Joshua 14:3

For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them.

For Moses {H4872} had given {H5414} the inheritance {H5159} of two {H8147} tribes {H4294} and an half {H2677} tribe {H4294} on the other side {H5676} Jordan {H3383}: but unto the Levites {H3881} he gave {H5414} none inheritance {H5159} among {H8432} them.

Moshe had already given the inheritances to the two tribes and the half-tribe beyond the Yarden; to the L'vi'im he gave no inheritance among them.

For Moses had given the inheritance east of the Jordan to the other two and a half tribes. But he granted no inheritance among them to the Levites.

For Moses had given the inheritance of the two tribes and the half-tribe beyond the Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave no inheritance among them.

Commentary

Joshua 14:3 is a concise verse that provides crucial background for understanding the ongoing land distribution to the Israelite tribes after their conquest of Canaan. It clarifies two key aspects of the inheritance process, setting the stage for the specific allocation to Caleb and the other tribes in the subsequent verses.

Context of Joshua 14:3

This verse is situated within the broader narrative of the division of the promised land, following the successful campaigns led by Joshua. The twelve tribes of Israel are about to receive their allotted territories by lot. However, Joshua 14:3 reminds the reader that not all tribes were waiting for this current distribution west of the Jordan River. It specifically references earlier events from the time of Moses, highlighting the unique circumstances of two groups:

  • The Transjordanian Tribes: Before entering Canaan, Moses had already granted an inheritance to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the "other side Jordan" (east of the Jordan River). This arrangement was made at their request, provided they assisted in the conquest of the land west of the Jordan.
  • The Levites' Unique Status: The verse also reiterates that the tribe of Levi received "none inheritance among them" in terms of tribal land. Their role was distinct, focused on priestly and religious service to the Lord.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Fulfillment: The verse underscores that the land distribution was not arbitrary but followed long-established divine directives given through Moses. This demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel.
  • Distinct Callings and Provision: It highlights the different roles and provisions God ordained for each tribe. While most received territorial inheritance, the Levites were set apart for spiritual service, and their inheritance was the Lord Himself and the tithes of the people (as seen in Numbers 18:20 and Deuteronomy 10:9). Instead of land, they were given cities to dwell in throughout Israel, ensuring their presence among all the tribes.
  • Historical Continuity: The reference back to Mosesโ€™ actions connects the current events in Joshua to the foundational covenant and commands given at Sinai and during the wilderness wanderings, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses the word "inheritance," which translates the Hebrew term nachalah (ื ึทื—ึฒืœึธื”). This word signifies not just a piece of land, but an enduring possession, an ancestral portion, or a heritage. For the tribes receiving land, it was their permanent stake in the promised land. For the Levites, their "inheritance" was not physical territory but their intimate relationship and service to God, reflecting a spiritual rather than material legacy.

Practical Application

Joshua 14:3 reminds us that God provides for His people in diverse ways according to their unique callings. Not everyone's path or provision looks the same, but all are part of God's overarching plan. It encourages us to:

  • Appreciate Diverse Roles: Recognize that God equips and provides for different individuals and groups for distinct purposes within His kingdom.
  • Trust God's Provision: Whether our "inheritance" is tangible or spiritual, we can trust that God will faithfully provide for our needs as we fulfill the calling He has placed on our lives.
  • Support Ministry: Just as the other tribes supported the Levites through tithes and offerings, we are called to support those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service and the advancement of God's work.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 13:14 (4 votes)

    Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire [are] their inheritance, as he said unto them.

  • Joshua 13:8 (3 votes)

    With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, [even] as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them;

  • Numbers 32:29 (2 votes)

    And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over Jordan, every man armed to battle, before the LORD, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession:

  • Numbers 32:42 (2 votes)

    And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.

  • Deuteronomy 3:12 (2 votes)

    ยถ And this land, [which] we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which [is] by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.

  • Deuteronomy 3:17 (2 votes)

    The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast [thereof], from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.

  • Joshua 13:32 (2 votes)

    These [are the countries] which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward.