Judges 2:6

After Joshua had dismissed the people, the Israelites went out to take possession of the land, each to his own inheritance.

Study Bible

After Joshua had dismissed the people
This phrase marks a significant transition in the narrative of Israel's history. The Hebrew root for "dismissed" is "shalach," which means to send away or let go. This action by Joshua signifies the end of an era of direct leadership under a divinely appointed leader. Joshua, like Moses before him, was a central figure in guiding the Israelites. His dismissal of the people indicates a shift from centralized leadership to a more tribal and decentralized governance. Historically, this period marks the beginning of the Judges era, where Israel would struggle with maintaining faithfulness to God without a strong, singular leader.

the Israelites went to take possession of the land
The phrase "take possession" comes from the Hebrew "yarash," which means to inherit or occupy. This is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that their descendants would inherit the land of Canaan. The act of taking possession is not merely a physical occupation but a spiritual and covenantal act. It signifies the Israelites' role as God's chosen people, tasked with living out His commandments in the land He provided. Archaeologically, this period is marked by the settlement patterns in Canaan, where evidence of new settlements aligns with the biblical narrative of Israelite occupation.

each to his own inheritance
The word "inheritance" is translated from the Hebrew "nachalah," which refers to a possession or property passed down through generations. In the context of Israel, it is not just a physical territory but a divine allotment given by God. Each tribe and family received a specific portion of land, emphasizing the personal and communal responsibility to steward God's gift. Scripturally, this inheritance is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience to His covenant. The division of the land among the tribes is detailed in the book of Joshua, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises and the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. His role was crucial in the conquest and distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel.

2. The Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who were chosen by God to inherit the Promised Land.

3. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants. It represents God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

4. Inheritance
The specific portion of land allocated to each tribe of Israel. This was a fulfillment of God's promise and a tangible sign of His covenant with Israel.

5. Dismissal of the People
The event where Joshua sends the Israelites to their respective inheritances, marking a transition from conquest to settlement.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness of God
God's promises are reliable and trustworthy. Just as He fulfilled His promise to give Israel the land, He will fulfill His promises to us.

Leadership Transition
Joshua's role in leading the people to their inheritance shows the importance of faithful leadership and the need for leaders to prepare others for future responsibilities.

Personal Inheritance
Each believer has a unique calling and inheritance in Christ. We should seek to understand and walk in the specific purposes God has for us.

Community and Individual Responsibility
While the community of Israel received the land, each individual had to take possession of their inheritance. This balance of community and personal responsibility is vital in our spiritual lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promise to Israel encourage you in your personal walk with Him?

2. In what ways can you identify your "inheritance" or calling in Christ, and how are you actively pursuing it?

3. How does the transition of leadership from Joshua to the individual tribes of Israel inform your understanding of leadership and responsibility in the church today?

4. What parallels can you draw between the Israelites taking possession of the land and the spiritual battles we face in claiming God's promises?

5. How can the concept of community and individual responsibility seen in Judges 2:6 be applied to your involvement in your local church or community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 24:28
This verse parallels Judges 2:6, as it also describes Joshua dismissing the people to their inheritances, emphasizing the completion of his leadership role.

Deuteronomy 11:31
This passage speaks of the Israelites crossing the Jordan to possess the land, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promise.

Hebrews 4:8-9
These verses discuss the rest that Joshua provided, which is a foreshadowing of the ultimate rest found in Christ.