Joshua 18:9

And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book, and came [again] to Joshua to the host at Shiloh.

And the men {H582} went {H3212} and passed through {H5674} the land {H776}, and described {H3789} it by cities {H5892} into seven {H7651} parts {H2506} in a book {H5612}, and came {H935} again to Joshua {H3091} to the host {H4264} at Shiloh {H7887}.

The men went and passed through the land, surveying it by cities, dividing it into seven regions and writing the results on a scroll. Then they came to Y'hoshua in the camp at Shiloh.

So the men departed and went throughout the land, mapping it city by city into seven portions. Then they returned with the document to Joshua at the camp in Shiloh.

And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven portions in a book; and they came to Joshua unto the camp at Shiloh.

Commentary

Context of Joshua 18:9

Joshua 18 marks a significant phase in the Israelites' conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. After the initial victories and the establishment of the Tabernacle at Shiloh as a central worship site, only seven of the twelve tribes had received their inheritance. Joshua, concerned by their delay in claiming their portions (Joshua 18:3), commanded them to send out representatives to survey and describe the remaining land. Verse 9 details the successful completion of this crucial task.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Diligence and Order: The verse highlights the methodical and organized approach taken by the men to survey the land. They "described it by cities into seven parts in a book," indicating a thorough and detailed record-keeping process. This diligence was essential for a fair and equitable distribution.
  • Fulfilling Divine Mandate: The act of surveying and dividing the land was a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and His instruction to Moses regarding the allotment of the land by lot. Joshua's leadership ensured the completion of this divine will.
  • Leadership and Accountability: Joshua's initiative in sending out the men and their subsequent return to him at Shiloh demonstrate a clear chain of command and accountability. The leaders were responsible for ensuring the tribes received their promised inheritance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "described it by cities into seven parts in a book" emphasizes the systematic nature of the survey. It wasn't a mere casual observation but a formal, written documentation. The term "book" (Hebrew: sepher) suggests a scroll or official document, underscoring the importance and authority of this record. This meticulous record would then be used for the drawing of lots for each tribe's inheritance, ensuring transparency and order in the land distribution.

Practical Application

Joshua 18:9 offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Embrace Diligence in God's Work: Just as the men diligently surveyed the land, we are called to be diligent in our spiritual responsibilities and tasks. Whether in personal discipleship, service, or ministry, a careful and methodical approach honors God.
  • Order and Planning are Valued: God is a God of order, and this verse illustrates the importance of good planning and organization in achieving divine purposes. Chaos hinders progress, while structure facilitates it.
  • Claiming Our Spiritual Inheritance: The Israelites had to actively survey and then claim their physical inheritance. Spiritually, believers are called to understand and walk in the fullness of their inheritance in Christ, often requiring intentional effort and faith to appropriate God's promises.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 13:19 (3 votes)

    And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.