and Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD. And there Joshua apportioned the land to the people of Israel, to each his portion.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text emphasizes that the lots were cast "before the LORD" in Shiloh, highlighting that this division wasn't a human decision but an act of divine appointment. This act in Shiloh, whose name echoes the concept of rest, underscores that God Himself was granting them their inheritance and peace.
and Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD. And there Joshua apportioned the land to the people of Israel, to each his portion.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After much delay from the Israelites, Joshua finally convenes them at Shiloh, the new central sanctuary, to address the remaining tribes who haven't yet received their land inheritance. He had sent surveyors to map out the land, and now, with this detailed information gathered, Joshua casts lots in God's presence to officially assign each tribe its portion. This act formally marks the beginning of their settlement and possession of the promised land.
Why was Shiloh chosen for such a pivotal moment in Israel's history? It wasn't just a random location.
Shiloh became the central sanctuary for the Israelites, where the Tabernacle was set up. The text emphasizes that Joshua cast lots 'before the LORD' in Shiloh. This setting was crucial for several reasons:
In a land still largely unconquered, how could they be sure the land division was fair? The answer lies in how they 'cast lots'.
The casting of lots was not a game of chance but a divinely ordained method for dividing the land among the tribes.
Ask a follow-up
Joshua wasn't just dividing land; he was confronting a deep-seated issue within the people. What was it?
The context leading up to this moment reveals that the Israelites had become 'sluggish' and 'remiss' in taking possession of the inheritance God had given them.
Understand the original words
chalaq · Hebrew Verb
To divide, allot, or distribute property or territory, often done in a formal or legal manner. Biblically, it emphasizes God’s sovereignty in providing for the needs of His people.
The casting of lots in Shiloh signifies the completion of the land's division, assuring each tribe of their divinely appointed inheritance after years of conquest and transition.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Enters the Promised Land
Following the death of Moses, Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River into Canaan, beginning their conquest of the land.
c. 1406-1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Joshua leads a series of military campaigns to subdue the Canaanite nations, securing significant portions of the land for the Israelites.
c. 1400 BC
Tabernacle Set Up at Shiloh
The Tabernacle, the central place of worship and God's presence, is established at Shiloh, a central location in the land.
c. 1400 BC
Land Surveyed for Allotment
Surveyors are sent out to map and divide the remaining land into seven parts, preparing for the final distribution.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Lots Cast for Land Division
Joshua casts lots in Shiloh before the LORD, divinely determining the specific portions of the land for the remaining seven tribes of Israel.
This passage describes the initial division of the land by lot, establishing the practice that Joshua continued, emphasizing God's direct involvement in assigning territory.
Joshua 14:2This verse shows Caleb receiving his inheritance by lot, demonstrating that this method of distribution was consistent throughout the conquest and was seen as God-sanctioned.
1 Samuel 1:3This verse places the Tabernacle at Shiloh, the same location where Joshua cast lots, highlighting Shiloh's significance as a place of worship and divine appointment.
Psalm 122:2The psalm speaks of feet standing within Jerusalem's gates, and the commentary notes this implies the Ark was previously 'pilgrimating,' connecting the settled nature of Shiloh for distribution with the future centrality of Jerusalem.
Jeremiah 7:12Jeremiah references God's judgment on Shiloh due to wickedness, underscoring the sacredness of the place where God's name was first set and where important divine appointments like land division occurred.
calvinJoshua 18:1-10: "And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them."
Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me.
Tradite ex vobis tres viros per tribum, quos mittam: surgentque et ambulabunt per terram, descr…
gillJoshua 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."
And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord,.... For the seven tribes, as he had for the two tribes and a half at Gilgal; of the manner of casting lots; see Gill on Numbers 26:55 , and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their division: the land that was divided into seven parts, he dis…
The text emphasizes that the lots were cast "before the LORD" in Shiloh, highlighting that this division wasn't a human decision but an act of divine appointment. This act in Shiloh, whose name echoes the concept of rest, underscores that God Himself was granting them their inheritance and peace.
After much delay from the Israelites, Joshua finally convenes them at Shiloh, the new central sanctuary, to address the remaining tribes who haven't yet received their land inheritance. He had sent surveyors to map out the land, and now, with this detailed information gathered, Joshua casts lots in God's presence to officially assign each tribe its portion. This act formally marks the beginning of their settlement and possession of the promised land.
After much delay from the Israelites, Joshua finally convenes them at Shiloh, the new central sanctuary, to address the remaining tribes who haven't yet received their land inheritance. He had sent surveyors to map out the land, and now, with this detailed information gathered, Joshua casts lots in God's presence to officially assign each tribe its portion. This act formally marks the beginning of their settlement and possession of the promised land.
"and Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD. And there Joshua apportioned the land to the people of Israel, to each his portion." — The text emphasizes that the lots were cast "before the LORD" in Shiloh, highlighting that this division wasn't a human decision but an act of divine appointment. This act in Shiloh, whose name echoe…
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Last reviewed October 2026