations that remain" highlights a crucial theological tension: God's sovereign promise and Israel's human responsibility. While God had indeed promised the entire land from the Nile to the Euphrates (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Covenant of Land")), and He had supernaturally delivered overwhelming victories (e.g., [Joshua 10:42](/joshua/10-42 "Joshua 10:42 - The Lord Fought for Israel")), Israel's full possession was often contingent upon their obedience in driving out the inhabitants. God sometimes left these nations to test Israel's faithfulness (e.g., [Judges 2:20-23](/judges/2-20 "Judges 2:20-23 - Nations Left to Test Israel")) and to teach them warfare (e.g., [Judges 3:1-2](/judges/3-1 "Judges 3:1-2 - Nations Left to Teach Warfare")). Their continued presence served as a constant reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle against idolatry and moral corruption, and a test of Israel's commitment to God's covenant commands (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Command to Dispossess Nations")).

**What is the significance of the land being divided "by lot"?**

Answer: The division of the land "by lot" (Hebrew: _goral_) was a profoundly significant practice in ancient Israel, as it underscored the divine origin and impartiality of the land distribution. It was not a random act, nor was it based on human negotiation, tribal power, or military might. Instead, it was a method divinely commanded (e.g., [Numbers 26:55-56](/numbers/26-55 "Numbers 26:55-56 - Land Distribution by Lot")) to reveal God's sovereign will and ensure that each tribe received its portion directly from Him. This practice removed any potential for human bias or dispute, reinforcing that the land was a sacred gift, a fulfillment of God's covenant promise, and a tangible expression of His faithfulness and precise care for His people. It demonstrated that God was actively involved in every detail of their inheritance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 23:4, with its emphasis on a divinely allotted inheritance and the reality of "nations that remain," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance believers receive through Jesus Christ. The earthly land of Canaan, though a tangible promise, was but a shadow of the far greater, eternal inheritance secured by Christ. Jesus is the true and perfect Joshua, who leads His people not into a physical land, but into a spiritual kingdom and an eternal rest (cf. [Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Rest")). Our "inheritance" is no longer a geographical territory but "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and being "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" (cf. [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The "nations that remain" for us are not physical enemies, but spiritual adversaries—sin, death, and the powers of darkness—which Christ has definitively "cut off" and triumphed over through His cross and resurrection (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers"), [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Devil")). While we are already given this inheritance by grace through faith, we are called to actively "take possession" of its fullness in our lives by walking in obedience to Christ, trusting in His completed work, and living out the victory He has already won (cf. [Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ")).

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 13:2

This [is] the land that yet remaineth: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,

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 13:6

All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim, [and] all the Sidonians, them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee.

Joshua 13:7

¶ Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh,