Joshua Divides the Land
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Joshua 18:1-28, Joshua 19:1-51, Acts 13:16-23, Romans 4:16-22
BY Jen Yokel
From the crafting of Eden, to the building of cities, from Abraham setting out toward a promised land he’d never see, to a scattered kinship across every tribe and nation, and the future promise of a new creation—the Bible is, in a sense, the story of God’s people seeking and finding a home. Once you see this, it becomes harder to miss, even in the long and detailed records of land allotment tucked into the middle of Joshua.
When I say detailed, I mean all the way down to the borderlands, geographic features, and names of every town within them. You may need one of those handy maps in the back of your Bible or in your Study Book to make sense of it. But God, it turns out, is in the details. So perhaps, we could read this not as a tedious historical list, but as an intricate record of God’s faithfulness to the people He loves.
It’s interesting to note where and how the land division took place. At that time, seven of the tribes had yet to divide up their inheritance, so they gathered at Shiloh, the tabernacle meeting tent. Joshua asked for a detailed document of all the land, then told them he would decide by “cast[ing] lots…in the presence of the LORD our God” (Joshua 18:6). It’s a method that seems to us as arbitrary as a coin flip, but the involvement of a priest and the location of God’s dwelling place suggest that this is a sacred moment of discernment.
As we’ve already explored in this study, land, a place to live, was a matter of economic stability. This was especially true for these descendants of slaves, who carried God’s promise to Abraham in their memories and stories. And yet, they didn’t live happily ever after in the promised land. There would be struggles to come: invasions, corruption, communal sin, and all the consequences to go with it. They would live under the rule of judges and kings and, eventually, Roman occupation. They would be scattered sojourners once again.
Yet hope endures, though no one can quite see what God has been building all along. In guiding them through the wilderness, God ensured their survival. In giving these tribes a home, God laid the foundation for a new nation. In relenting to their demands for a king, God gave them the line of David, and in time, Christ the true King (Acts 13:16–23).
The kingdom is still being built, one with room and space not just for the direct descendants of Abraham, but for all who share in his faith. Even now in redemption’s history, God’s promised land is still being tended, still being built with ever-expanding borders. These lists and maps are just a preview, a testament in writing to God’s faithfulness. And thankfully, they’re only the beginning.
37 thoughts on "Joshua Divides the Land"
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The line that begins with Yet hope endures. Hope has been something that the Lord has been teaching me and reminding me of since 2019. Hope is so important for us but something that doesn’t seem to be taught about much, at least not that I have heard. But Paul says these three abide faith hope and love. So much about faith and love but not hope. Remember that the Lord provides hope.
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As I was reading about each tribe’s allotment, I couldn’t help but wonder if everyone was happy with what they received. Was there any jealousy or resentment? Of course, everyone is in the Promised Land, but did Simeon think “man, Judah you took too much land and now I get your leftovers in the middle”? Or I didn’t want to be in the hill country. Or so-and-so has more cities than me.
It just showed me that in my sinfulness I can so easily take a good gift and turn it into a bad thing. It doesn’t take long for my praise to turn into grumbling and complaining. We know what’s coming up and how Israel will fall away from the Lord, and it reminds me how desperate we are for a Savior.
I’m thankful that God is not finished with us yet. He’s not done bringing His kingdom or sanctifying us. As I cast my mind ahead, I know that he is already preparing a place for us. In our Father’s house, there are many rooms. I’m sure in heaven the plans and details for those rooms are already written. It will be a good day when we are truly home, and it will be a good day when we are transformed like the church in Acts 4:32. “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.”
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I love how she brought the details from the beginning to now and how God has been faithful on his promises.
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I love the truth that the kingdom continues to be built.
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❤️ so good
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Angela Sutherland, indeed it is a lot of times the little things that are the big things! Lovely that God blesses all the ways you love your littles they are given stability and confidence in your love and His love through you. Such a gift! And Erb, “Nothing more encouraging or better than perfectly timed provision and a rock solid foundation!” Amen and Amen!! Thank you for your words. He is in the details and the daily mundane tasks. He brings joy the the menial things and light to that which is in darkness. If you have time read He reads Truth today it will bless you. Lift up the name of Jesus with me this day Sisters, for He is worthy of our praise! Our God is able to do so much more than we can fathom! His joy to you all.
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Joshua gets his inheritance (19:49-50)
When the land had been distributed, the PEOPLE gave an inheritance among them to Joshua and gave him the city he requested by command of the Lord.
It’s like a sweet little “thank you” to Joshua from the people for his faithfulness and leadership. They Honored Joshua. ❤️ -
Love this Anita- thanks for sharing!!!
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