Joshua 18:5

And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall abide in their coast on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on the north.

And they shall divide {H2505} it into seven {H7651} parts {H2506}: Judah {H3063} shall abide {H5975} in their coast {H1366} on the south {H5045}, and the house {H1004} of Joseph {H3130} shall abide {H5975} in their coasts {H1366} on the north {H6828}.

They are to divide it into seven portions, with Y'hudah remaining in its territory to the south and the house of Yosef in their territory to the north.

and divide the land into seven portions. Judah shall remain in their territory in the south, and the house of Joseph shall remain in their territory in the north.

And they shall divide it into seven portions: Judah shall abide in his border on the south, and the house of Joseph shall abide in their border on the north.

Commentary

Joshua 18:5 outlines a crucial step in the distribution of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes. After the initial major conquests, significant portions of the land remained to be formally allocated. This verse specifies the division of this unassigned territory into seven parts, while acknowledging that the tribes of Judah and Joseph had already established their respective territories.

Context

By this point in the book of Joshua, the Israelites had largely subdued the land of Canaan, and the tabernacle had been set up at Shiloh (Joshua 18:1). However, seven tribes had not yet received their specific inheritance. Joshua, recognizing the need for orderly distribution, commissions three men from each of these seven tribes to survey the remaining land, describe it, and then return to him at Shiloh. This verse precedes the detailed instructions for that survey, highlighting the distinct positions of Judah and the house of Joseph, who had already settled or had their boundaries defined (Judah in the south, Joseph's descendants—Ephraim and Manasseh—in the north).

Key Themes

  • Orderly Provision: This verse underscores God's meticulous plan for the land distribution, ensuring every tribe received a specific and equitable inheritance. It reflects the Lord's commitment to fulfilling His promises to Israel.
  • Divine Fulfillment: The division of the land represents the tangible fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham regarding the land of Canaan.
  • Tribal Identity and Inheritance: The mention of Judah and the house of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) confirms their prominent and established positions within the tribal structure, setting the stage for the remaining divisions.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "divide it into seven parts" uses the Hebrew word chalak (חָלַק), which means to apportion, distribute, or divide fairly. This emphasizes a deliberate and equitable distribution, not a haphazard one. The term "coast" (Hebrew: gevul - גְּבוּל) refers to a defined boundary or territory, indicating that Judah and the house of Joseph already possessed their designated regions. The "house of Joseph" refers collectively to the powerful tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons, who received separate inheritances.

Practical Application

Joshua 18:5 reminds us that God is a God of order and precision. Even after a great victory (entering the Promised Land), there was still work to be done in claiming and organizing the inheritance. Spiritually, this can be applied to our lives: while salvation is a complete work of God, there are often areas of our "spiritual inheritance" (promises, blessings, callings) that we need to actively claim and live into. It also teaches us the importance of patience and diligence in carrying out God's will, ensuring that everyone receives their rightful portion and purpose, as the remaining tribes would soon receive theirs through the casting of lots (Joshua 18:10).

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 19:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the second lot came forth to Simeon, [even] for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah.

  • Joshua 19:9 (2 votes)

    Out of the portion of the children of Judah [was] the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them.

  • Joshua 16:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, unto the water of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goeth up from Jericho throughout mount Bethel,

  • Joshua 16:10 (2 votes)

    And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.

  • Joshua 15:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ [This] then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; [even] to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward [was] the uttermost part of the south coast.

  • Joshua 15:12 (2 votes)

    And the west border [was] to the great sea, and the coast [thereof]. This [is] the coast of the children of Judah round about according to their families.