Joshua 14:2
Their inheritance was by lot, just as the LORD had commanded by the hand of Moses for the nine and one-half tribes.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The mention of "nine and one-half tribes" highlights that this division by lot wasn't a neat, complete distribution for everyone at this exact moment, but rather a specific stage in the ongoing process of settling the land. It reminds us that God's plans often unfold in stages, with some parts finalized while others are still in process.
This verse marks the beginning of the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes after the conquest. While Joshua, the priest Eleazar, and tribal leaders are overseeing the distribution, the text emphasizes that the specific portions were determined by lot, as God had commanded through Moses for nine and a half tribes. This ritual act of casting lots was designed to ensure fairness and prevent disputes, clearly signaling God's direct involvement in assigning each tribe their inheritance in Canaan.
Ever feel like things are left to chance? The division of the Promised Land wasn't. Discover how God ensured fairness and fulfilled ancient promises through a surprising method.
The inheritance of the land of Canaan was determined by lot, just as the Lord commanded through Moses. This wasn't a random draw, but a divine assurance.
God's Providence Guarantees Fairness
This method highlighted that the land wasn't just conquered territory; it was a gift from God, distributed according to His perfect will and plan.
Why specifically mention 'nine and a half tribes'? What does this detail tell us about the completeness of God's plan and the unique situations within Israel?
The verse highlights the inheritance for 'the nine tribes, and for the half tribe.' This phrasing points to a specific arrangement that accounted for unique circumstances within Israel.
Accounting for Differing Needs and Situations
Understand the original words
goral · Hebrew Noun
A customary practice in the Ancient Near East used to determine divine will in making decisions or distributing property, showing that the outcome was directed by God rather than human chance.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the God of Israel, the I AM, who keeps His covenant promises and is the supreme authority over the nation and the land.
Mosheh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The prophet, deliverer, and mediator of the Old Covenant through whom God delivered the Law and the instructions for the conquest and division of Canaan.
c. 1405 BC
Israel crosses the Jordan River
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, marking their entry into the Promised Land of Canaan.
c. 1405-1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan
The Israelites engaged in a military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan, defeating various Canaanite kingdoms.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Division of Land by Lot
Following the conquest, the land of Canaan was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel by casting lots, as ordained by God through Moses.
c. 1400 BC
Caleb claims Hebron
Caleb, an elder and former spy, claims his promised inheritance of Hebron, demonstrating faith and courage despite the presence of giants.
c. 1399 BC
Establishment of Shiloh
The tabernacle was set up at Shiloh, serving as the central sanctuary for the Israelites as the land division continued for the remaining tribes.
This passage explicitly states that the land was to be divided by lot according to the number of names of the tribes of their fathers, directly linking the method of inheritance distribution to God's command given through Moses.
Proverbs 16:33This proverb beautifully captures the theological principle behind casting lots: while the action is human, the ultimate direction and outcome are understood to be from the Lord, reinforcing the idea that the tribal inheritances were divinely appointed.
Joshua 18:6This verse shows the continuation of the lot-casting process for the remaining tribes after the initial distribution, highlighting that the method described in Joshua 14:2 was a consistent and divinely ordained practice for dividing the land.
Genesis 49:28This passage contains Jacob's prophetic blessings and instructions for his sons regarding their future tribes, which the text in Joshua implies were confirmed and finalized through the lot, showing a fulfillment of ancient promises.
calvinJoshua 14:1-15: "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."
- 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…
gillJoshua 14:2: "By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe."
By lot was their inheritance,.... Every tribe had its part and portion assigned to it, by the casting of lots; which was done to prevent any future quarrels, animosities and strifes among the tribes, the disposition being of the Lord; and to show the exact agreement between the lot and the divine predictions by Jacob and Moses; and to make it appear that the divi…
The mention of "nine and one-half tribes" highlights that this division by lot wasn't a neat, complete distribution for everyone at this exact moment, but rather a specific stage in the ongoing process of settling the land. It reminds us that God's plans often unfold in stages, with some parts finalized while others are still in process.
This verse marks the beginning of the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes after the conquest. While Joshua, the priest Eleazar, and tribal leaders are overseeing the distribution, the text emphasizes that the specific portions were determined by lot, as God had commanded through Moses for nine and a half tribes. This ritual act of casting lots was designed to ensure fairness and prevent disputes, clearly signaling God's direct involvement in assigning each tribe their inheritance in Canaan.
This verse marks the beginning of the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes after the conquest. While Joshua, the priest Eleazar, and tribal leaders are overseeing the distribution, the text emphasizes that the specific portions were determined by lot, as God had commanded through Moses for nine and a half tribes. This ritual act of casting lots was designed to ensure fairness and prevent disputes, clearly signaling God's direct involvement in assigning each tribe their inheritance in Canaan.
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"Their inheritance was by lot, just as the LORD had commanded by the hand of Moses for the nine and one-half tribes." — The mention of "nine and one-half tribes" highlights that this division by lot wasn't a neat, complete distribution for everyone at this exact moment, but rather a specific stage in the ongoing proce…
